Our People

Brian W. Baird

Attorney

Aaron R. Berndt

Attorney

Bradley L. Brejcha

Attorney

Allison L. Bridenhagen

Attorney

Heather M. Burg

Paralegal

Joseph P. Danas, Jr.

Attorney

Samantha M. Dorning

Attorney

Daniel P. Flynn

Human Resources

James M. Fredericks

Attorney

Andrea P. Goode

Attorney

Matthew L. Granitz

Attorney

Benjamin W. Jonas

Attorney

Linda D. Kiemele

Attorney

Jeff Klemmer

Controller

Karen L. Literski, SBWCP, RP

Certified Paralegal

Patrick D. McNally

Attorney

Leticia Morales

Paralegal

Ruth L. Nord-Pekar

Attorney

Alan W. Ray

Attorney

Melanie D. Schmid

Paralegal

Julia B. Semenak

Attorney

Emily K. Sharman

Attorney

Patryk Silver

Attorney

Keagan A. Stoltz

Tier 2 Support Technician

Frederick J. Strampe

Attorney

Karl A. VanDeHey

Attorney

Madeline K. Weston

Attorney

Melissa L. Wood

Billing Manager

Brian W. Baird

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: bwbaird@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9184

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Barbara Johnson

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2001; J.D., 2004

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
Dane County Bar Association
Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
James E. Doyle Chapter, American Inns of Court

Other

Articles Editor of the Wisconsin Law Review
Competitor and coach on the Wisconsin Moot Court Team

Aaron R. Berndt

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: aberndt@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9160

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Jennie Crewz

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S., 2001; J.D., 2004

House Fellow (R.A.) of the Year, 2000; Undergraduate Excellence Award recipient, 2001; Member of Moot Court Board (President of Board, 2003-2004)

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Other

Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2024
Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers–Rising Stars”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Numerous presentations of Borgelt’s annual defense seminars, a Wisconsin Defense Counsel seminar and Wisconsin Claims Counsel seminars
Article published in the Wisconsin Civil Trial Journal, “Attorneys Beware: Notice Not Always Required”
Hobbies include music, playing basketball, and spending time with my family.

Bradley L. Brejcha

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: bbrejcha@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9122

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Barbara Johnson

Education

University of Dayton School of Law, J.D., 2007

Marquette University, B.A., 2004

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
All Illinois State Courts
U.S. District Court for Northern District of Illinois

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association

Other

Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers–Rising Stars”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Chicago Magazine in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Selected for inclusion in “Emerging Lawyers” by the Leading Lawyer’s Network in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Interview with Modern Counsel Magazine, January 2015

Allison L. Bridenhagen

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: abridenhagen@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9159

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Lori Boyles

Education

St. Norbert College (B.A. 2022)
Marquette University Law School (J.D. 2024)
3-Plus-3 Program Graduate (Earned Bachelor’s Degree and Law Degree in 6 years)

Areas of Practice

Civil Litigation
Personal Injury Claims
Assisted Living Facility Liability

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin

Other

Certification in Litigation from Marquette University

Heather M. Burg

Paralegal

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: hburg@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9155

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Bachelor of Science-Political Science and Geology, 1999

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), Paralegal Certification Program, 2004

Areas of Practice

Other

20 years of Paralegal experience in Civil Litigation, Product Liability, Workers Compensation, Real Estate, Personal Injury, and Environmental Litigation (asbestos and sink hole)
Assisted attorneys at several trials
Committee Volunteer for the City of Glendale, WI
Enjoys traveling, history and food truck festivals

Joseph P. Danas, Jr.

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: jdanas@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9118

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Nancy Puffer

Education

Valparaiso University, J.D., 1975

University of Wisconsin-Platteville, B.S., 1971

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin, Emeritus
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Publications:

Co-author of Worker’s Compensation Handbook, State Bar of Wisconsin

Published Decisions:

Cargill Feed Div./Cargill Malt v. LIRC, 2010 WI App 115, 329 Wis. 2d 206, 789 N.W.2d 326, addressing the limits of the odd-lot doctrine
Madison Gas & Electric v. LIRC, 2011 WI App 110, 336 Wis. 2d 197, 802 N.W.2d 502, challenging cumulative PPD ratings
GTC Auto Parts v. LIRC, 184 Wis. 2d 450, 516 N.W.2d 393 (1994). Amicus brief, reversing award of indefinite TTD award

Numerous Circuit Court and LIRC decisions available, including:

Flynn v. Allen Roofing & Constr. Co, WC Claim No 87-048518, establishing limits of medical expense in paraplegic case;
Jackson v. CNA Financial Group and Continental Cas, WC Claim No 2006-010570, defining no “injury” in suicide case;
Roemer v. Rowley Construction and Society Ins, WC Claim No. 2004-041873, addressing grounds for reopening compromise settlement;
Stiefel v. United Cerebral Palsy of North Central Wisconsin and United Wisconsin, WC Claim No. 1996-014016, rejecting “belittle-berate” test for non-traumatic mental injury (stress) claims.

Other

AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5 (Martindale-Hubbell)
Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
Hearing Examiner, State of Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, 1975-1983

Samantha M. Dorning

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: sdorning@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9135

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

Marquette University, J.D., magna cum laude, 2024

Boston University, B.A., summa cum laude, 2021

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Other

Jenkins Moot Court Competition Champion, Marquette University Law School
Marquette University Moot Court Association, Associate Justice of Administration
Marquette Law Review, Comment Editor (2023-2024), Member (2022-2023)
Marquette University Law School Dean’s List (all semesters)
Best Performance in a Course (CALI Award): Constitutional Law, Natural Resources Law, Interviewing and Counseling
Pardee School Academic Excellence Award, Boston University (2021)

Daniel P. Flynn

Human Resources

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: dflynn@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9107

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

Keller Graduate School of Management – MA., 2009
Human Resources Management

University of Dubuque, IA – B.S., 1997
Psychology with a Criminal Justice focus

Other

Manages all aspects of the firm’s human resources including recruiting and benefits administration and assists with business planning. Oversees building maintenance.
Joined the firm in 2023 experience includes:
- Two years: HR Management with Yamaha Marine Systems
- Eight Years: HR at the YMCA of Metro Milwaukee
- Two Years: HR Generalist at the Social Development Commission
- Ten Years: Counselor/Therapist at St. Charles Youth and Family Services

James M. Fredericks

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: jfredericks@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9126

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Mary Fieber

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1987

University of St. Thomas, B.A., magna cum laude, 1984

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Defense Research Institute
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
National Association of Subrogation Professionals

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Stephenson v. Universal Metrics; 2002 WI 30, 251 Wis. 2d 171, 641 N.W. 2d 158
Kaun v. Industrial Fire & Casualty Insurance Co, 148 Wis. 2d 662, 436 N.W. 2d 321 (1989)
J.G. Wentworth S.C. Ltd. P’ship v. Callahan, 2002 Wis App 183,256 Wis. 2d 807, 649 N.W. 2d 694
Amcast Indus. Corp. v. Affiliated FM Ins. Co., 221 Wis. 2d 145, 584 N.W. 2d 218 (Ct. App. 1998)
Gorzalski v. Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Company, 145 Wis 2d 794, 489 N.W. 2d 537 (Ct. App. 1988)
Schneider v. Sentry Group Long Term Disability Plan, 422 F.3d 621 (7^th Cir. 2005)
Badger Pharmacal v. Colgate-Palmolive Co., 1 F. 3d 621 (7^th Cir. 1993)

Other

AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5 (Martindale-Hubbell)
Authored Chapter 8 “Motions During Trial” in Wisconsin Trial Practice (2011)
Executive Editor, Marquette Law Review 1986-1987
Speaker at Wisconsin Defense Counsel 2007 Winter Conference: Torts Update
Speaker at 2000 NBI Conference on UM and UIM Motorist Law in Wisconsin

Andrea P. Goode

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: agoode@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9140

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Jennie Crewz

Education

Washington University School of Law, J.D., 2002
University of Illinois, B.A., 1999

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
All Illinois State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District for the Central District of Illinois

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel, Board Member (2019 – Present), Current Chair of WDC Women in the Law Committee
Association for Women Lawyers
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance

Other

As a former Senior Staff Attorney at a Fortune 500 Insurance Company, I have experience in personally handling litigation, litigation supervision and management, and claims advising. This experience provides me with a unique perspective and knowledge of the insurance business, which allows me to provide value added services to my clients. Specifically, I am mindful of timely and accurate reporting to advance proper claim reserving, severity, and expense considerations.

I have litigated numerous cases throughout Wisconsin and have tried in excess of 20 jury and court trials, including automobile accidents, dog bite injuries, adulterated food injuries, fire losses, and first party property damage cases. In addition, I have briefed, argued, and obtained summary and declaratory judgments in such areas as automobile and homeowners’ insurance coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance coverage, contractor governmental immunity, school district immunity, construction defect and worker’s compensation exclusivity matters.

Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers” ® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
Scoring Judge for Regional High School Mock Trial Competition, 2014, 2016 and 2022
Wisconsin State Bench and Bar Committee Member 2008-2012
Wisconsin Defense Counsel Advocate of the Year 2019

Matthew L. Granitz

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: mgranitz@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9143

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Cathy Calkins

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2006

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., with distinction, 2003

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Defense Research Institute
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Other

Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2024
Selected for Inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers-Rising Stars 2016,2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Wisconsin Defense Counsel, Board Member (Current)
Marquette University Volunteer Legal Clinic Lawyer
Marquette University Law School Dispute Resolution Program Judge
University of Wisconsin Law School Lawyering Skills Course Visiting Instructor

Benjamin W. Jonas

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: bjonas@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9141

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Cathy Calkins

Education

Indiana University, Robert H. McKinney School of Law, J.D., 2013

Indiana University, 2006

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Publications:

Co-Authored Firm Publication on “Employing Crisis Standards of Care in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic” (March 20, 2020).
Speaker, Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (Wisconsin Chapter) – Discussion of Contemporary Wisconsin Supreme Court Decisions regarding the Application of the Daubert Standard (December 9, 2021).

Other

Selected for Inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers-Rising Stars 2024
As an insurance defense litigator, I have represented international electronics manufacturers, domestic airline carriers, retailers, fast food restaurant chains, hospitals, software firms, and licensed professionals, such as veterinarians and attorneys. This work has been done on behalf of some of Wisconsin’s largest insurers along with various national and international insurers with policyholders located in the Wisconsin and the greater Midwest region. Having been involved with claims from their pre-suit investigations through trial and post-verdict motions, I have obtained favorable outcomes at all phases of litigation and arbitration by enthusiastically defending my clients’ interests while simultaneously communicating with key stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation of risk is constantly evolving with the facts of the case.

Linda D. Kiemele

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: lkiemele@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9153

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Nancy Puffer

Education

Marquette University, B.A., 1989; J.D., 1992

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
American Bar Association

Other

Seminar presentations on various Worker’s Compensation Defense Issues
Represents self insured employers and insurers in a variety of areas including temporary employment/staffing, construction, restaurant, retail, dairy, and manufacturing trades

Jeff Klemmer

Controller

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: jklemmer@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9176

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

Marquette University-BBA-2003 Major in Finance

Other

Oversight of the firm’s accounting including, general ledger, account payables and receivables, treasury functions, budgets, production of financial statements, financial processes, monthly and yearly financial reporting, financial analysis, and planning.
Joined the firm in 2024
Eighteen Years: CFO & Funeral Director with Heritage Funeral Homes
Two Years: Business Analyst with Comair Airlines

Karen L. Literski, SBWCP, RP

Certified Paralegal

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: kliterski@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9165

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

Upper Iowa University, Bachelor of Science, Public Administration, cum laude 4.0, 2006, Outstanding Senior Award Recipient 2006

Paralegal Certificate 2006 – (American Bar Association Approved Program) Milwaukee Area Technical Institute, 4.0

Northcentral Technical College, Wausau, Wisconsin, Associate Degree – Administrative Assistant Secretarial Science, High Honors, 1987

Areas of Practice

Other

State Bar of Wisconsin Certified Paralegal-2019 to present
Registered Paralegal (RP) Certification – Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam 1998, National Federation of Paralegal Associations
Regular attendance at CLE seminars to maintain paralegal certification
25+years of legal experience in area of litigation, personal injury, insurance defense, worker’s compensation, family law, and criminal defense
Committee Member – Troop Secretary, Boy Scouts of America, Three Harbors Council
Guest speaker – Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers (WATL) 1997 Seminar
Enjoys reading, running, skiing, skating, and volunteering in the community

Patrick D. McNally

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: pmcnally@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9156

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Mary Fieber

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2002

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 1999

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Defense Research Institute
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States of America
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association
Milwaukee Bar Association
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (Past Wisconsin co-chair and lead chair)
Thomas E. Fairchild Chapter, American Inns of Court (Past member)
National Association of Fire Investigators

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Represented worker’s compensation insurer on its Wisconsin statutory lien interest in cooperation with injured employee’s attorneys in the second largest million-dollar verdict for 2010 as reported in Wisconsin Law Journal
Obtained verdict, following five-day jury trial, in favor of subrogated insurer and decedent’s daughter against major U.S. automobile manufacturer for property and wrongful death damages stemming from a fatal garage fire; believed to be the first such jury award in Wisconsin against that manufacturer for negligence and strict liability relating to the subject ignition switch system defect
Tried cases to jury verdict in Ashland, Milwaukee, Oneida, and Waukesha counties
Involved in more than 30 Wisconsin appellate matters, including published decisions in Peterson v. Arlington Hospitality Staffing, Inc., 2004 WI App 199, 276 Wis. 2d 746, 689 N.W.2d 61 (no exception to the exclusive remedy provision of the WCA for a claim by an employee against an employer for negligent hiring, training, and supervision when the injury was a sexual assault committed by a co-employee); and B & D Contractors, Inc. v. Arwin Window Systems, Inc., 2006 WI App 123, 294 Wis. 2d 378, 718 N.W.2d 256 (“your product” exclusion barred coverage despite contention about frames collapsing and causing glass to break)

Other

AV® Preeminent (Martindale-Hubbell)
Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers–Rising Stars”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012
Interned for the Honorable Shirley S. Abrahamson, Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice, during the Fall 2001 semester of law school
Interned for the Federal Defenders Services of Wisconsin, during the Spring 2002 semester of law school

Leticia Morales

Paralegal

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: lmorales@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9175

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

Marquette University, B.A., Political Science and Philosophy, 2017

Areas of Practice

Other

Over 4 years of hands-on experience

Ruth L. Nord-Pekar

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: rnord-pekar@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9115

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Susan Drake

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D., cum laude 2023

University of Minnesota, B.A. 2011

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Other

Editorial Board – Marquette University Law Review Vol. 106 (Comment Editor)
Fall 2021 Intern for the Honorable Judge Diane S. Sykes, 7th Cir. Court of Appeals
Dean’s List: Fall 2020; Spring 2021; Fall 2021; Spring 2022; Fall 2022; Spring 2023
CALI Awards (Highest Grade in Course): Legal Analysis, Writing, and Research II (Spring 2021)
Member – Marquette University Law School Pro Bono Society

Alan W. Ray

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: aray@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9157

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Mary Markwiese

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2010

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2007

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
Defense Research Institute
American Bar Association

Other

Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers–Rising Stars”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
Former Editor, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel Quarterly

Melanie D. Schmid

Paralegal

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: mschmid@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9127

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice, Sociology Concentration, 1987

Roosevelt University, Chicago, Graduate Level Certification – Paralegal, 1987

Waukesha County Technical College, Technical Diploma, Medical Transcription, 2005

Areas of Practice

Other

27 years of paralegal experience in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Insurance Defense, Automobile Liability and Environmental Litigation (asbestos)
Assisted attorneys at numerous trials
Volunteering activities at children’s schools, including Girl Scouts and past volleyball coach
Subdivision President, 5 years
Enjoys sports, music, and spending time with my family

Julia B. Semenak

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: jsemenak@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9123

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Mary Markwiese

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., cum laude, 2008

Lawrence University, B.A., summa cum laude, 2005

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Estate of Will R. Johnson, et al. v. La Causa Inc., et al., 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68221 (E.D. Wis. June 24, 2011)
Sate of Wisconsin v. GE-Milwaukee, LLC, et al., Appeal No. 2010 AP 3029 (Dec. 6, 2011)

Other

Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers–Rising Stars”® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Member of the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society (Senior Managing Articles Editor, 2007-2008)
Dean’s List (Spring 2006, Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Fall 2007)
Best Performance in Real Estate Transactions I & II

Emily K. Sharman

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: esharman@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9108

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Ellen Cook

Education

Marquette University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2015

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2012

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
Association for Women Lawyers

Other

Marquette Law Review-Staff Editor
Recipient of 2014-2015 Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Law School Scholarship Award

Patryk Silver

Attorney

Contact

Location: Madison, WI

Email: psilver@borgelt.com

Phone: 608-310-4402

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Lori Boyles

Education

Boston University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2000

Carnegie Mellon University, M.A., 1996

Vassar College, A.B. General Honors and Departmental Honors, 1985

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Published Appellate Decisions

Cargill Feed Div. v. LIRC, 2010 WI App 115, 329 Wis. 2d 206, 789 N.W.2d 326
Milwaukee Area Tech. College v. Frontier Adjusters, 2008 WI App 76, 312 Wis. 2d 360, 752 N.W.2d 396
Meriter Health Services, Inc. v. Travelers Cas. & Sur. Co. of Am., 2008 WI App 132, 313 Wis. 2d 660, 758 N.W.2d 112

Unpublished Appellate Decisions

3303-05 Marina Road, LLC v. West Bend Mut. Ins. Co., 2009AP001629 (Sept. 8, 2010)
Woskoski v. True, 2009AP000020 (Mar. 16, 2010)
Estate of Ju Her v. Joshua Scolman, 2008AP000979 (Mar. 13, 2009)
Pollard-Badji v. Federal Ins. Co., 2005AP002664 (Oct. 24, 2006)
Hartenstein v. Pekin Ins. Co., 2005AP001596 (July 26, 2006)

Fed. Ct. Decisions

Southland Mgmt. Co. v. RSUI Indem. Co., 2008C920 (Wis. E.D. July 13, 2011)

Wisconsin Circuit Court Decisions

Cody v. Target, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2009CV6168 (Aug. 27, 2011)
CSI v. IDS, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2010CV4627 (Aug. 23, 2011)
Borchardt v. Stohl, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2010CV5426 (June 29, 2011)
Sandhill Condo v. Sandhill Homes, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2010CV3175 (May 19, 2011)
Town of Johnstown v. Wellens Pearson, Rock County Cir. Ct., 2009CV2574 (Oct. 11, 2010)
Pridham v. IDS, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2009CV5983 (Aug. 2, 2010)
Conlon v. Chard, Walworth County Cir. Ct., 2009CV666 (July 27, 2010)
Lunda v. Fischer-Fischer-Theis, Milwaukee County Cir., 2008 CV 12038 (May 27, 2010)
Equity v. Diaz, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2007CV2514 (Feb. 5, 2010)
Stephanie v. Am. Fam. Mut. Ins. Co., Columbia County Cir. Ct., 2008CV165 (Feb. 25, 2009)
Stevens v. Big Boy, Jr., Ashland County Cir. Ct., 2008CV89 (Feb. 23, 2009)
Komplin v. Kohlenberg, Grant County Cir. Ct., 2006CV91 (Jan. 1, 2007)
Am. Fam. Mut. Ins. Co. v. Midbon, Rock County Cir. Ct., 2005CV346 (Mar. 6, 2007)
Meriter Health Servs. Inc. v. Travelers Cas. & Sur. Co., Dane County Cir. Ct., 2005CV3891 (June 14, 2007)
Riegel v. Brian’s Diner, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2006CV2522 (Aug. 22, 2007)
Condon v. Weihert, Jefferson County Cir. Ct., 2006CV671 (Oct. 3, 2007)
Carney v. Childs, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2006CV1665 (Dec. 13, 2006)
Waite v. Harbor House, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2005CV0754 (Oct. 31, 2006)
Hubbard v. Nooyen, Rock County Cir. Ct., 2004CV1344 (June 1, 2006)
Stuart v. Nguyen, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2004CV2384 (March 22, 2006)
Marcus v. West Bend Mut. Ins. Co., Milw. County Cir. Ct., 2005CV7555 (Jan. 5, 2006)
Smith v. Am. Fam. Mut. Ins. Co., Dane County Cir. Ct., 2003CV2275 (Jan. 27, 2006)
J.W. Jung Seed v. Pankow, Dodge County Cir. Ct., 2003CV98 (Oct. 6, 2005)
Mockler v. Lee, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2005CV1296 (Sept. 29, 2005)
Fisher v. Castleberg, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2004CV3242 (Sept. 16, 2005)
A.J.O. v. Am. Fam. Mut. Ins. Co., Grant County Cir. Ct., 2004CV309 (Sept. 15, 2005)
Kellercrest v. Laufenberg, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2002CV794 (July 27, 2005)
Greeno v. Clay, Monroe County Cir. Ct., (Aug. 24, 2004)
A.A.F. v. Kuhnle, Rock County Cir. Ct., 2003 CV1434 (June 10, 2004)
Leitner v. Firari, Dodge County Cir. Ct., 2002CV386 (May 12, 2004)
Baker v. Jackering, Grant County, 2003CV163 (Feb. 9, 2004)
Fuhrman v. General Casualty Ins. Co. of Wis., Sauk County Cir. Ct., 2002CV687 (Jan. 14, 2004)
Kessler v. Aurit, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2001CV3567 (Aug. 27, 2003)
Cooper v. State Farm Ins. Co., Dane County Cir. Ct., 2002CV2036 (Aug. 18, 2003)
Severson v. Sentry Ins., Dane County Cir. Ct., 2002CV0889 (June 11, 2003)
Ludlum v. Mauerman, Green County Cir. Ct., 2001 CV95 (Dec. 27, 2002)
Milwaukee County v. Juneau County, Dodge County Cir. Ct., 2001CV350 (Sept. 12, 2002)
Pekin Ins. Co. v. Audiophile, Dane County Cir. Ct., 2003CV762 (July 9, 2004)
Rabe v. Rural Mut. Ins. Co., Winnebago County Cir. Ct., 20101CV906 (June 20, 2002)
Wangen v. Lease, Vernon County Cir. Ct., 2001CV88 (June 3, 2002)
Fruth v. Am. Fam. Mut. Ins. Co., Dane County Cir. Ct., 2001CV2465 (April 25, 2002)

Other

Editor-in-Chief, Annual Review of Banking Law, 1999-2000
U.S. Navy 1977-81

Keagan A. Stoltz

Tier 2 Support Technician

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: kstoltz@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9144

Fax: 414-276-0172

Education

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, B.S. 2024
Computer Science Major – Data Science Minor

Other

Manages the firm’s information technology
Joined the firm in 2024. Prior experience includes:
- One year: Student tier 2 technician at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s ITS department

Frederick J. Strampe

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: fstrampe@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9158

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Susan Drake

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., cum laude 1997

United States Military Academy, B.S. 1990

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
ABOTA – American Board of Trial Advocates

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Publications:

I returned to Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen, S.C. in August of 2023 after serving as a Circuit Court Judge in Waukesha County. As a Judge I was responsible for over 600 active cases. I conducted status conferences, evidentiary hearings, motion hearings, pre-trial conferences and trials. I have presided over Civil, Misdemeanor and Felony trials. I have ruled on dozens of motions, and I have sentenced hundreds of Defendents. Prior to serving on the bench, I litigated cases throughout Wisconsin and have represented clients in cases from Kenosha County in the southeast region of Wisconsin to Superior in the northwestern region of the state. I have tried cases in both state and federal court involving a wide range of issues including products liability, environmental contamination, breach of contract, bad faith, premises liability, insurance coverage, automobile liability and animal liability. These trials have included claims for personal injury, lost wages, breach of the insurance policy, lost profits and punitive damages. I have also been involved in appellate actions involving all Wisconsin appellate courts and the federal appellate courts. In addition to many unpublished rulings, my reported decisions include
Lucterhand v. Granite Microsystems, Inc., 564 F.3d 209, (7th Cir. Ct. 2009), in which we successfully argued on behalf of an insurance company that the intentional acts of an employer against their employee, including retaliation and false imprisonment, were not covered by the insurance policy.
Warr v. QPS Company, 298 Wis.2d 440, (Ct. App. 2006), in which the Wisconsin Court of Appeals analyzed the potential liability of a staffing agency if one borrowed worker injures another borrowed worker during the course and scope of their employment.
Jares v. Ulirch, 266 Wis.2d 322, (Ct. App. 2003), in which the court addressed the scope of the duty to defend and duty to indemnify for damages allegedly caused by a raccoon infestation at a residential home.
Rosin v. Fort Howard Corp., (Ct. App. 1998), in which the court prevented a child from recovering for negligent infliction of emotional distress after learning of his father’s death through indirect means.

Other

Former Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge
Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers” ® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine
WIAA Licensed High School Football Official
U.S. Army, Infantry, 1990-1994

Karl A. VanDeHey

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: kvandehey@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9154

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Ellen Cook

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., cum laude, 2000

University of Wisconsin School of Education, B.S., Mathematics, 1986

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel
Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Numerous Wisconsin Court and LIRC decisions available upon request

Madeline K. Weston

Attorney

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: mweston@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9177

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant: Cathy Calkins

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., 2023

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2019

Areas of Practice

Court Admissions

All Wisconsin State Courts
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Organizations

State Bar of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Verdicts and Published Decisions

Publications:

Madeline Weston, Committing Crimes Kept Her Alive: United States v. Dingwall and the Criminalization of Domestic Violence Victims, 37 Wis. J.L. Gender & Soc’y 241 (2022)

Other

University of Wisconsin Law School Dean’s Academic Achievement Award
Dean’s List (Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022)
Intern for the Honorable Rebecca Frank Dallet, Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice (Spring 2022)
Member of the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society (Senior Submissions Editor, 2022-2023)
Best Performance in a Course (VOCA Restraining Order Clinic Fall 2021)

Melissa L. Wood

Billing Manager

Contact

Location: Milwaukee, WI

Email: mwood@borgelt.com

Phone: 414-287-9138

Fax: 414-276-0172

Assistant

Jessica Stewart, Billing Specialist II

Education

Arizona State University, B.S-2002

Other

Joined the firm in 2014
Manages all aspects of the firm’s billing and pricing processes
Along with her assistant Jessica, are also responsible for the firm’s website and marketing efforts
Excels in developing and leveraging relationships to streamline processes and ensure Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen, S.C. is innovating at a pace that meets and exceeds client expectations