Portage County Lawyers

I am one of the founders of The Law Center for Children & Families. I pride myself on being a creative litigator and strategist who devotes my skills to protecting the rights of children. I believe the law should provide solutions, not roadblocks. My 33 years of experience include many jury and court trials, as well as helping to develop state and national laws and ethical rules for surrogacy and adoption. I acted as expert witness in Mercycare Insurance Company v. Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance, a Wisconsin Supreme Court case addressing maternity coverage for surrogates.

My practice...

Long before law school, I advocated for children and families both in the court system and in the community. I have advocated for abused and neglected children as a volunteer and as a foster parent. My work as a volunteer coordinator for homeless families with children gave me insight into the challenges faced by families in Dane County in finding basic resources and gave me a profound respect for parents working to meet their children’s needs in the midst of chaos. I seek to be a fair, considerate, and zealous voice for my clients.

Attorney Hetzel is the founding partner of Hetzel Law Office, LLC and honors the practice of law through his professionalism, ethical standards and aggressive representation of his clients. Attorney Hetzel has developed a reputation for his diligence in his responsibilities to his clients which has resulted in a practice dominated by referrals from satisfied clients and other attorneys. Areas of practice include personal injury, workers compensation, insurance disputes and criminal defense. He is currently a member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice and Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney John K. Smerlinski has over 20 years of experience practicing criminal, divorce, and personal injury law in the state of Wisconsin. Attorney Smerlinski specializes in criminal law and can help you with DUI charges, drug charges, misdemeanor charges, and felony charges just to name a few. Smerlinski Law Office S. C. has extensive experience in divorce/family law and personal injury law. The firm has secured over 50 acquittals for clients over the years, and will work hard to get you the best results possible with your case. Contact Smerlinski Law Office today, for a free consultation, to discuss...

Brad is a Senior Partner with the law firm of Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. where he has been an insurance defense trial attorney for the past 12 years. Brad has litigated and tried numerous personal injury, insurance coverage, toxic tort, lemon-law and Magnuson-Moss warranty cases for individual insureds, insurance companies and numerous automobile dealerships throughout Wisconsin. In addition, Brad has strived to provide legal services in all matters relating to a general practice law firm. Brad was engaged in the private practice of law in Cedarburg, Wisconsin until he became an Assistant District Attorney with Ozaukee County in 1981, where...

Attorney Ramzy Halaby joined the firm in 2018 as an Associate Attorney. He has an extensive background in personal injury law and has also practiced family law, criminal law, and general civil litigation among other areas of law.

In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, travel, hiking and camping.

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.

Raised in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, I graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1997. In search of a small liberal arts education, and intent upon getting away from home and becoming independent, I attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan. I graduated in 2001 with a major in political science. In 2004, I graduated from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. After passing the Wisconsin bar exam, I joined Swendson/Menting Law Ltd., in Oconomowoc. I started out practicing in the family law area. I was a court appointed Guardian ad Litem and did divorce work, and quickly realized that this was not my...

Attorney Tristan F. Eagon has spent her entire legal career as a courtroom trial attorney and litigator. Her practice is devoted to obtaining optimal outcomes for clients in need of an attorney to prevail in their case. Tristan has a degree in Criminal Justice from Muskingum University and received her law degree from Western Michigan University in 2012. She has been admitted to the Michigan Bar and was admitted into the Wisconsin State Bar in 2014. Today, her trial practice concentrates in the areas of family law but she also spearheads advocacy of alternative dispute resolution. She has the uncanny ability to...

Attorney Angell, a Fox Valley native, attended law school at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California. Prior to opening her practice Attorney Angell worked at an Oshkosh area law firm and a law firm located in El Centro, California, devoting her time to helping her clients achieve satisfactory results in their bankruptcy, divorce and criminal law cases. Attorney Angell has focused her practice on helping people change their lives for the better. Her role as an attorney allows her to ensure her clients receive a fair and just outcome to their case. Attorney Angell works closely...

For 30 years, I have been providing the highest quality representation on appeal in State and Federal Courts, in both civil and criminal cases.

Matthew R. Harding has over ten years of experience representing businesses and individuals in a variety of legal disputes with a concentration on civil litigation. Matt has earned successful results for clients before Circuit Courts throughout Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District Courts in Wisconsin and Colorado, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He represents individuals injured in auto accidents, slip and falls, products liability, medical malpractice, dental malpractice, legal malpractice and civil rights abuses, as well as businesses and/or shareholders who suffer economic losses through breach of contract, fraud, misappropriation of funds and other financial misdeeds.

Areas of practice: Business law, contracts, collections, real estate, estate planning, trust administration, probate, personal injury, and litigation. We provide competent and expeditious legal services to Wisconsin natives as well as clients who own local real estate and hold local business interests. We also provide trusted service to referred clients. The firm specializes in business law, contracts, collections, commercial and residential real estate, simple and advanced estate planning, trust administration, probate, personal injury, litigation in these areas and general civil litigation. We are centrally located in Chetek, Wisconsin. We handle cases in Barron, Rusk, Polk, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, Chippewa,...

Sean's practice focuses on business transactional law, business litigation, civil litigation, and real estate law. Sean has experience litigating business and civil disputes as both plaintiff's and defendant's counsel, helping buyers and sellers complete real estate transactions, as well as experience drafting contracts ranging from small business contracts to plow a parking lot to large corporation contracts dealing with operating and maintaining real estate. Sean earned his Juris Doctor (JD) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Marquette University. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from Northern Arizona University. Before joining Halling & Cayo, Sean ran his...

I pride myself as being a versatile lawyer that can provide you with comprehensive and diligent legal representation. Since starting at the firm, I have handled cases in worker’s compensation, personal injury, family law, landlord/tenant rights, real estate transactions, estate planning, lemon law, small claims and civil litigation. I am also an experienced legal writer and researcher, having interned for the District IV Court of Appeals in Madison. In looking for lawyers, experience working for a court is always a bonus for several reasons - your lawyer will know what judges look for and perhaps more importantly,...

Breanne Bucher joined the firm in April, 2014. She previously was an associate attorney at a general practice law firm in Waukesha County. Breanne graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2010 and passed the Wisconsin Bar Examination on her first attempt.

In law school, she was a member of the Valparaiso Law Criminal Law Clinic, in which she represented indigent clients charged with both low-level misdemeanors and violent felony offenses. She also interned with the Lake County Public Defender’s Office in Lake County, Indiana and continued to gain experience in criminal defense. Although passionate about criminal law, she discovered...

I am a consumer protection attorney that sues debt collectors, lending institutions and mortgage companies. I also defend lawsuits brought by these entities.

I practice as a criminal defense lawyer because I believe that the rights of all depend on the rights of one. As a result, each person’s rights must be vigilantly safeguarded against the powers of the state. An unfettered state results in the very tyranny our Founding Fathers sought to protect us against with the Constitution.

Attorney Peter Wolff has been practicing law for over 17 years. His varied experience makes him an exceptional advocate. He has a good working relationship with the Judges and the prosecutors of Waukesha County and he has a reputation for achieving the best possible outcome for his clients.

Peter attended the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and he received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Communications. He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2002. His practice focuses on criminal and family law. Peter regularly accepts appointments in criminal, family and juvenile matters from the Circuit Court...

Attorney Shannon M. Tenney was admitted into the State Bar of Wisconsin in 2017, the same year she graduated from Marquette University law school with honors. Prior to law school, she graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison withBachelor of Science in Biology and Spanish in 2014.

Criminal defense attorney Brian C. Nelson earned his Bachelor degree from Indiana University in 2012. He continued his legal education at Indiana University, and earned his Juris Doctorate in 2016. During law school, Mr. Nelson focused on trial advocacy and criminal defense, taking every available course and clinic in those fields. In his second year, he interned at the Marion County Prosecutors Office for a semester before leaving to clerk for a private criminal defense attorney. Mr. Nelson was on the board of his legal fraternity, and competed as a member of his school’s trial advocacy team his last two...

Attorney Zachary P. Hoff is an Associate Attorney with experience in criminal, traffic and family law. He believes that it is important to understand the details of each case, but that it is also important to get to know his clients as people and not just a case number. To establish a relationship of trust and honesty with them, he believes will bring the best possible outcome of their case.

Zachary gained valuable Courtroom experience as a Law Clerk in the Waukesha County Circuit Court. Under the mentorship of the Honorable J. Mac Davis and the Honorable Patrick...

Benjamin J. Pliskie is admitted to practice in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, as well as the United States District Courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin and the Northern District of Indiana. Benjamin earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2001. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Political Science and History from the University of Wisconsin in 1997.

Benjamin currently serves as a member of the Wisconsin Judicial Council; a 21-member body whose principal statutory responsibilities are to study and make recommendations relating to: (1) court pleading, practice...

Cameron Weitzner is an associate with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining the firm, Cameron spent five years advocating for clients and litigating cases at the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office. Cameron has represented clients pre-charge all the way to jury trial and has achieved successful outcomes for many clients. His motion practice resulted in cases being dismissed or evidence being suppressed because of unconstitutional police or government conduct. Cameron received his J.D. from Marquette University in 2015 where he graduated in the top 25% of his class. While in law school, Cameron was selected to...

I have been practicing for four years in the State of Wisconsin, representing people in the criminal courts.

As a Janesville, WI, native I felt passionate about coming back to Janesville and serving my community. I opened my law firm in 1986 and have 30+ years of experience helping with Divorce, DUI, Drunk Driving, Traffic, and Real Estate cases. I care about the personal and economic happiness of my clients. Feel free to give me a ring to talk through your legal circumstances

Steven Chesebro received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received his law degree from Marquette University Law School in 2011. In Law School, Mr. Chesebro was active in the Business Law Society as a chairperson, treasurer, and during his third year as President. Upon admission to the Wisconsin State Bar, Mr. Chesebro moved to Janesville to be near family and opened a law office dedicated to helping the residents of Rock County. In January of 2013, he joined the Consigny Law Firm, S.C. Mr. Chesebro is a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association...

Experienced Family Law litigator dedicated to thorough and efficient representation of complex divorce, separation, post-judgment modifications and all other areas of family law.

Aaron graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2007 and is a founding partner in McDermott, Foley & Wilson, LLP. He practices in the area of estate planning, including the drafting of wills, power of attorney for health care, power of attorney for finances, living trusts, irrevocable trusts and transfer-on-death deeds (TOD deeds). Aaron also works with clients on probate, guardianship and long-term care planning issues. Aaron is a member of the Wisconsin Bar Association and Milwaukee Bar Association. He also volunteers with Shorewood Connects and is a member of the board of directors of the Shorewood BID...

I devote my practice to representing employees in benefit disputes, contract claims, unemployment insurance appeals, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation suits, and other employment cases. I listen to my clients and carefully develop goal-oriented plans starting with the first consultation. Communication is essential, and I counsel clients on all options throughout the litigation process. I have successfully litigated appeals to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. I draw from my decade of experience in state, federal, and administrative venues, as well as my knowledge of the Family and Medical Leave Act, Title...

Attorney Gary Greenberg is a personal injury attorney serving the Milwaukee area and all over the state of Wisconsin. He’s practiced law for more than twenty-five years, serving the people of his state when they’re in vulnerable, painful legal situations. Gary Greenberg received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin before attending Marquette University and receiving his Juris Doctor. Since then, Gary Greenberg has fought for the needs of his community, seeking compensation for the injured. He understands that a lawsuit can be complex and confusing. He uses his 25 years of experience and education to help clients get...

Attorney Lindsey M. White is an Associate Attorney with Karp & Iancu, S.C. Lindsey is known for her dedication to her clients, her compassion, and her professionalism both in and out of the courtroom. Lindsey understands that her clients are encountering some of life’s greatest challenges as they face family law issues. She is a firm believer that no individual should ever have to confront a legal crisis on their own, especially one that impacts their family. Lindsey develops a trusting relationship with her clients and goes the extra mile in making sure her client not only feels comfortable...

Jody L. Usow is a graduate of the Marquette University Law School and was admitted to the Wisconsin State Bar in 1986. Jody has extensive experience in civil and criminal law and is an experienced litigator having tried hundreds of cases in Wisconsin Circuit Courts. Although the focus of her practice is increasingly devoted to aspects of family law, she continues to litigate in several areas. -- Family Law and Litigation, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity and domestic violence. In addition to representing private clients, Ms. Usow is regularly appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in...

I am an informed transactional and commercial attorney who counsels businesses on organizational questions and planning matters including shareholder, contract, finance, and private placements as well as purchasing or selling businesses.

Beth Brockmeyer is an associate attorney in the Milwaukee office and a member of the firm’s Bankruptcy group. She represents individuals and businesses in restructurings, financial reorganization, receiverships, bankruptcy, and other debt adjustment strategies. Beth joined the Firm in 2021, bringing with her extensive experience in all aspects of Chapter 7 and 13 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code including consumer and business cases. She is a frequent speaker and published author on various bankruptcy topics. Beth is a board member of the Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors’ Rights Section of the Wisconsin State Bar.

John Casey is a Wisconsin native and a passionate advocate for injury victims. He graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law, where he excelled in business and tort law and obtained his law degree. He went on to represent injury victims in Milwaukee. As an avid member of the legal community, Attorney Casey served as a past chairperson of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Solo and Small Firm/General Practice Section, is a member of the American Association for Justice, and was a committee member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Appointment Selection Committee. His commitment to his clients has...