Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

Meet our team of trusted advisors, strategic thinkers, and community builders dedicated to client success.

Learn about our full-service legal and business solutions, designed to address complex challenges for leading organizations across industries.

Access thought leadership, news, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends, legal developments, and industry innovations.

Discover how partnership, bold thinking, and precise execution drive results for clients nationwide.

Explore how our national reach and local expertise support clients across the United States and beyond.

Grow at a firm designed to bring out your best.

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Relentless advocates for our clients’ interests

From high-stakes trials to complex commercial disputes and arbitration, having a litigation team that understands your business and delivers results is essential. Michael Best’s team of over 60 seasoned attorneys and professionals provide strategic, battle-tested representation across the full spectrum of disputes—inside and outside the courtroom.

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Our Litigation practice group received Band 3 recognition.

Chambers &amp; Partners, USA

Michael Best is proud to announce the selection of 104 firm attorneys to The Best Lawyers in America 2026 list, with representation across 48 different areas of legal practice nationwide.

Best Lawyers in America 2026

We proudly announce our recognition as a "Distinguished in Litigation” firm in BTI Consulting Group’s Outlook 2025 report.

Distinguished in Litigation” Firm by BTI Consulting Group

Four Michael Best attorneys are named 2025 Benchmark Litigation Stars in the eighteenth edition of Benchmark Litigation, determined through extensive research, client and peer interviews, and casework examination. 

Benchmark Litigation Stars

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Our Approach: We don’t just litigate, we strategize

Our litigation practice is rooted in a genuine commitment to understanding the unique business objectives, industry dynamics, and operational realities of every corporate client we serve. We recognize that effective litigation strategy begins long before entering the courtroom - it starts with listening, learning, and building a deep partnership with our clients’ businesses. Our team of trial-tested advocates, including former federal prosecutors, combines legal acumen with strategic business insight to deliver solutions that protect and advance corporate interests.

Our collaborative process is designed to keep clients informed and empowered. We provide regular updates, transparent cost management, and practical guidance at every stage - so corporate decision-makers can plan with confidence and avoid surprises. This business-first approach sets us apart and ensures that our litigation strategies are always aligned with our clients’ broader objectives.

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Resolving Your Legal Disputes at Every Stage

Bankruptcy &amp; Business Reorganizations  

We represent creditors across the full spectrum of collection, insolvency, and bankruptcy matters, from negotiating and litigating bankruptcy plans to resolving contract disputes and successor liability claims. Our team also advises on the strategic acquisition of assets from receiverships and bankruptcy estates.

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Consumer Class Action Defense  

Protecting businesses from consumer class action lawsuits requires a strategic, proactive approach. With deep industry experience, our team focuses on early resolution, class decertification, and cost-effective alternatives like arbitration to reduce disruption. We also provide forward-looking legal counsel to help you avoid litigation altogether, keeping your operations smooth and your reputation strong.

Commercial Litigation 

Assisting clients in resolving a broad spectrum of commercial disputes, including matters related to contracts, unfair trade practices, antitrust, dealership and franchise relationships, business torts, corporate governance, derivatives and securities, trade secrets and unfair competition, insolvency and restructuring, privacy and data security, land use, insurance, and financial services litigation.

Employment Litigation

Representing employers in individual and class action lawsuits, administrative agency proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution involving a wide range of employment issues, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour compliance, workplace safety, family and medical leave, disability accommodations, unfair competition, trade secrets, employee benefits, and executive compensation.

Government Investigations &amp; White-Collar Defense

Assisting clients with all facets of corporate criminal defense, government investigations, and internal investigations in areas as diverse as antitrust, securities fraud, RICO, FCPA, accounting irregularities, healthcare fraud, IP crimes, money laundering, and environmental crimes.

Insurance Recovery &amp; Counseling  

Helping clients maximize the value of their insurance assets. We provide end-to-end support, from policy review and risk mitigation to claims advocacy and litigation, ensuring our clients are well-positioned to recover losses and protect their operations in the face of uncertainty.

Product Liability  

Offering litigation defense, risk management, and alternative dispute resolution across a wide range of product categories, including automotive, food and beverage, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, garments, heavy equipment, and personal watercraft. Our team brings industry-specific insight to help clients navigate complex liability issues and proactively reduce exposure.

Tax Controversy

Resolving federal and state tax disputes, primarily involving corporate income, sales and use, property, and excise taxes, through representation before the IRS, state revenue departments, tax commissions, and the courts.

<strong>Results Powered by Industry Experience</strong>

Represented a global developer and manufacturer of chemicals and materials in personal injury litigation surrounding white lead carbonate pigments that were used in residential paints prior to a ban in the 1970s. Plaintiffs in Wisconsin sued the historic manufacturers of such pigments, and in 2005 the Wisconsin Supreme Court adopted an unprecedented “risk contribution” theory of liability that allows the suits even if plaintiffs cannot identify the manufacturers of the specific pigments they were exposed to. More than 170 cases were filed in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin and state court in Milwaukee County against our client and others—the only cases of their kind in the country.

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Served as lead counsel to a global manufacturer of colors, flavors, and fragrances in toxic tort liability litigation related to the chemicals diacetyl and 2,3 pentanedione. In recent years, more than 100 lawsuits alleging respiratory injury have been brought against flavoring companies and others involved in the production of food and beverage products that use these chemicals. We represent our client in two pending cases involving three claimants in two jurisdictions (Illinois and Iowa). These cases are groundbreaking because flavoring chemicals have never previously been the target of products liability/personal injury claims.

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Digital illustration of scales of justice on a futuristic blue interface with glowing data points and network patterns.

Paul Benson quoted in Law360’s article, “Product Liability Cases To Watch 2024: A Midyear Report”

Asked & Answered with Daniel Vaccaro on Internal Investigations

Lance Henry Featured in The FFA’s Fall 2025 Newsletter

Michael Best Elects Eight Attorneys to Partnership

Seven Michael Best Lawyers Named to 2024 Business North Carolina Legal Elite

Michael Best Welcomes Seasoned Litigator Kellye Fabian Story

Michael Best Adds Top Tier Talent to Its Denver Office with Two New Partners

Michael Best Welcomes Esteemed Litigation Attorney in Austin

Michael Best Welcomes 10 Associate Attorneys

Amendments to the Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act Permit the Use of Unsworn Declarations in Wisconsin State Courts

Michael Best’s Adam Witkov Named to Notable Leaders in Law List

Michael Best’s Katie Fillmore Named Top 5 Legal Finalist for Austin Under 40

Thirty-Five Michael Best Attorneys Recognized in Chambers USA 2024 Rankings

Three Michael Best Lawyers Named to 2024 Utah Legal Elite

Michael Best Welcomes Seven New Attorneys

Ninety-Eight Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 List

Benchmark Litigation Recognizes Michael Best Lawyers as Litigation Stars

Michael Best Welcomes 32 Associate Attorneys

Michael Best Recognized as “Distinguished in Litigation” Firm by BTI Consulting Group

Michael Best Secures $17 Million Victory in Patent Infringement Suit

Five Michael Best Practices Ranked National Tier 1 in 2025 “Best Law Firms” Rankings

Michael Best Partner Adam Witkov Recognized as Leader in the Law by Wisconsin Law Journal

Impact of Trump's New Tariffs on the Construction Industry

New Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports into the United States

Michael Best Announces Election of Five to Equity Partnership

Michael Best Strengthens Litigation Team with Addition of William R. Andrichik as Partner in Chicago Office

Supreme Court Holds Personal Injury Gives Rise to Civil RICO Suit

Forty-One Michael Best Attorneys Recognized in Chambers USA 2025 Rankings

Michael Best Welcomes New Associates and Staff Attorney, Congratulates Samantha Bush on Promotion

Michael Best Elevates Seven Attorneys to Partnership

Michael Best Attorneys Named to Austin Monthly’s “Top Attorneys for 2025” List

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List

Illinois rolls out the (un)welcome mat for many new potential products liability defendants

Urgent Reminder for Companies Using SMS Marketing in Texas to Register Under the  Telephone Solicitation Act by September 1, 2025 New Obligations for Calls, Texts, and Other Digital Outreach

Michael Best Recognized in 2026 “Best Law Firms” Rankings with Multiple National and Metropolitan Tier 1 Honors

Benchmark Litigation Recognizes Michael Best Attorneys as 2026 Litigation Stars

Michael Best Welcomes AJ Bianchi, Jr. as Senior Counsel to Litigation Team in Madison Office

Session I – Tortious Interference: Strategies to Protect Clients and Prevent Legal Missteps

Are you “Cali-sober”?

When AI Goes Wrong: Emerging Litigation Trends in Banking Technology Disputes

Michael Best Welcomes Three Associate Attorneys in Q4 2025

Michael Best Welcomes Nationally Recognized Construction Litigator Tracy James

Here are some strategies to prepare for ultra-processed foods (UPF) lawsuits.

USDA’s new “Product of USA” 24-hour evidence guidance is a lesson for all product manufacturers.

Ninth Circuit rules California cannot ban people from openly carrying firearms.

Landmark study on the safety of Roundup is retracted. EPA called upon to reassess the widely used chemical.

With states not waiting for federal legislation, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is in chaos.

Expect the rights of gun owners to be the subject of major decisions in 2026.

Is the Texas food labelling law unconstitutional?

Will California’s definition of ultra-processed food (UPF) gain traction elsewhere?

A prediction for 2026: plant-based eggs are going to be one of the next big food and beverage trends.

Can drinking coffee actually help you live longer?

Contract Renewals in Q4: How Manufacturing Leaders Can Negotiate Better Terms While Managing Supply Chain Risks

Fair Use May Shield LLM Training Using Copyrighted Materials, But Output Infringement Likely Is the Next (Better?) Battleground

Manufacturing in the Age of AI: Contract Considerations for Smart Factory Technology

Financial Institution Attorney Guide: Strategic Legal Preparedness for Banking Executives

A Client Has the Right to Reject Trial Counsel’s Good Advice.

Navigating Complex Commercial Contracts: A Business Attorney’s Guide to Protecting Your Growing Business

AI Training Data and Employee Privacy: Legal Boundaries Every Business Owner Should Know

Creatine is the next big thing in food and beverage. Here’s why.

Texas Senate Bill 1318:  Reforms for Healthcare Practitioner Non-Compete Agreements

Remote Work Disputes: Legal Challenges Every Wisconsin Business Must Navigate

UK to ban sale of energy drinks to children under 16. Will the US follow suit?

Will the EU’s new Product Liability Directive result in an expanded definition of “product” here at home?

Why Healthcare Organizations Need Strategic Legal Partnerships: Beyond Crisis Management

FDA Announces 2025 Food Guidance Plan

De-weaponizing Clean Water Act Section 401

Why Tenses Matter in Sentencing Reform

The Four Pillars of Effective Board Structure

Two corporate executives get 3 years in prison in landmark CPSC prosecution.

Did I read this right? A favorable food and beverage Proposition 65 decision from a California court?

Seventh Circuit May Decide Whether BIPA Amendment Applies Retroactively.

California bill would ban ultra-processed foods from school lunch programs, if they can come up with a definition.

Should AI Allow Victims to Address a Sentencing Court from the Dead?

The FDA has redefined what it means for a food product to be called “healthy.” Here’s what that means for you.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report is out. Will it live up to its title?

Legal Cost Management Guide: 5 Proven Strategies to Control Law Firm Expenses

Strengthening Business Relationships Through Strategic Legal Management

Building a Legally Sound Talent Strategy: Employment Law as a Business Advantage

Strategic Legal Guidance for Healthcare Executives: Employment Challenges

Legal Risk Management for Med Spa Owners And The Aesthetics Industry: Protecting Your Business and Patients

Navigating Business Growth: Legal Strategies for Sustainable Expansion

Beyond Checkboxes: Turning Healthcare Compliance into Your Competitive Edge

Strengthening Your Business Through Effective Corporate Governance

The Hidden Liability: Why Med Spa Employment Practices Require Specialized Approaches

3 Critical Legal Tasks Your Growing Business Needs to Complete By Friday

SCOTUS Vacates “End-Result” Requirements from NPDES Permits

H5N1 in Dairy Update – New Strain; Raw Milk Testing

Oh Snap: The Latest on Snap Removal to Federal Court

Legal Considerations of AI in Business: Navigating the Algorithmic Age

Amendment Provisions in Contracts: What Every Business Owner Must Know

Business Negligence: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know Before It’s Too Late

The Proliferation of Frivolous ADA Website Compliance Lawsuits: A Defense Perspective

Nobody seems to be happy with FDA’s front-of-pack labelling proposal. Why?

Preserving Evidence: A Guide for Businesses Facing or Anticipating Initiating Litigation

Healthcare Legal Compliance: Top 3 Strategic Priorities for Healthcare Executives in 2025

My bad. Here is ATRF’s most recent “Judicial Hellholes” report, with a new top10 list and more.

Carrie E. Meigs

Justin M. Mertz

Litigation

Litigation

Key Contacts

Trending Conversations for Litigation

Here are some strategies to prepare for ultra-processed foods (UPF) lawsuits.

USDA’s new “Product of USA” 24-hour evidence guidance is a lesson for all product manufacturers.

Ninth Circuit rules California cannot ban people from openly carrying firearms.

Key Contacts

Trending Conversations for Litigation

Here are some strategies to prepare for ultra-processed foods (UPF) lawsuits.

USDA’s new “Product of USA” 24-hour evidence guidance is a lesson for all product manufacturers.

Ninth Circuit rules California cannot ban people from openly carrying firearms.

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