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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- Employment Relationships and Disputes
- General Negligence Litigation
- Personal Injury Claims
- Premises Liability
- Railroad Litigation
- Tort Litigation
- Worker’s Compensation
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
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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Non-Litigation and Pre-suit Claim Analysis
- Personal Injury Claims
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability Litigation
- Trucking and Common Carrier Litigation
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–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.
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
- Appellate Practice
- Municipal Law
- Worker’s Compensation
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
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
Areas of Practice
- Civil Litigation
- Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation
- Personal Injury Claims
- Product Liability Litigation
- Worker’s Compensation
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
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
- Administrative and Regulatory Agency Disputes
- Appellate Practice
- Employment Relationships and Disputes
- Worker’s Compensation
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 and 2022
- Hearing Examiner, State of Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, 1975-1983
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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- Construction Defect Litigation
- General Negligence Litigation
- Homeowner’s Insurance Analysis and Litigation
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability Litigation
- Subrogation and Statutory Liens
- Tort Litigation
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 (7th Cir. 2005)
- Badger Pharmacal v. Colgate-Palmolive Co., 1 F. 3d 621 (7th 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
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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Construction Defect Litigation
- First Party Property Insurance Issues
- Homeowner’s Insurance Analysis and Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability Litigation
- Trucking and Common Carrier Litigation
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 and 2022
- 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
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
- Automobile Liability
- Civil Litigation
- General Negligence Litigation
- Municipal Law
- Personal Injury Claims
- Subrogation and Statutory Liens
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 Wisconsin Super Lawyers-Rising Stars 2016,2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
- Marquette University Volunteer Legal Clinic Lawyer
- Marquette University Law School Dispute Resolution Program Judge
- University of Wisconsin Law School Lawyering Skills Course Visiting Instructor
Contact
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Email: egustafson@borgelt.com
Phone: 414-287-9176
Fax: 414-276-0172
Assistant: Lori Boyles
Education
Marquette University Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, and Certificate in Litigation Practice, 2017
Creighton University, B.A., summa cum laude, 2014
Areas of Practice
- Appellate Practice
- Bad Faith Counseling and Litigation
- First Party Property Insurance Issues
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Property Insurance
Court Admissions
- All Wisconsin State Courts
- United States Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (General Bar Only)
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Organizations
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Defense Counsel
- Federalist Society
Verdicts and Published Decisions
Publications:
- Bringing Unpublished Opinions into the 21st Century, WDC Journal (Spring 2021), available at http://wdc-online.org/wdc-journal/archived-editions/bringing-unpublished-opinions-21st-century-1
Published Decisions:
- Hughes v. Allstate, 2019AP1234, 2019 WL 6205101 (Wis. Ct. App. Nov.21,2019)
Other
- Technology Editor – Marquette Law Review Vol. 100
- Law Clerk to the Hon. Michael Gableman, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 2017-18
- WIAA Licensed High School Football and Basketball Official
Contact
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Email: sholtzman@borgelt.com
Phone: 414-287-9136
Fax: 414-276-0172
Education
Washington High School, Milwaukee, 1970
36 years of hands-on experience
Areas of Practice
- Automobile Liability
- Civil Litigation
- Medical Malpractice Defense
- Personal Injury Claims
- Worker’s Compensation
Other
- Former member of Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and American Trial Lawyers Association
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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Construction Defect Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Premises Liability
- Professional Liability Defense
- Tort Litigation
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
- 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.
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
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
Contact
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Email: dmarano@borgelt.com
Phone: 414-287-9112
Fax: 414-276-0172
Education
University of Wisconsin – Parkside, B.S., 1982
Business administration with a concentration in Accounting
Staff
- David Piotrowski – Accountant/Special Projects
- Melissa Wood – Billing Specialist/Special Projects
Other
- Manages all aspects of the firm’s finance, accounting, billing, information technology, facilities management/operations and assists in human resources, recruiting, business planning and marketing
- Joined the firm in 1999 prior experience includes:
- Two years: Accounting Technology Consultant in the Information Technology field
- Five Years: Director of Sales and Marketing in the Medical field
- One year: Controller/General Manager in the Medical field
- Three years: Senior Staff Accountant in the Legal field
- Four years: Special Project/Accountant in the Insurance field
- Two years: Accountant/Manager in the Health and Fitness field
Contact
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Email: smccaffrey@borgelt.com
Phone: 414-287-9139
Fax: 414-276-0172
Assistant: Ellen Cook, Barbara Johnson
Education
Marquette University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2009
Michigan State University, B.A., 2002
Areas of Practice
Court Admissions
- All Wisconsin State Courts
Organizations
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Association for Women Lawyers
- Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
Verdicts and Published Decisions
Publications:
- Comment:”Slicing a Shadow”: The Debate over Combined Reporting and It’s Effect on Wisconsin’s Business Climate, 92 Marq.L.Rev.651,829-856(2009)
Published Decisions:
- Recipient of 2008-2009 Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys Law School Scholarship Award
- Marquette Law Review – Associate Editor
Madison Gas & Electric v. LIRC, 2011 WI App 110, 336 Wis. 2d 197,802 N.W.2d 502, challenging cumulative PPD ratings
Other
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
- Appellate Practice
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- Construction Defect Litigation
- Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation
- General Negligence Litigation
- Homeowner’s Insurance Analysis and Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Medical Malpractice Defense
- Non-Litigation and Pre-suit Claim Analysis
- Premises Liability
- Product Liability Litigation
- Subrogation and Statutory Liens
- Tort Litigation
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)
- Wisconsin Chapter, International Association of Arson 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 and 2022
- 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
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
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
- Civil Litigation
- General Negligence Litigation
- Personal Injury Claims
- Premises Liability
- Tort Litigation
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
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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- Construction Defect Litigation
- General Negligence Litigation
- Non-Litigation and Pre-Suit Claims Analysis
- Personal Injury Claims
- Product Liability Litigation
- Subrogation and Statutory Liens
- Tort Litigation
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
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
Areas of Practice
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation
- Medical Malpractice Defense
- Personal Injury Claims
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
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
- Appellate Practice
- Assisted Living Facility Liability
- Medical Malpractice Defense
- Personal Injury Claims
- Professional Liability Defense
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
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
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
- Appellate Practice
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Bad Faith Counseling and Litigation
- Civil Litigation
- Construction Defect Litigation
- First Party Property Insurance Issues
- Homeowner’s Insurance Analysis and Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Non-Litigation and Pre-suit Claim Analysis
- Property Insurance
- Subrogation and Statutory Liens
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
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
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
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
- Automobile Liability (Commercial and Personal Auto)
- Civil Litigation
- General Negligence Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Tort Litigation
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)
Contact
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Email: mwirth@borgelt.com
Phone: 414-287-9159
Fax: 414-276-0172
Assistant: Lori Boyles
Education
Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1999
Northern Illinios University, M.A.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, B.A.
Areas of Practice
- Bad Faith Counseling and Litigation
- First Party Property Insurance Issues
- General Negligence Litigation
- Insurance Coverage Analysis and Litigation
- Non-Litigation and Pre-suit Claim Analysis
- Property Insurance
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
- Milwaukee Bar Association
Verdicts and Published Decisions
- Dahmen v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co.,2001 WI App 198,247 Wis. 2d 541, 635 N.W. 2d 1
- Malik v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co.,,2001 WI App 82, 243 Wis. 2d 27625 N.W.2d 640
- Martin v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co.,2001 WI App 178, 247 Wis.2d 386,634 N.W.2d 127
- Martin v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co.,2002 WI 40252 Wis. 2d 103, 643 N.W.2d 452
- Wolf v. American Family Mut. Ins. Co.,2015 WI app 36, 361 Wis.2d 756, 865 N.W.2d 186
- Holt v. Hegwood,2005 WI App 257, 287 Wis. 2d 853, 708 N.W.2d 21
Other
- Selected for inclusion in “Super Lawyers-Rising Stars” ® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009
- Selected for inclusion in “Wisconsin Super Lawyers- Product Liability Litigation, Defense” ® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2019
- Selected for inclusion in “Wisconsin Super Lawyers- Insurance Law” ® by Law & Politics and the publishers of Milwaukee Magazine in 2020
- Best Lawyers (Milwaukee), Product Liability Litigation, 2018, 2019
- Best Lawyers (Milwaukee), Insurance Law, 2018, 2019
- Selected to America’s Top 100 “Bet the Company” Litigators, 2019
- Selected to America’s Top 100 “High Stakes Litigators” – Insurance Defense Litigation, 2020