Merrill Business Lawyers

Jordyn Janikowski is a member of the Business Practice Group where she focuses on general business, contract negotiation and drafting, business starts-ups, mergers and acquisitions, limited liability companies, and succession planning. With an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Jordyn is able to speak the language of her clients. She is adept at identifying and predicting issues before they happen and prioritizes efficient and prompt communication. During law school, Jordyn served as a legal volunteer for the Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic where she assisted in providing legal advice on civil cases. In addition, she volunteered with the Domestic Violence Injunctions Pro Bono...

Marc J. Adesso assists businesses through all of their life cycle events, such as LLC formation, tax matters, contracts, ownership-succession planning, and transactions of all sizes, with particular focus on private finance, commercial real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and innovative technologies. Marc is fluent in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, advising international clients in transactional matters as well.

Born and raised in the Milwaukee area, Robert Levine received his undergraduate and juris doctor degrees from the University of Wisconsin. While earning his J.D., he served on the Student Senate and as a student court judge, and was selected to work as a law clerk for the late Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge John Decker. As an attorney, Mr. Levine has been serving the people of Wisconsin since 1968. Not only has he won cases for countless clients in both civil and criminal court, he has been instrumental in changing laws regarding when pleadings can be amended and real estate...

I have been a trial lawyer since graduation from law school. I find the practice of law exciting. It is my calling. I have learned so much about so many different types of businesses and the manner in which business disputes arise. I have also experienced with my clients the devastation that come from personal injuries and challenges that they face which cause them to become involved in the legal system. All of those experiences have given me a strong and I believe unique set of skills in helping people find solutions to their problems. The largest corporate client and...

Ralph Ehlinger is a lawyers' lawyer who brings knowledge and creativity to transactional matters and enjoys the challenge of an uphill battle in court. With a depth of experience in creating and acquiring businesses, drafting shareholder agreements and non-competes, and negotiating and closing business and real estate transactions, he represents individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations not only when things are going well but in times of trouble. He is a skilled litigator at both the trial and appellate levels, with particular emphasis on libel and slander, shareholder disputes and non-competes, open meeting and public records challenges,...

Brian Thill serves as counsel for creditors, debtors, and receivers in civil matters, and has extensive experience representing parties in all aspects of bankruptcy proceedings, including committees and trustees. Mr. Thill has represented nearly a dozen of the top 100 American Fortune 500 companies, as well as numerous local banks and small businesses. His creditors' rights and defense practice routinely includes preference, fraudulent transfer, Chapter 128, foreclosure, replevin, and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Wisconsin Consumer Act actions. In addition to his bankruptcy and insolvency practice, Mr. Thill also has experience in the areas of general...

As a fourth-generation attorney and now, a father of two toddlers, I understand the importance of heritage and proper planning. As an estate planning attorney, my mission is to be a guiding light for families facing complex probate challenges and to provide them with the peace of mind that comes from well drafted documents. I understand that the legal intricacies of estate planning and probate can be daunting, but my passion lies in simplifying these complexities. My goal is to ensure that future generations don’t have to bear the burden of uncertainty and confusion when it comes to their family’s...

Prior to joining Bartelt Law Office, Brittany was an associate for two different litigation firms, one in Madison and one in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. She is licensed to practice law in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Brittany received her B.S. degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010 and her J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2014. While in law school, she was a member of Moot Court and was awarded the Mathys Memorial Appellate for Advocacy Award. She competed in the William E. McGee National Moot Court Competition in Minneapolis...

The Law Office of Stephen A. Kosa provides professional legal representation and personal guidance to clients throughout Western Wisconsin. We also serve clients in Minnesota. For more than 25 years it has been our goal to provide sound legal advice, thoughtful guidance, and zealous representation to each and every client in the Hudson Wisconsin area. Our clients receive personal attention; Attorney Stephen Kosa will take the time necessary to ensure that you fully understand your options, and that your legal rights are protected. Service areas include: Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Probate Law and Estate Administration, Business...

Amanda concentrates her practice on corporate and business law, estate planning and business succession planning, real estate law, and tax issues.

She lives in West Bend and is actively involved with several groups in the local community, including the Albrecht Free Clinic and West Bend Noon Rotary Club.

Christine is an attorney and owner of Valley Crossing Law. Her practice primarily focuses on the areas of estate planning, probate, real estate and business transactions. Christine has been involved with the St. Croix Valley Bar Association since 2008, serving as secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. Christine also assisted in the formation of a local chapter of the Wisconsin Wills for Heroes program. She has been a speaker at various estate planning seminars in St. Croix County. Christine lives in the St. Croix Valley with her husband, Brad, and their three boys. In her free time, she enjoys...

Virginia E. George is a partner at Steinhilber Swanson, LLP. She has served as a Chapter 7 Panel trustee in the Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Milwaukee Division) since 1999. She has, for 25 years, been peer- rated “AV” at Martindale Hubbell. She has extensive experience in all aspects of consumer and business bankruptcy. She has also represented Creditors, and Debtors in Chapter 11 and 12 cases. For the past 25 years she has concentrated over 95% of her practice in bankruptcy and insolvency matters also serving as receiver in...

Thomas L. Frenn is a Leading Lawyer in Business Law, Litigation and Estate Planning. He focuses his practice on small business law, real estate, non-profit organizations, wills, trusts, estate planning, and business litigation. He also has extensive experience in residential and commercial real estate transactions, including buying/selling, tax-free exchanges and eminent domain cases.

Frank Gilbert Slinkard is an experienced attorney representing Wisconsin clients in the fields of Internet law, intellectual property, and business formation. Slinkard was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with specialization in political theory. He completed his undergraduate thesis on the concept of reflective equilibrium in Rawls’s Theory of Justice. He received a Master of Arts in Government from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, completing his master’s thesis on Grotius’s Introduction to the Jurisprudence of Holland. Slinkard received his law degree from the Cornell Law...

Steve’s practice includes commercial and business litigation, construction law, mechanic’s liens and bond claims. He provides efficient and effective representation, taking business, personal, and practical considerations into account when advising clients. Steve has experience representing clients in trial and appellate courts at both the state and federal level, and in alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and arbitration.

Steve also works with clients to prevent disputes through contract drafting and document review, and provides valuable general counsel advisory services to his industry clients.

Jim Dash concentrates his practice in real estate-related litigation, with an emphasis on construction (including mechanic’s lien claims), as well as title insurance defense work. Jim’s clients include a number of companies whose businesses are in, or related to, the construction industry.

Although Jim prefers to resolve disputes by agreement, when an agreement cannot be reached, his effective work in the courtroom has led to a number of client-favorable, published opinions that have helped shape Illinois law regarding construction and mechanic’s liens.

Jerome R. Kerkman is a shareholder with the firm. He has a business litigtion practice with an emphasis in commercial financial transactions, business restructuring in court or out-of-court, mergers and acquisitions, personal planning and complex business litigation involving wrongful competition and trade secrets.

As lead litigator at Madrigrano, Aiello & Santarelli, LLC, Thomas M. Santarelli brings the knowledge, skill and experience necessary to effectively represent your litigation needs. Mr. Santarelli utilizes confident, aggressive and efficient techniques to zealously advocate his clients’ positions. Knowing that litigation is often an emotional and intense experience for clients, Mr. Santarelli takes the time to present an objective view throughout the case to his clients so they can make rational, cost-effective decisions. Concentrating his practice in civil litigation, collections, condominium law and business litigation, Mr. Santarelli is a passionate advocate for his clients. With nearly 10 years of successful...

Richard Reilly brings the sharp strategic instincts of a litigator to the delicate practice of family law. He balances his practice with a compassion for the client and a willingness to fight on their behalf. “We know the issues surrounding family law can be very sensitive and require a soft touch, however, we also show our clients that we are not afraid to take an aggressive approach if need be,” he notes. Richard honed his instincts while serving five years as a trial lawyer in the United States Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's...

Randall J. Andersen has 24 years of experience representing individuals, businesses and cooperatives in a wide variety of civil legal matters. He provides general counsel and legal services for businesses, including business acquisitions, entity formation, employment law matters, the drafting of contracts and legal agreements, real estate transactions, condominium law, business litigation and enforcement of creditor's rights. Legal services provided for individual clients include estate planning and probate administration, real estate transactions, family law, and litigation. He is an active member and former president of Madison Horizons Rotary Club, member of Wisconsin Agri-Service Association, and the Madison Estate Council.

Teresa Kobelt represents businesses and individuals in contract and transactional matters, business start-ups, buy/sell agreements, operating agreements, real estate, commercial leases, employment contracts, trademark registrations, and a variety of other matters touching on business dealings. Teresa also handles litigation in business and contract disputes involving businesses or individuals, whether in civil court, appellate court, and arbitration.

Claire Ann Richman is a partner in the Madison, Wis., office of Richman & Richman LLC, where she concentrates her practice in bankruptcy, real estate, and commercial and claim litigation. Ms. Richman served on ABI’s National Board of Directors, was appointed to the panel of chapter 7 trustees for the Western District of Wisconsin from 2004-2011, and was formerly a member of the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees’ New Trustee Advisory Committee. She is also past chair of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors’ Rights Section and serves as co-chair of its Legislative Committee. Ms. Richman formerly...

As the principal of William J. Chandek & Associates, LLC, William J. Chandek holds the highest standards of client service and lawyer accessibility. Mr. Chandek has been an active member in a number of local and national business and estate planning organizations including Business Enterprise Institute (BEI), Wealth Counsel LLC, Wealth Counsel Advisors Forum, the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Illinois/Wisconsin Forum of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, the National Committee on Planned Giving, and the Planned Giving Council of Eastern Wisconsin. He was a Co-founding Member (and former Chancellor) of the Estate Planning Institute...

Bethany C. Canfield is a dedicated attorney at Kitzke & Canfield LLC. She is a passionate estate planning lawyer in Ozaukee County and does everything in her power to ensure that her clients’ needs and goals are fully met as she guides them through the estate planning process. In 2010, Bethany graduated with her Juris Doctorate from Marquette University Law School, where her focus was on tax and estate planning. After her graduation, she worked as an intern for the Chief Judge of the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Now that she has joined the firm, she...

General counsel and labor and employment lawyer to small and mid-sized businesses.

Practicing since 1990 and specializing in Business Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate. Open, Client centered practice.

Robert Procter is a partner in the firm licensed to practice in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois. He primarily represents businesses in real estate and construction, distribution, and insurance agency law. Attorney Procter is the leader of Axley’s Business Practice Group and also the firm’s Chief Executive Officer.

Real Estate Law
Robert represents developers and contractors in all aspects of real estate and construction law including land use approvals, tax increment financing, construction and permitting. Robert is the outside general counsel for the Wisconsin Builders Association and the Government Affairs Director for the Realtors® Association of South Central Wisconsin. Robert is...

Kurt concentrates his practice on representing clients in corporate matters, complex litigation, and corporate workouts and bankruptcy cases. Kurt has extensive experience in a broad range of legal and business issues that companies must address in order to successfully navigate today’s marketplace, from the boardroom to the courtroom.

A seasoned and successful courtroom advocate and boardroom advisor, Kurt is able to draw on his decades of experience in negotiations and court battles to his client’s advantage by helping to shape strategies and creatively think through potential resolutions in order to achieve the best results possible.

Richard A. Frederick and Associates was formed in 1976 by Mr. Frederick and has operated continuously in its current location. Mr. Frederick has a broad background in business law, concentrating in Real Estate, Taxation and Corporate Law. Mr. Frederick is licensed in and practices in both Wisconsin and Illinois.

Mr. Frederick has a broad background in business law, concentrating in commercial Real Estate, Taxation, and Corporate Law as well as litigation relating to these fields. Mr. Frederick is licensed in and practices in both Wisconsin in Illinois and is admitted to the courts in those jurisdictions. He is also admitted to...

SCOTT N. BURNS graduated from the University of Wisconsin, and from Marquette University Law School. He is a member of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and American Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice in the Wisconsin and U.S. District Court, both Eastern and Western Districts. Scott's practice is devoted to all aspects of real estate and business transactional law. Scott was recognized as a "top attorney" in Milwaukee Magazine Best Lawyers issues (February, 1995, October, 1999, and September, 2003) in the real estate law specialty. He has appeared on both radio and television as a real estate law expert. Scott has also...

Attorney Michael J. Finn has been practicing law in Waukesha County for more than 30 years, and is experienced in all aspects of family law, divorce law, child custody, business and contractual law, and criminal defense. He has reliably assisted hundreds of clients in the Hartland, Waukesha, Delafield, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee and Milwaukee area.

With over 25 years of success as an attorney, Jean's extensive knowledge, experience and integrity in providing preventive counsel and representing clients in the areas of estate planning, probate, family law, civil litigation, and corporate and real estate law, have proven to be the best-in-class. With each client, Jean is laser-focused on securing the best outcome possible and at the same time providing a peace-of-mind to her clients by involving them appropriately along the way. Jean has been honored with many awards and distinctions, such as being named the first female president of the Ozaukee Bar Association and voted one...

Private attorney with over 20 years in the practice of law. Specializing in municipal law, real estate law, business law, and civil litigation.

ROGER SAGE

Education
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Degree Received: J.D., 1979

Year of first admission1979
State of Admission Wisconsin

Subsequent Admissions
1979 – US Dist. Ct. – Western Dist Wis.
1980 – US Dist. Ct. – Eastern Dist. Wis.

Additional admissions
1992 U.S. Court of Appeals – Seventh Cir.
2013 U.S. Supreme Court
Member Dane County Bar Assn.
Member Wisconsin State Bar litigation, business law and bankruptcy sections
Member Commercial Law League
30 years commercial and business litigation and account collection experience
Martindale Hubble distinguished rating

Notable Cases
Counsel for Resul and Zinije Adili – In re Clark, United States Supreme Court case no. 2013-299 (whether inherited IRA is an exempt asset in bankruptcy)
Counsel and oral argument for...