Richland County Lawyers

Since 2005, individuals and businesses have entrusted me to advise them on their legal matters. With a broad range of legal knowledge and attention to detail, I strive to effectively and efficiently represent my clients. I have recently moved to Richland Center, Wisconsin along with my wife as it is her hometown. I'm grateful for the opportunity to provide legal services to the people of this area and be surrounded by the unique beauty that the driftless area holds.

I am a fourth generation attorney in Richland Center. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1982 and have been in practice for over 35 years. I live in Richland Center, where my husband is a retired farmer and police officer. I have six children.

Attorney William M. Pemberton founded the firm Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm. Attorney Pemberton represents clients through out the entire State of Wisconsin who have suffered injuries or losses at the hands of others' negligence in cases related to the following: • Motor vehicle accidents • Wrongful death • Dangerous property • Animal attacks • Boating and snowmobile accidents • Catastrophic injuries Attorney Pemberton began his legal career in 2004 after earning his law degree from Marquette University Law School and his admission to the State Bar of Wisconsin. In addition to his approval to practice law before all of Wisconsin's state courts, the U.S. District Courts...

I am the founding shareholder of Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC. Throughout my career, I have represented clients of diverse financial, ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds.  Experience gained through participation in hundreds of court hearings allows me to serve my clients across the entire spectrum of family issues.. I routinely lecture on family and child-related topics at seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin and other legal organizations.  For example, in 2010, I was Wisconsin’s representative to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Community Property Symposium in Seattle.  From 2015 onward, I was named by my peers as a Rising Star and designated Superlawyer by SuperLawyers magazine, a lawyer review publication....

Attorney Cole D. Ruby is universally recognized as one of the leading appellate attorneys in the State of Wisconsin. He focuses his practice on litigating appeals following convictions at jury trials. He has successfully litigated post-conviction issues in cases involving, for example, drug trafficking, sexual assault, possession of child pornography, arson, and homicide. On several occasions, Attorney Ruby has been able to have convictions overturned and charges dismissed completely, even after a client was convicted at jury trial while represented by other attorneys. Attorney Ruby is also an accomplished trial lawyer. Together with Andrew Martinez, he’s a two-time recipient of...

Kevin Palmersheim is the founding shareholder of Palmersheim Dettmann, S.C. and is also its managing attorney. In addition to the knowledge and experience that Kevin brings to legal issues as a highly-experienced business attorney, he is also adept at being creative and flexible in representing clients’ interests both in court and in negotiations. He excels at finding cost-effective strategies to resolve business disputes and execute complex transactions, and is solicited by judges and lawyers to act as a mediator in business disputes. In his work as a business attorney, Kevin routinely represents clients on a variety of business litigation matters...

Attorney Jeremiah Meyer-O’Day has dedicated his career to the service of others and the protection of the “little guy.” His legal career began at a non-profit law firm in Madison, Wisconsin, where he helped people in both criminal and civil proceedings, including evictions, collections, and family-law issues. Attorney Meyer-O’Day then joined the Office of the State Public Defender, working in the Lancaster, Wisconsin office. There, he defended people accused of crimes at all levels of severity. He has extensive trial experience, and a record of successfully litigating issues involving the violation of clients’ constitutional rights. He’s convinced judges to throw...

Patrick is a general practice lawyer, whose areas of expertise include: Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Corporate and Business Law, Litigation, Collections, Banking Law and Title Insurance. Patrick Taggart II grew up in Sauk City, Wisconsin. After graduating from Marquette University Law School, he returned to the Sauk City and Prairie du Sac area and joined LaRowe Gerlach & Roy, LLP as an Associate Attorney. In 2001, Patrick became a Partner of the law firm. The firm was subsequently re-named LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP in March of 2013. In 2017, he was appointed as a Court Commissioner for...

I grew up in Brownsdale, Minnesota, a small town in the southeastern corner of the state near Austin & Rochester. After graduating from Hayfield High School, I attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. I was a music major, and received my B.A. in 1987. That same year, I met my future wife, a Cassville native. We were married in 1991.

My first job after college was teaching vocal music at Bloomington, Wisconsin, which later merged with another school to form River Ridge School District. A few years after consolidation, the new district cut the music staff from four teachers down to...

We specialize exclusively in debt relief! Our dedication lies in advocating for debtors, not creditors. With a grounded approach and extensive experience, we meticulously tailor our services to each individual case, aiming for a renewed financial beginning. You'll collaborate directly with a seasoned bankruptcy attorney throughout the entire process, ensuring clarity and minimizing misunderstandings. Our virtual meetings enable constant client accessibility, round the clock, eliminating the hassle, costs, and time away from work associated with travel. Contact us today for a free, no obligation, consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We handle Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter...

I focus my practice on complex business litigation and transactional work including partnership disputes, franchise and fair dealership issues, theft of trade secret issues, copyright disputes and breach of fiduciary duty cases, among others. My practice also includes a substantial amount of contract drafting, business start-up work, and business succession and estate planning.

Attorney Matthew Underwood is an estate planning and business attorney at Underwood Legal, LLC. Matt helps families, individuals, and businesses take hold of their future with customized planning and advice. Matt’s goal is to empower you to understand your planning decisions so you can take ownership of your plan and proceed in life with feelings of comfort and accomplishment.

Matt earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Heath Straka is a partner at Axley Brynelson, LLP and is the Immediate Past President of the Wisconsin Association of Justice (WAJ). WAJ is the state-wide association for trial attorneys and has over 800 professional members. His practice focuses on personal injury actions, general litigation involving employment and construction disputes and also complex litigation and class actions involving product liability claims and wage and hour violations. Heath received his law degree from the UW Law School in 2000. He has extensive litigation experience in the State and Federal Courts of Wisconsin and has practiced in the successful resolution of...

Attorney Michelle T.L. Hernandez has sixteen years of legal experience and has always focused her legal practice in the area of estate planning. Michelle utilizes her extensive skills to provide her clients with customized estate plans that gives them peace of mind in knowing that they have implemented a plan that will protect their assets while they are alive, transfer their assets in the most effective manner to their loved ones, and is consistent with her clients objectives. Michelle strives to keep her clients legal expenses and tax burden at a minimum. Michelle is an active member of the American...

Zachary J. Kluck is a partner at Zerbst & Kluck, S.C. and focuses his practice primarily on bankruptcy and other debtor/creditor issues. Various options to get rid of your debt exist and the advice on which path to take is different for every individual based on their needs and circumstances. Some such options are filing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, amortizing/consolidating your debts into a state Chapter 128 proceeding, negotiating with creditors, or even doing nothing at all. Zach will sit down with you, discuss your situation, tailor the advice to your needs, and explain...

I have provided over 20 years of estate planning and real estate legal services in southwest Wisconsin. I serve La Crosse, Vernon, Monroe and Crawford counties.

Wayne Maffei’s practice focuses on personal injury law and civil litigation. He represents injured in motor vehicle and other accidents as well as individuals and corporations in business litigation. He has lectured on various tort law topics and taught at the University of Wisconsin Law School Skills Clinic. He is certified as a Civil Trial and Pretrial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a Diplomate of the Court Practice Institute. Mr. Maffei enjoys an AV rating, the highest rating possible, from Martindale-Hubbell, the world wide lawyer directory. He consistently is named a Wisconsin Super...

Attorney Stefanie Wagner is a partner with CJMM. Attorney Wagner’s practice includes all aspects of family law, including divorce, paternity, adoptions, maintenance, property and debt division, child custody and placement, and child support. She knows that family law issues go beyond the law and affect you at a very personal and emotional level. Attorney Wagner understands that divorce is more than just the end, because it is also the beginning of your new life. She handles all aspects of divorce and family law issues. She takes the time to get to know her clients to appreciate their...

Accomplished attorney offering expertise spanning private law firm experience to General Counsel leadership of a $700 million subsidiary of a $3 billion publicly traded company. A registered patent attorney with a diverse business law background, including experience in business and corporate law, intellectual property, and complex transactional experience. A thoughtful, practical, and personable lawyer with an understanding of the needs and goals of organizations and individuals, applying a philosophy of partnering with clients to achieve clients’ goals in a highly collaborative and ethical manner

Cecilia Ju has legal education background in China, U.K and U.S., she has a deep understanding of different legal systems. Her admiration of judicial independence and check & balance brings her to U.S. After graduation from George Washington University, she worked in immigration area for five years and gained extensive specialize in employment-based and family-based immigration cases.

Finding her internal passion in transitioning people from fear zone to safe harbor, Cecilia starts her journey in family law with Kowalski Family Law. Currently, her concentration includes litigation and collaborative divorce, paternity, post judgment modification etc. She also seeks to serve...

A true Wisconsin native, Attorney Wood earned her undergraduate degree from Marquette University and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin. From the beginning of her legal career, Attorney Wood dedicated herself to defending OWI cases—allowing her to gain valuable experience and insights that are used to help her clients. Attorney Wood is the first Wisconsin attorney to serve on the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) held at Harvard Law School, an organization devoted to furthering education for attorneys in this field of law. She is also a frequent speaker at...

PHIL CARDIS - FOUNDER/MANAGING PARTNER CARDIS LAW GROUP With offices in Mesa, Arizona, Madison, Wisconsin and Bloomington, Minnesota Quality, Trusted, Experienced Counsel in Estate Planning, Bankruptcy and Business matters. Cardis Law Group can provide our clients with exceptional, pragmatic counsel. Cardis Law Group is a dedicated and highly skilled law firm with deep experience in legal advisement and representation. We are exceptional, powerful negotiators and diligent advocates, and we will be your proactive partner to help you navigate through your legal...

J. David Krekeler is the founder of Krekeler Law, S.C. in Madison, Wisconsin, a firm dedicated to solving financial problems. His practice includes representation of debtors, creditors, and bankruptcy trustees in cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code. He also serves as a receiver in both supplemental and Chapter 128 proceedings. He is a member of both the Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditor’s Rights section (BICR) of the Wisconsin State Bar, as well as the Western District Bankruptcy Bar. He is also a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy...

Tracy received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1990, where he served as Articles Editor for the Minnesota Law Review. He received a B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1987. He is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Specialist and focuses on plaintiff's personal injury. Tracy N. Tool is a civil litigator experienced in a wide range of substantive areas of law. He uses the legal process to restore the balance of power and to remind big corporations and insurance companies that injured clients must be...

Dean is a Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist who has represented hundreds of injured people throughout Wisconsin. He received his Masters of Business Administration degree in 1986 after working as a commercial loan officer. In 1989 he received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dean believes that quality representation begins with treating every client as if they're your only client and spending whatever time necessary to get the best result. When working with injury victims, Dean makes sure his clients know he'll be as aggressive as necessary, and fight tirelessly on their behalf.

Steve graduated from Iowa State University, with honors and as a member of the scholastic fraternities of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. He received his law degree from the University of Minnesota in 1979, and has been a member of the bar in both Wisconsin and Minnesota since 1979. He is also admitted to practice in the federal courts of both states and in the Supreme Court of the United States. Steven is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Civil Trial Specialist. He has concentrated his practice on commercial and business litigation,...

AVVO CLIENT CHOICE AWARD WINNER

Originally trained as a litigator, Jason knows that the best way to avoid problems is to start with a well thought out and carefully crafted document. Jason's clients benefit from his 23+ years of practice, his comprehensive knowledge of real estate law and his experience assisting clients in thousands of transactions.

Jason is a frequent lecturer on the topic of residential real estate transactions and is recognized by both the local and national media as an innovative leader in Wisconsin real estate law. As a member of the Wisconsin Realtor Association Real Estate Forms Committee, Jason lends...

Rick Coad is the founder and principal of Coad Law Office, S.C., in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a top-rated criminal defense attorney with more than 19 years of experience. Rick focuses his practice on defending individuals and corporations in state and federal court. His skills have carried him to courts throughout the midwest, and he has argued a case in the United States Supreme Court. He has been named by Super Lawyers thirteen times in his career, most recently in 2023. He is widely considered a leading defense lawyer in Wisconsin.

Attorney Michael Fox has been consistently recognized, not only as an outstanding trial lawyer, but as a teacher of trial practice. His record of success in trials has led to hundreds of settlements that allowed his clients to recover financially with dignity and without requiring a public trial. He was described by a noted colleague in the media as the “father of the modern civil rights jury trial” and promoted by the Minnesota State Bar as one of three national “stars of the plaintiff’s bar” repeatedly invited to address its annual Midwestern Employment Law Institute.

Sarah concentrates on two areas of practice: criminal and traffic defense and immigration law. In the area of criminal and traffic defense, Sarah has defended clients at all levels - from local municipal courts through the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Sarah handles many circuit court trials every year, successfully protecting client interests. Sarah handles all levels of appeal in criminal and traffic cases and has argued several cases in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Sarah frequently handles charges of drunk driving, sexual assault, substantial battery, theft from employer, delivery of a controlled substance, and all types of criminal and...