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Victor represents clients in a broad scope of litigation matters in both state and federal courts. His experience encompasses pre-suit investigations, motion practice, discovery, mediation, trial work, and collecting on judgments.

Luis represents employers in a range of labor and employment matters and has developed a significant practice focusing on employee defection and recruitment, including litigating injunction and damage actions relating to: covenants not to compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, unfair competition, trade secrets, duty of loyalty, the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act, and state trade secrets and unfair competition statutes. 

Chris is a partner focusing his intellectual property practice on domestic and international patent matters relating to mechanical, electro-mechanical, medical, materials science, software, and business method technologies. He also helps clients acquire and enforce United States and foreign trademark rights, copyrights and trade secrets, negotiates intellectual property licenses and technology transfers, and prepares patentability and non-infringement opinions. His work applies strategic planning to intellectual property protection to help clients achieve their business goals.

Mike Barnhill is an experienced civil litigator and trial attorney who has represented clients in a wide variety of matters, including cases involving contractual breaches, torts (including fraud and negligence), misappropriation of trade secrets, securities violations, and employment issues (wage and hour, discrimination).  Mike also defends class action suits and financial services companies in consumer litigation.  Mike is licensed in both California and Utah and has represented extensively litigated cases in both states as well as many other states.

For more than 30 years, Paul has specialized in product liability defense, class action defense, multi-district litigation (MDL) defense, and other complex commercial litigation. He is particularly well known for his work in the class action and food and beverage sectors, where he is a nationally and locally recognized speaker and thought leader on product liability issues and regulatory trends.

Nick brings strong experience and training as a mechanical engineer to his work in patent preparation and prosecution. A creative thinker who is known for his meticulous attention to detail, he helps clients develop proactive as well as defensive patent strategies. Nick’s focus includes patent preparation, patent portfolio management, patent clearance and patentability searches and analysis, and invalidity opinions. 

Jeff counsels clients on a wide range of business and intellectual property matters, including trademark, copyright, advertising, and unfair competition. He assists clients in developing strategies to protect, exploit, and enforce their intellectual property rights and represents them against allegations of infringement.

Joe has a strong track record in representing clients in a variety of commercial litigation matters. These include contract disputes, insolvency and collection matters, including foreclosures, replevin and bankruptcies, negligence and intentional tort actions including fraud and theft by contractor, permitting and regulatory matters before the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Department of Administration. 

Tim acts as general corporate counsel to privately held businesses, private equity, and venture capital firms.

Peter brings strategic business vision to his work assisting emerging and established companies in corporate and finance matters, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, and business-succession planning. He counsels companies in a variety of sectors including technology, software, digital and traditional media, distribution, and consumer products. 

Holly concentrates her practice on labor and employment disputes and counsel. As a litigator, she mounts forceful and persuasive defenses before federal and state courts and administrative agencies on behalf of employers. As an advisor, she helps management develop and maintain compliant employee policies.

David’s practice sits squarely at the intersection of the food-water-energy nexus. His work in the areas of environmental, regulatory, agricultural production, manufacturing and distribution, and renewable energy projects gives him the depth of experience necessary to counsel clients who will be feeding and powering a projected global population of nine billion people by 2050—at a time when resource scarcity and consumer confidence require an ongoing commitment to stewardship and sustainability.

David is a zealous and unrelenting advocate in employment and labor relations matters. He also serves as general counsel for selected clients. David’s practice is defined by his singular commitment to helping clients achieve their business objectives.

James assists clients with the federal and state income tax aspects of a variety of business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, incorporation/organization events, and Code Section 1202 qualification issues. James also handles all aspects of tax transactions for public companies and closely held businesses, whether treated as a C corporation, S corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship for tax purposes. He also counsels businesses on new tax legislation and compliance and advises on corporate formation and governance matters.

Alex represents clients in a variety of litigation matters. His experience includes work in the areas of contracts, labor and employment, and tort under federal and state law, as well as cybersecurity and patent validity.

Luke focuses his practice on trademark and copyright law. Known for his close relationships with clients and the practical advice he offers on a wide range of complex matters, he assists in the acquisition, enforcement, use, and management of IP assets in the U.S. and worldwide.

Michelle provides strategic counsel and representation to clients involved in a range of construction, real estate, and project development matters. Representative work includes complex real estate purchase, sale and leasing transactions, entitlement processes, easements, licenses and rights-of-entry agreements, developing and implementing best practices on large-scale, high-ticket construction and development projects, and more. 

Kelly helps employers of all sizes meet their staffing needs by handling the immigration issues they face in hiring foreign nationals and moving employees around the globe. A partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment Relations Practice Group and Co-chair of the immigration practice, she handles compliance issues for corporations that transfer dozens of employees into and out of the United States each year, as well as small companies seeking to bring in a few key hires from abroad.

Stuart maintains a diverse practice, including many long-standing client relationships. His primary focus is on mergers and acquisitions, business planning, and federal tax issues. Clients across multiple industries value Stuart’s knowledge and experience, as well as his responsiveness to their concerns. 

Anne is experienced in all stages of litigation in both state and federal courts. Clients rely on her responsiveness and dedication in a wide variety of matters, including business litigation, securities litigation, employer/employee disputes, and property disputes, as well as trade secret, product liability, personal injury, and construction defect cases. 

Thom brings deep knowledge and significant experience to his real estate and finance practice. His focus includes real estate development, urban redevelopment, municipal finance, land use and zoning, tax incremental financing, and general municipal law. Prior to joining Michael Best, Thom represented the City of Milwaukee as an Assistant City Attorney in the Office of the City Attorney.

Steve serves as the Managing Partner of the firm’s Milwaukee office. Steve’s practice focuses on all aspects of U.S. and international patent prosecution in various technical fields including the automotive, agricultural, heat transfer, nuclear power generation, nuclear fuels and reactor fueling, security and safety, excavation and construction equipment, power generation and medical imaging industries.

Julie’s outstanding track record is built on successful outcomes in legal matters related to estate planning, trust administration, and probate. Clients rely on her sound judgment regarding lifetime planning, as well as the administration and distribution of assets at death.

Denise represents management clients in regard to labor and employment matters. Clients in sectors such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, food, and education turn to her for informed guidance on matters involving Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issues, including investigating, defending citations, and assisting with abatement.

Emily focuses her practice in the areas of trademark and copyright law. She counsels clients on prosecution, portfolio management, clearance, enforcement, and dispute resolution, helping businesses protect and defend their valuable brand assets.

Nancy is a partner in the Real Estate group. Her more than 30 years of experience covers a broad range of real estate law, including assisting clients in purchases, sales and leases of property, and development and zoning work; representing borrowers and lenders in real estate loans; assisting in foreclosures and workouts; advising on questions of condominium law; negotiating construction and architects' contracts; and assisting in real estate litigation.

Devin serves as Senior Counsel in the firm’s Labor & Employment Relations practice, focusing on risk avoidance and employer defense. He frequently represents employers in administrative proceedings and state and federal court litigation involving wage and class actions, discrimination allegations, FMLA actions, OSHA disputes, and non-compete actions. Devin has experience representing clients before agencies including the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division, Illinois Human Rights Commission, Equal  ...

Jordan helps energy companies and other sophisticated businesses structure and contract for large scale capital expansion and procurement, including representation in siting and certification cases for large power generation facilities, electric transmission lines, private energy facilities, and large agricultural projects.

Clients turn to Nic for his experienced counsel on a variety of corporate issues, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financings, securities, and other transactional matters involving start-up, emerging businesses, and investment funds.

Carolyn’s practice focuses on complex litigation matters. She represents a broad range of clients, from smaller companies to multinational organizations.

Brad counsels clients on mergers and acquisitions, federal and state securities law compliance, forming and financing startup businesses and matters relating to the sale of cryptocurrencies and digital tokens. He has extensive experience in private placements and other private securities transactions, Rule 506 offerings, and corporate governance matters.

Steve serves as a trusted advisor and lead litigation counsel to many top national and international companies. His clients include technology, healthcare, pharmaceutical, communications, financial services, real estate, manufacturing, and state and federally regulated companies, as well as developers, property owners, and others. 

Bob has participated in hundreds of transactions during the course of more than 30 years’ experience in his practice, advising closely held and family-owned U.S. and European (German, Swiss, Polish) clients involved in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, venture capital financings, and other significate business events.

Rich has built a strong track record in intellectual property law, advising innovators at all stages of the patent process, with a focus on mechanical technologies. specializing in all stages of the patenting process for mechanical arts and technologies. He helps clients build grow and manage patent portfolios, avoid or invalidate competitor patents, leverage their IP assets, and defend against infringement claims.

Brad’s practice includes all areas of estate and business succession planning. He serves as a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and companies seeking to cost-effectively structure or transfer businesses. Clients value Brad’s responsiveness, particularly his ability to help them understand complex property and tax law concepts.

Clients turn to Dan because he is an outstanding trusted advisor and litigator who handles cases (class actions, multi-plaintiff, and single plaintiff) and other matters involving myriad employment, higher education, and other issues. His clients include colleges and universities; businesses (from financial services to film studios); municipalities; and non-profit organizations.

David serves as the firm’s managing partner and works closely with clients, lawyers, and staff to determine and implement Michael Best’s strategic growth and development plan. In this capacity, his priorities include building and maintaining productive client relationships; enhancing value of the firm’s services through improved business operations and flexible fee structures; and attracting and retaining a diverse group of top-tier legal and business talent on both a regional and national level.

Michael uses his background in mechanical and civil engineering to manage complex patent litigation matters. A registered patent attorney, he represents technology companies in a broad range of industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, medical devices, consumer products, manufacturing, software and digital media, entertainment, sports, and gaming. Michael also helps clients navigate disputes related to their trademark, copyright, and trade secret rights.

Laura helps clients protect their brands and artistic works through trademark and copyright prosecution, clearance, counseling, and enforcement, including trademark opposition, cancellation, and infringement proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and global courts and trademark offices. 

Molly is experienced in all phases of obtaining patent protection both in the United States and internationally. Her patent prosecution and patent clearance practice is focused on computer software and hardware technologies, including imaging systems and applications (including computed tomography and radiographic image creation, analysis, and management), cryptographic and security applications, financial transaction processing, wireless networks and communication protocols, web-based applications and business methods.

Tod Linstroth is a past member and Chair of the firm’s Management Committee and a senior partner in the firm’s Transactional Group. He serves as lead corporate counsel to many significant traditional corporate and technology-based clients, and co-founded the firm’s Venture Best^TM venture practice.

Katie is an Associate who focuses her practice on patent matters including the preparation, filing, and prosecution of utility and design patent applications. She brings a technical background in biomedical engineering to bear on her work conducting patentability, right-to-use, validity, and patent clearance studies. She is also experienced with post-grant proceedings including inter partes review.

Julia provides strategic counsel on a broad range of employee benefits matters including plan design and administration, employee plan governance, and fiduciary obligations. She leverages a deep understanding of benefits administration to provide tailored, actionable advice on complex compliance issues and navigating the intricacies of the federal laws and regulatory frameworks governing employee benefit plans.

Jon is a persuasive and effective advocate for large commercial clients seeking to protect their intellectual property assets. His outstanding track record is built on successful outcomes in high-profile litigation related to patents directed at a wide range of technologies. Jon’s common sense and diligent attention to client goals have proven a winning combination in dozens of trademark, unfair competition and trade libel cases across the United States. 

Porter has established a strong track record based on his strategic, results-driven representation of clients involved in complex corporate transactions. A diverse group of clients look to him for sound guidance on general corporate counsel, commercial contracting, including inbound and outbound supply and distributor agreements, corporate restructuring, acquisitions of companies and company assets, divestitures of companies and company assets, joint ventures, and general contracts.

Bethany advises and represents employers on the many facets of the employment relationship. Clients turn to her for counsel on the everyday dealings of employees, such as accommodating disabled employees, administering the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and reviewing handbooks and policies.

Carrie is a seasoned healthcare attorney who regularly advises both established companies and healthcare innovators in regulatory compliance, credentialing, and reimbursement disputes. She acts as a strategic advisor to her clients and often serves as outside general counsel. Carrie draws on her extensive litigation experience when acting as an advisor to her healthcare and other clients and maintains an active litigation practice including appearances before state and federal courts and before regulatory agencies.

Justin leads the Bankruptcy team at Michael Best and focuses his practice on Chapter 11 cases, with an emphasis on representing debtors, as well as creditors, secured lenders, and committees. Outside of Chapter 11 cases, Justin assists with other insolvency matters (receiverships, assignments, foreclosures, dissolutions), as well as general corporate litigation and real estate transactions.

Kerryann serves as a trusted advisor to companies seeking a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to employment matters. Clients value her depth of knowledge and unfaltering commitment to their business goals. Kerryann is an experienced and effective litigation strategist, successfully defending clients in employment disputes at the federal and state levels. She uses her litigation experience to assess employment practices and to structure personnel polices to increase workplace productivity and minimize the threat of litigation.

Clients look to Kevin for strategic counsel on the protection of their intellectual property, including acquisition of, enforcement of, and defense against United States and international patents. His strong track record in these areas, paired with a technical background as a product engineer, give Kevin a unique perspective on the challenges facing developers of mechanical, electro-mechanical, and biomedical technologies. 

Melinda represents companies in commercial matters with a focus on defending asbestos product liability claims. She draws on her experience across business sectors and issues that include insurance coverage, risk management, railroad, leasing, and entertainment. Melinda also has experience assisting individuals as they pursue and defend personal injury and civil sex offense cases. 

Jason brings a technical background in mechanical engineering to the full spectrum of patent issues related to mechanical and electromechanical products and systems. Clients look to him for his expertise in preparing, prosecuting, and analyzing patents directed to power tools, hydraulic systems, electrical switchgear, food and beverage equipment, diesel exhaust aftertreatment systems, and automotive components, among others.

Joe is a trial attorney practicing primarily in the areas of products liability, class action defense, wage and hour litigation, employee benefits litigation, regulatory compliance, and complex commercial litigation. In this capacity, he routinely helps clients deal with class actions suits across all subject matters and handles all aspects of complex employment litigation including wage and hour suits arising under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable state laws, plus benefits litigation.

Lucas focuses his practice in the areas of intellectual property litigation, prosecution, and licensing.

Chuck is a go-to lawyer for complex cases involving OSHA, employment law, labor negotiations, independent contractor and joint employment matters. Clients rely on his years of experience in dealing with state and federal enforcement agencies to develop human resource, safety and environmental policies and practices that prevent problems and save them significant expense. Chuck has defended employers in more than 1,000 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citation cases over the past 26 years.

For more than 30 years, Todd has helped numerous clients remain in compliance with all aspects of the complex and dynamic suite of environmental laws, with a particular focus on Clean Air Act regulation. His extensive knowledge of and experience includes obtaining environmental permits, planning future activities to minimize the expense of regulation, litigation involving all manner of environmental regulation, and the defense of allegations that a company may have violated environmental laws.

Clients call on Hamang for guidance on the federal, state and local tax and business law issues stemming from complex business transactions. His strategic counsel encompasses mergers and acquisitions, tax-free reorganizations, spin-offs, new market tax credit financings, historic tax credit financings, partnerships and joint ventures, REIT acquisitions, real estate transactions, and renewable energy tax incentives.

Brian brings strategic business vision to his work representing companies engaged in employment-related disputes, both in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. The focus of Brian’s practice is to deliver positive outcomes in litigation matters, including class action discrimination, wage and hour collective actions, harassment and discrimination claims, wrongful termination, disability accommodations, theft of trade secrets, and enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Kirk’s practice focuses on legal issues related to all aspects of the employment cycle, from hiring through termination and severance. Substantially experienced in both benefits and employment law, Kirk is well positioned to help clients respond to the opportunities, vulnerabilities and benefit ramifications of particular employment decisions.

Katelyn assists public and private companies with a variety of corporate and transactional matters, including corporate governance, business structuring, mergers and acquisitions, securities, tax, and succession planning.

Ian’s strong track record in commercial litigation is based on his success in trying cases before juries, judges, and arbitration panels. Clients and colleagues respect Ian’s sound professional judgment and creative thinking. He is often called upon to offer a second opinion in regard to especially challenging legal issues.

Frank is an Associate in Michael Best’s Corporate practice group, assisting a broad range of for-profit and not-for-profit entities with business and transactional matters across the entire range of the business life cycle. His practice focuses on Middle-market mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, entity formation, governance matters, outside general counsel services, and securities regulations and offerings. Frank’s client portfolio encompasses various industries, including healthcare, automotive, m ...

Mitch serves as a trusted advisor to businesses on all aspects of management labor and employment law. Clients value his deep knowledge of employment and labor laws, with an emphasis on wage and hour law. Clients regularly seek his counsel regarding compliance with the many and continually changing labor and employment laws, as well as to address challenging or risky personnel situations.

Prateek brings a business-oriented approach to intellectual property counselling and portfolio management. Prateek takes into account his clients’ business strategies and competitive landscape to provide a holistic strategy for protecting his clients’ intellectual property assets.

Lyndon advises businesses and government entities on a broad spectrum of corporate and transactional issues. Known to his clients as an informed and experienced businessman who is also a lawyer, he helps them with corporate and commercial matters including compliance with securities laws, buying and selling businesses, and creating and organizing new lines of business.

Jared brings both technical training as an electrical engineer and a broad range of experience in prosecuting patents related to the electrical and computer sciences to his practice. Clients benefit from his unique perspective and informed guidance on matters relating to the successful prosecution and defense of their patents.

Farrah serves Michael Best in two capacities: as partner in the Labor and Employment Relations Practice Group. Her practice focuses on employment counseling and employment litigation, with a particular emphasis on discrimination, noncompetition, and Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

Bret assists clients with the transactional and operational aspects of acquiring, forming, operating, owning, and structuring businesses. A problem-solver who can help companies get back on track, he is also a hard-nosed negotiator whose tireless work for clients often results in deals that surpass their highest expectations. Bret represents privately and publicly-held corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. He focuses on matters concerning business ...

Eric advises clients in all areas of labor and employment law. With a practice that is national in scope, he is particularly active in litigating matters involving trade secrets, non-competition agreements and related disputes. Eric has a nationally recognized practice in the area of contingent labor and regularly prepares and reviews policies, procedures and contracts and litigates contested matters for users and providers of temporary employees, consultants, independent contractors and other contingent talent.

Nick focuses his patent procurement and portfolio management practice on mechanical and electro-mechanical technologies.

Tim provides strategic counsel on tax matters contested by the Internal Revenue Service, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, and the taxing authorities of other state and local jurisdictions. Contested matters, for Fortune 1000 and other clients, include: federal income taxation of banks, insurance companies and manufacturers; multistate apportionment and allocation of income; transfer pricing among affiliated entities; and sales and use tax for retailers, manufacturers and construction contractors.

John is a trusted advisor who helps clients navigate their business issues with great insight, clarity and perspicacity.  Clients rely on John’s extensive litigation and counseling experience to make practical, results-oriented business judgments. John’s work includes counseling clients regarding:

Madeline counsels clients on corporate and transactional matters, including commercial lending transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and contract negotiation. Her core focus lies within the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. 

Marshall’s practice focuses on resolving disputes regarding scientific issues and counseling clients in chemical and biotechnology matters. A skilled first chair litigator and trial lawyer, his practice includes helping clients develop strategies for obtaining and effectively enforcing their intellectual property rights. Clients seek Marshall's advice to help solve complex intellectual property-related problems.

Chris is a trusted advisor to a myriad of clients facing insolvency-related problems. Years of advocating in and out of court gives Chris the perspective to provide clients with comprehensive counsel and enable them to make informed business decisions under difficult circumstances.

Ashley is a Senior Associate in Michael Best’s Corporate practice, assisting clients with a variety of business and transactional matters. Her practice focuses on various aspects of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, contract drafting and negotiations, complex corporate restructurings, venture and entrepreneurial matters, and corporate governance. Ashley works collaboratively with other lawyers, financial advisors, and business executives to understand each client’s busines ...

Marty is a partner, past member of the firm’s Management Committee, and former Co-chair of the Intellectual Property practice group. Over the course of his career, Marty has been involved in a wide variety of intellectual property litigation matters, including trademark, copyright and patent infringement matters, trade secret misappropriation, enforcement of restrictive covenants and unfair competition matters. 

Derek brings more than 30 years of experience to his work in patent prosecution, portfolio management, intellectual property due diligence, and technology transfer and licensing matters. His strong track record of successful outcomes, coupled with his technical training as an electrical engineer, give Derek a unique perspective on the challenges facing in-house legal departments and technological innovators in a broad range of industries.

A persuasive advocate, Charlie vigorously defends employers and benefit plans in courts and other forums. He excels at assessing and fixing problems that arise with employee benefit programs and providing a strategically driven approach to benefits compliance and risk management planning.

Brent represents clients on the full spectrum of finance issues. His strong background in commercial, real estate, and municipal finance and transaction experience have generated an excellent track record in these areas.

Representative matters on behalf of lenders and borrowers encompass negotiating and documenting secured and unsecured financing transactions.

Evan Strassberg is a civil litigator who holds active licenses in both Utah and California. Evan has extensive experience in a wide variety of litigation matters, including defense of consumer class actions and disputes regarding trademarks, breach of contract, fraud, securities, employment discrimination, eminent domain, and personal injury.

Courtney is an experienced commercial, business, and employment litigator with a lengthy record of success in bench and jury trials. He represents employers, companies, executives, and officers in a broad range of industry sectors. Courtney’s clients have included hedge funds, their founders and valued employees, private equity firms, property managers, major food producers, manufacturers, retailers, and fine art collectors, among others.

Kevin has been practicing labor and employment law his entire career, assisting private sector clients in health care, manufacturing, retail, food service, and service industries.

Clients turn to Martin for his tenacious problem-solving approach to all areas of employee benefits law. He is particularly valued for his track record of untangling and simplifying complex executive compensation matters. Clients seek his counsel with respect to retirement and executive compensation plan design, ongoing compliance with tax and regulatory requirements, and benefits issues in mergers and acquisitions.Martin has spoken frequently on employee and retirement benefits topics.

As an Intellectual Property litigation attorney with more than 20 years’ experience, Jon is adept in handling complex legal issues and challenging logistics. He concentrates on patent litigation, devising winning strategies that give his clients competitive advantages in the marketplace.

Melissa works closely with entrepreneurs and has a strong track record helping to organize, finance, and build early-stage and emerging growth companies. Her broad experience includes aiding startups in industries as varied as IT, medical devices, clean tech, and mobile applications. She also represents venture capital funds, angel funds, and other investors. She also represents venture capital funds, angel funds, and other investors. Melissa’s broad background helps her lead the firm’s Venture Capital Practice Group and Start-up & Emerging Businesses Practice Group.

Betsy focuses her practice on financial services, securities law, and regulatory compliance. In her past role as general counsel for a brokerage and clearing firm, she developed an informed perspective on advising clients who conduct their business in a regulatory environment.

With extensive experience in commercial, construction, and real estate litigation, Chelsea has successfully represented clients in a wide range of complex legal matters.

Leah takes a big-picture approach in advising clients as they face challenges on environmental, food safety and regulatory compliance issues. She draws on experience gained in cases involving the EPA, FDA and other public agencies. Leah’s success as a counselor, litigator and negotiator reflects her combination of subject matter expertise, industry knowledge and creativity.

Keith advises entrepreneurs, start-ups, and emerging companies on a range of transactional matters with a focus on funding, formation, exit, and general corporate matters. He provides practical business and legal counsel to companies at every stage, including start-ups and emerging businesses, investors, and mature companies.