Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys - General Defense

Patrick W. Brennan

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: pbrennan@crivellolaw.com

Practice Areas

• Commercial Litigation
• Insurance Coverage
• Construction Law
• Product Liability
• Professional Liability

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1981
• Illinois, 1982
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, 1985
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Additional Biographical Details:

2016 Best Lawyers in America; 2015 Irish Legal 100; AV Preeminent Rating Martindale-Hubbell; Top Rated Lawyer in Insurance Law, Martindale Hubbell (2013); Best Lawyers in America - Commercial Litigation (2013-2016); "Super Lawyer," (2005-2015); Whitefish Bay Municipal Judge (1993-2008); Chairman, Peter Favre Forum (1994-2002); Recipient, Lawyer of the Year/Legal Scholar, Milwaukee Bar Association (1990)

Memberships:

• American, Illinois State and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin (Litigation Section Board of Governors Chair, 2007-2008)
• Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin (President, 2001-2002)
• Risk and Insurance Management Society (Associate)
• The Federalist Society
• The Construction Specifications Institute
• Professional Liability Underwriting Society
• National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
• Professional Liability Defense Federation
• Fellow, Wisconsin Law Foundation
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel
• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
• Defense Research Institute
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation

Education:

• Marquette University, B.S., 1978
• Marquette University, J.D., 1981

Nick G. Kotsonis

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: nkotsonis@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1989
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Nick G. Kotsonis has been a shareholder with the firm since 1999 and was appointed to the Board of Directors as of January 1, 2014. His practice areas include employment litigation/workers' compensation, business and commercial litigation, insurance coverage litigation, personal injury, premises liability, environmental/toxic tort claims and risk management.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Association of Workers' Compensation Attorneys

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S., 1986
• University of Wisconsin-Madison, J.D., 1989

Born: 1963

Jeffrey T. Nichols

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: jnichols@crivellolaw.com

Practice Areas

• Litigation
• Product Liability
• Premises Liability
• Professional Liability
• Construction Law
• Transportation Law

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1990
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, 1990
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1990

Jeff is a long time shareholder and member of the Board of Directors at Crivello Carlson. He is National Trial Counsel for one of the Country's leading manufacturers of compact farming and construction equipment and assists as National Counsel for a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. He has also served as National Counsel for one of the Country's leading manufacturers of boilers and water heaters and works with several multi-national companies on contract disputes, product performance issues and product liability claims.

Jeff has handled numerous cases throughout the State and Country and has tried cases to juries in New York, Kansas, Connecticut, Texas and California. Jeff's trials typically involve claimed damages in excess of $1 Million and involve alleged product defects and performance and warnings issues resulting in catastrophic injuries.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Defense Research Institute
• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
• Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin

Education:

• Marquette University, B.S., 1987
• Valparaiso University, J.D., 1990

Born: 1964

Mary E. Nelson

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: mnelson@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1988
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, 1988

Mary is a shareholder in the firm. For 29 years, she has defended lawsuits in state and federal court in Wisconsin and other jurisdictions. She has also represented employers in matters before the Equal Rights Division and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous mediations and arbitrations. Mary is Peer Review Rated as AV Preeminent, which is the highest rating in Martindale-Hubbell's peer review rating system.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin
• Defense Research Institute

Education:

• University of Lowell, B.A./B.S., 1985
• Marquette University, J.D., 1988

Law Review:

Marquette Law Review (1987-1988)

Born: 1963

James A. Niquet

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: jniquet@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1986
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, 1986

James A. Niquet is a Shareholder at Crivello Carlson, S.C. He serves as National Coordinating Counsel for a number of major manufacturing corporations, assisting with their litigation, risk management and process audits. He has a broad litigation background, and concentrates in the areas of product liability, toxic torts and professional malpractice.

Memberships:

• American and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A., 1983
• Marquette University, J.D., 1986

Born: 1960

William W. Ehrke

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: wehrke@crivellolaw.com

Years of Experience: 35

Practice Areas

• Bad Faith
• Appellate Practice
• Municipal Litigation
• Personal Injury
• Employment
• Workers' Compensation
• Employment Discrimination
• Wisconsin Consumer Act/Fair Credit Reporting Act

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1981
• Illinois, 1982
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

His litigation focus is on the civil defense of corporations, insurers and municipalities, with emphasis on personal injury/products liability defense, first party property insurance and bad faith defense, third party casualty insurance defense including the defense of fraudulent claims, municipal civil rights claims defense, employment discrimination (race, gender, disability, religion, harassment, disability, retaliation and hostile work environment) and workers compensation defense. His experience covers over 60 jury trials and over 100 administrative hearings and proceedings over the past 33 years and includes multiple arguments before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Memberships:

• American, Illinois State and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Association of Workers Compensation Attorneys
• Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin

Education:

• Northwestern University, B.S., Industrial Engineering, 1978
• DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 1981

Born: 1956

Nathan J. Bayer

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: nbayer@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Named "Rising Star" by the Wisconsin SuperLawyers publication, 2008, 2010, 2011 Nathan has been with the firm since graduating law school in 2001 and is a shareholder.

Nathan is a volunteer attorney coach for the Shorewood High School mock trial team since 2001. The team has won the regional tournament and advanced to state 12 out of 13 years, and qualified for the state championship round in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court 5 of the last 8 years, winning state in 2007. He is also a member of the Wisconsin State Bar Mock Trial Advisory Board.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Wisconsin

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, B.A., 1996
• T.C. Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Cert. Comparative Law, 2000
• Marquette University, J.D., 2001

Born: 1972

Noelle C. Muceno

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: nmuceno@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1990
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Attorney Muceno's primary practice is defending product manufacturers and suppliers against claims of alleged failures or defects in products which caused personal injuries and premises owners against claims of alleged safe place violations and negligence in the construction and maintenance of work premises. Ms. Muceno has also defended building contractors against allegations of strict products liability and negligence.

Memberships:

• American and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Defense Research Institute

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A. (cum laude), 1987
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1990

Born: 1965

Amy J. Doyle

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: adoyle@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1990
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Amy Doyle is a shareholder with Crivello Carlson. Her primary practice areas include municipal and civil rights litigation including jail and prisoner liability, law enforcement liability, land use issues, municipal defense and appellate practice. Presentations include Wisconsin Law Update for Wisconsin's Judges and various seminars on Municipal Liability including presentations on Municipal Land Use Claims, Medical and Mental Health Issues in the Jail and Law Enforcement setting, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and Law Enforcement Contacts with Suicidal and Mentally Ill Individuals.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, B.A., 1987
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1990

Born: 1963

Agatha K. Raynor

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: araynor@crivellolaw.com

Practice Areas

• Employment Law
• Civil Defense
• Insurance Defense

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2000
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois

Additional Biographical Details:

Rising Star in the Wisconsin SuperLawyers Peer Survey in 2006-2008, 2010, 2013-2015 (Employment Litigation: Defense); Board Member, March of Dimes - Wisconsin Chapter; Mentor, Milwaukee Bar Association's Mentorship Program and Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association's Honorable Charles N. Clevert, Jr. Mentoring Program

Agatha K. Raynor is a shareholder with the firm. She concentrates her practice in civil defense litigation with emphasis in the areas of employment litigation, professional liability litigation and mass tort litigation. She also works with employers to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, to minimize risk in employment practices, to train supervisors and management on employment-related practices and to draft and design employment policies.

Ms. Raynor has been involved in numerous jury trials, bench trials and administrative evidentiary hearings. Agatha's recent presentations include seminars on General Issues in Employment Law, Workplace Harassment, Reductions in Force and Employment Discrimination. She has also presented seminars on legal ethics and Wisconsin tort law. Ms. Raynor was recognized a Rising Star in the Wisconsin SuperLawyers peer survey in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2015 (Employment Litigation: Defense).

Memberships:

• American and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
• National Association of Women Lawyers
• Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A., 1997
• University of Wisconsin, J.D., 2000

Born: 1975

Zachary J. Davis

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: zdavis@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Zachary J. Davis is a shareholder with the firm. He concentrates his practice in civil defense litigation with emphasis in the areas of insurance coverage, workers' compensation/employment, motor vehicle litigation, construction litigation, premises liability and products liability litigation. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin. During law school, he interned for Judge Lynn S. Adelman of the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Association of Workers' Compensation Attorneys
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 1998
• University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 2001

Born: 1976

Lawrence J. Drabot

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: ldrabot@crivellolaw.com

Years of Experience: 28

Admitted

• Illinois, 1987
• Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Larry joined the firm in 2001 after practicing in Illinois for over 13 years, where he was also a chair certified arbitrator for the DuPage County mandatory arbitration program and served on the editorial board for the DuPage County Bar Association Brief. He is a shareholder at the firm. He concentrates his practice in the areas of products liability, construction litigation, motor vehicle accidents and premises liability, as well as insurance coverage disputes. Larry has successfully defended and tried lawsuits in Wisconsin and Illinois and has participated in numerous mediations and arbitrations, as both an attorney and an arbitrator. He has made presentations on various legal topics including multi-jurisdictional practice, mold litigation, insurance issues, construction litigation, trucking litigation, discovery and depositions, and trial preparation. Larry is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Illinois Bar Association and Wisconsin Defense Counsel. Larry was born in Syracuse, NY, grew up in southern Ontario, Canada and in the Chicago area, and currently resides in Cedarburg, WI.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Illinois State and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1984
• The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1987

Born: 1962

Travis J. Rhoades

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: trhoades@crivellolaw.com

Years of Experience: 16

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1999
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Additional Biographical Details:

Vice President, Board of Directors, Downtown Montessori Academy; Board of Directors, Milwaukee Sport Club; Pro Hac Vice Admission in 37 States

I am a litigator. I represent site owners, manufacturers, distributors and sellers of products, business owners and their insurers in injury, death and property damage claims. Much of my practice involves the defense of individual product liability claims for consumer, commercial and industrial products manufacturers and their insurers. I am responsible for the development of national and regional strategies for our manufacturing and contracting clients in product liability and toxic tort cases, and have represented clients in formal and informal meetings with governmental agencies responsible for product safety. I try in each case to understand the client's goal, and ensure that any decision that will have a meaningful impact on the outcome is understood and approved by the client. I develop strategies in each case based on my understanding of client's needs and wishes, the law, the court and the people involved.

Memberships:

• American and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
• National Fire Protection Association
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel
• Defense Research Institute

Education:

• Southern Illinois University, B.A., 1995
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1998

Born: 1971

Stacy K. Luell

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: sluell@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2000
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Stacy K. Luell is a shareholder with the firm. She concentrates her practice in civil defense litigation with emphasis in insurance defense and coverage litigation. Stacy worked as a law clerk for Judges Michael Sullivan and William Haase of the First Judicial District of Wisconsin. Stacy was recognized as a Rising Star in the Wisconsin SuperLawyers peer survey in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, B.A., 1997
• University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 2000

Born: 1974

Laura E. Schuett

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: lschuett@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1985
• Illinois, 2014
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 1995

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduation from Whitefish Bay High School, I attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. I majored in English and received an award for my honors thesis on the fiction of Virginia Woolf. I spent several years working in the publishing industry (Cornell University Press) and in advertising (Boston Store). Having long considered law school, I finally took the plunge in 1982 at the University of Wisconsin Law School. During law school, I clerked at the Wisconsin Justice Department researching and writing legal memoranda on various topics. I also served in student government during law school.

I am currently involved in toxic tort litigation at Crivello Carlson. I have successfully litigated a number of summary judgment motions in toxic tort cases. I am also involved in commercial environmental litigation. I also have served on several occasions on the faculty for UW Madison Law School's General Practice/Lawyering Skills Course.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Illinois State and Chicago Bar Associations
• Association of Women Lawyers
• National Association of Women Lawyers
• National Forum for Environmental and Toxic Tort Issues
• American Association of University Women
• Defense Research Institute

Education:

• Cornell University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1979
• University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 1985

Born: 1957

Daniel K. Mullin

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: dmullin@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2008
• Illinois, 2008
• Minnesota, 2010
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2008
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 2009
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2013
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 2013
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 2013

Danny joined the firm in 2008 and concentrates his practice on counseling clients on wide-ranging matters and defending claims against manufacturers and distributors of products, financial institutions, and other businesses in product liability matters, commercial matters as well as catastrophic injury cases that occur at industrial facilities or on construction sites. He practices in state court in Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota and has represented clients in federal court in Wisconsin and the Northern District of Illinois. Danny frequently presents on topics including products liability, bad faith, insurance coverage, state and federal immunity statutes, special verdict formulation and the emerging segment of cyber liability.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Illinois State Bar Association

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A. (cum laude), 2005
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2008

Born: 1982

Sara C. Mills-Flood

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: smills@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2010
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Sara Mills is a shareholder focusing on complex commercial and personal civil defense, civil rights, and appeals. She represents individuals, professionals, corporations, product manufacturers, employers, school districts, municipalities, and insurers in matters involving allegations of infringement of civil rights, legal and professional malpractice, commercial interests, personal injury, premises liability, insurance coverage, construction defects, and bad faith. She has successfully briefed cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. She is committed to serving her clients with innovative and efficient solutions that produce successful results.

Memberships:

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, B.A., 2004
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, M.A., 2006
• Marquette University, J.D. (cum laude), 2010

Born: 1981

Samuel C. Hall, Jr.

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: shall@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2005
• New York, 2010
• Illinois, 2014
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Third, Fifth and Seventh Circuits
• U.S. Supreme Court

Samuel C. Hall, Jr. is a shareholder at Crivello Carlson, S.C. and is a member of the firm's Board of Directors. He received his bachelor’s degree and law degree from Marquette University. During law school, Sam was a St. Thomas More Scholar for three years and was a member of the Marquette Sports Law Review. His principal practice focuses on civil rights litigation and appellate practice. 

Sam has successfully defended hundreds of law enforcement officers, government officials and municipalities in cases involving alleged civil rights violations. He is admitted to practice and has defended law enforcement in high profile cases in Wisconsin, Illinois and New York state courts, the United States Supreme Court, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and federal district courts in Wisconsin, Illinois, New York, Texas and Pennsylvania. Sam's civil rights work has been covered nationally, including in publications such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald and San Francisco Chronicle.

Sam received the top "AV-Preeminent" peer and judicial ratings by Martindale-Hubbell and has also been selected for the Wisconsin Super Lawyers Rising Stars list several times for his civil rights defense and appellate work. Based on his experience in defending law enforcement officers, Sam has been a keynote speaker and lecturer for many law enforcement organizations and was also an adjunct instructor for a Master's level course offered by the University of Wisconsin for law enforcement command staff.

Memberships:

• American, National Native American and Seventh Circuit Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Eastern and Western District of Wisconsin Bar Associations

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A., 2002
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2005

Law Review:

Marquette University Sports Law Review, 2003-2004

Born: 1980

William E. Keeler III

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: wkeeler@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2007
• Illinois
• Missouri, 2014
• Minnesota, 2015
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2007
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, 2011
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

William E. Keeler, III is an attorney with the firm and handles matters in federal, state and administrative forums throughout the country. He concentrates his practice on general defense litigation, handling cases from inception through trial or settlement. He currently represents manufacturers, contractors, utilities, premises owners, and other businesses in litigation involving products liability, toxic torts, motor vehicle accidents, and general liability claims.

Prior to joining the firm, he spent several years litigating with the Milwaukee Trial Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender that included extensive motion and trial practice on behalf of hundreds of individual clients. He continues to represent individual clients that find themselves in need of counsel in criminal and traffic matters as the situation arises.

Memberships:

• American and Illinois State Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• University of Minnesota, B.A. English, 2003
• Marquette University, J.D., 2007

Ashley E. Webber

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: awebber@crivellolaw.com

Years of Experience: 5

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2011
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Ashley E. Webber joined Crivello Carlson, S.C. as an associate in 2012. She works as a litigator in state, federal and administrative forums. While at Marquette Law, Ashley served as Articles Editor for the Marquette Sports Law Review and was a representative in the Pepperdine University School of Law National Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition. She was also a recipient of the National Sports Law Institute Certificate and an inductee to the Posner Pro Bono Society. Ashley currently serves as a Board Member for the Sports & Entertainment Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

Memberships:

• American and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin (Board Member, Sports & Entertainment Law Section)
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association

Education:

• Dominican University of California, B.S. (cum laude), 2007
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2011

Born: 1985

Philip J. Tallmadge

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: ptallmadge@crivellolaw.com

Practice Areas

• Insurance Coverage Litigation
• Personal Injury
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability
• General Insurance Defense
• Motor Vehicle Litigation

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1993
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 2004

Philip J. Tallmadge is a shareholder with Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. Phil concentrates his practice in defense litigation including motor vehicle litigation, premises liability, and insurance coverage issues.

Phil graduated magna cum laude from Boston College in 1990 and from the University of Wisconsin Law School, cum laude, in 1993. He joined the firm in 2019 after practicing in the Milwaukee area for over 20 years. Phil is a native of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and currently lives in Brookfield with his wife and four children.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• Boston College, B.S. (magna cum laude), 1990
• University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D. (cum laude), 1993

Steven C. McGaver

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: smcgaver@crivellolaw.com

Years of Experience: 13

Practice Areas

• General Civil Litigation
• Municipal Law
• White Collar Criminal Defense

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2006
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Additional Biographical Details:

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers Rising Star, 2009-2018; 2009 Wisconsin Law Journal Up and Coming Lawyer

Memberships:

• American, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Waukesha County and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.S., 2003
• Marquette University Law School, J.D. (cum laude), 2006

Language:

• Spanish

Kelly L. Mangan

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: kmangan@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Additional Biographical Details:

Eastern District of Wisconsin Local Rules Committee, Civil Practice Subcommittee Chair (2013-2016)

Memberships:

• Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association (Board of Directors)
• Association for Women Lawyers

Education:

• University of Notre Dame, B.A. (cum laude), 1998
• University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D. (cum laude), 2001

Allison N. Bell

Peoria, IL

• E-Mail: abell@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Illinois, 1997
• U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois

Allison N. Bell is a shareholder with the firm, practicing in Central Illinois at the firm’s Peoria, Illinois office. She specializes in civil defense litigation, with emphasis on mass tort litigation and general insurance defense. Ms. Bell’s 23 years of experience in defense litigation on behalf of the full spectrum of insurance industry clients informs her day-to-day practice of representing clients from initial case investigation through settlement or trial. Her relationships in the local bar and familiarity with the judiciary and court processes throughout the years provide her the unique ability to effectively and successfully represent clients in matters throughout Central Illinois, including McLean County, Peoria County, Tazewell County, Sangamon County, Macon County, St. Clair County and Madison County. Ms. Bell has spent extensive time in the courtroom, having successfully defended insurance industry clients in numerous jury trials as sole counsel. While the majority of her practice consists of defense litigation work, she also has experience with and interest in medical malpractice, probate work, family law and construction litigation.

Memberships:

• Illinois State and Peoria County Bar Associations

Education:

• Grinnell College, B.A., 1994
• The University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1997

Robert M. Everett

Peoria, IL

• E-Mail: reverett@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Illinois, 2002
• U.S. District Court, Central and Northern Districts of Illinois

Robert M. Everett is a shareholder with the firm, practicing in Central Illinois at the firm’s Peoria, Illinois office. Rob focuses his practice on representing insurance companies in subrogation matters and defending corporations in mass tort litigation. Rob has represented insurance companies in automobile, property, product liability, and spoliation of evidence subrogation matters throughout the State of Illinois. He has also defended corporations in mass tort litigation in Cook, Madison, St. Clair, and McLean counties. Rob also represents plaintiffs in personal injury claims. He has tried more than 35 jury and bench trials to verdict, as well as more than 150 arbitration hearings. Rob’s practice is unique in its ability to be impartial and effective when representing both plaintiffs and defendants.

Memberships:

• Illinois State Bar and Peoria County Bar Associations
• National Association of Subrogation Professionals

Education:

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., 1997
• DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2001

Cindy L. Hangartner

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: changartner@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1995
• Illinois, 2004

Cindy is a shareholder in Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C.’s Eau Claire Office and devotes her time to estate planning, business succession planning, and advising for-profit and nonprofit businesses, including cooperatives.

Cindy regularly counsels clients on complex estate planning techniques, recommends tax saving strategies, and assists clients with simple wills and powers of attorney. She advises clients on structuring business succession plans to increase tax savings and successfully transition businesses to family members or employees. Cindy also represents clients in trust administration and probate matters.

Cindy represents for-profit and nonprofit businesses in general corporate governance matters. She regularly helps non-profit organizations obtain and/or maintain their 501(c)(3) status and to develop legacy gifts, including drafting charitable remainder trusts.

Cindy also counsels clients in new market tax credit transactions and church consolidations.

Memberships:

• American and Eau Claire County Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Law Foundation (Fellow)

Education:

• Luther College, B.A. Economics, 1990
• University of Wisconsin, J.D., 1995
• University of Denver, LL.M. Taxation, 1999

Jerilyn Jacobs

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: jjacobs@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1998
• California, 1999
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
• U.S. District Court, Central and Eastern Districts of California

Ms. Jacobs is a partner with Crivello, Nichols & Hall with more than 20 years of experience as a litigator and advisor. Her primary areas of practice include employment law, civil rights, school law and ERISA defense.

Ms. Jacobs’s employment law practice encompasses:
1. Representing private and public employers in federal and state court against claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, First Amendment and other retaliation, and wage and hour violations;
2. Defending private companies, municipalities, and counties before the Equal Rights Division and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
3. Advising employers on FMLA, wage and hour, discipline, and employment best practices, along with drafting, revising, and updating employee handbooks and policies; and
4. Conducting internal investigations and providing on-site employee training and seminars.
Ms. Jacobs defends municipalities and individual police officers in Section 1983 actions in federal court and municipalities in state court actions. She also defends employers and insurers in ERISA-related litigation in both the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin and the District of Minnesota (admitted pro hac vice).

Ms. Jacobs has also represented school districts in litigation and provides advice on issues relating to students, operations, and employment, including issues on teacher non-renewals, open records requests, and social media. She presides over expulsion and teacher non-renewal hearings.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Eau Claire County Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute

Education:

• University of Southern California, B.A., 1995
• Cornell University Law School, J.D., 1998

Melissa A. Kirschner

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: mkirschner@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1996
• Minnesota, 1997
• U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1999

Melissa a shareholder in Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C.’s Eau Claire Office and devotes her time to worker’s compensation defense and civil litigation, representing employers and insurance companies dealing with work injuries and related claims and issues. Melissa also counsels employers on creative workplace approaches and strategies that may help them avoid or reduce future worker’s compensation claims.

Melissa is well-versed in this complex and ever-changing area and has more than two decades of experience representing employers and insurers before the Department of Workforce Development, the Office of Worker’s Compensation Hearings, the Labor and Industry Review Commission, Circuit Courts, and Appellate Courts.

Memberships:

• Eau Claire County Bar Association
• Wisconsin Association of Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, B.A., 1992
• University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 1996

Danielle M. Strong

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: dstrong@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2009
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Daneille is a University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduate who received her law degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, she was selected among the top ten orators of her law school class while also being a member of the National McGee Civil Rights and National Health Law Moot Court teams.

In 2011, Daneille was voted “Mover and Shaker” of her Leadership Eau Claire class. In 2015, she was recognized as the Networker of the Year for the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley, and in 2017 she was named Outstanding Young Professional. In 2019, Daneille was presented with the Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Daneille has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Wisconsin from 2016 - 2019.

Daneille is a member of the American Bar Association, Wisconsin Bar Association, and Eau Claire County Bar Association, along with the Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys and Wisconsin Defense Counsel.

Daneille currently sits on the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is the past Board Chair for the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley, and past committee member for the Titan Business Challenge for Junior Achievement. Daneille is a Committee Member for the Youth Leadership Eau Claire program, various Committees for the Young Professionals of the Chippewa Valley, and the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee and Good Government Council. Additionally, Daneille is an Advisor for Alpha Xi Delta at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.

Memberships:

• American and Eau Claire County Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Association of Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, B.A., 2005
• Hamline University School of Law, J.D., 2009

Zachary J. Flood

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: zflood@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2006
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Zack Flood is an attorney at Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., where he advises clients on various employment-related legal issues and regularly defends governmental entities in civil rights litigation.
 
Zack’s legal practice is primarily dedicated to counseling both public and private sector employers on a diverse range of issues involving employment discrimination, reasonable accommodations, wage and hour issues, workplace harassment prevention and investigations, employee leave administration and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance, workplace safety, employee onboarding, discipline, and termination, and employee handbook and policy development. In addition, Zack assists employers in drafting and enforcing employment contracts, including confidentiality, non-compete, and severance agreements. As an experienced litigator, Zack frequently represents employers confronted with employee lawsuits in state, federal, and administrative forums. He has also presented at numerous seminars and symposiums concerning developments in employment law, strategies for employers in a variety of workplace contexts, and other compliance-related issues.

In addition to his work in employment law, Zack also defends state, county, and local governmental entities and officials in state and federal legal actions involving alleged civil rights infringements and complex constitutional issues. He has successfully defended numerous counties, municipalities, public officials, employers, businesses, and insurers in matters involving allegations of infringement of civil rights.

Zack graduated cum laude from Marquette University Law School, where he served as an associate editor on the Marquette Law Review and as the Student Director of Marquette’s Labor and Employment Law Program. Zack was also a three-time recipient of the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for his strong academic performance. Prior to returning to Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., Zack practiced labor and employment law at a large Milwaukee-based law firm.

Memberships:

• American, Eastern District of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• Ripon College, B.A., 2013
• Marquette University Law School, J.D. (cum laude), 2016

Julie Piper-Kitchin

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: jpiper-kitchin@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2008
• Illinois, 2009
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Julie manages all aspects of trial preparation and defense strategy for litigation clients in both state and federal court with an emphasis on complex business litigation, insurance defense, product liability, and municipal law. Julie also has extensive experience successfully briefing dispositive legal issues for her clients, as well as handling both jury and bench trials. Julie currently practices in the areas of civil litigation; product liability; insurance defense; insurance coverage; personal injury defense; and professional liability.

Prior to joining Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., Julie spent the majority of her career handling various litigation matters in courts around the country including consumer class actions, products liability, construction defect, pharmaceutical, ERISA, wage and hour, and FELA matters. While in law school, she interned for the Honorable Lynn Adelman, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and was an associate editor for the Marquette Intellectual Property Law Review, as well as a member of the Dean’s List and Pro Bono Honor Society.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Dane County Bar Association
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• University of Notre Dame, B.S., 2005
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2008

Matthew J. Tobin

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: mtobin@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2015
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Attorney Matthew J. Tobin is a lifelong Wisconsin resident and proud graduate of Marquette University High School, Marquette University, and Marquette University Law School. Attorney Tobin joined the firm in 2021 and has quickly become a tremendous resource for clients and colleagues alike.

Attorney Tobin focuses his practice on defending clients in matters involving product liability and personal injury. Attorney Tobin’s practice includes representing the interests of clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. In addition to standard litigation, Attorney Tobin has represented numerous clients in mass tort and class action lawsuits.

Attorney Tobin also possesses a passion for employment law, which began in law school where he was the President of the Labor and Employment Society and a Research Assistant for the Director of Marquette’s Labor and Employment Law Program. After graduation Attorney Tobin worked at one of the nation’s largest insurance companies defending the interests of numerous companies across the United States in employment law matters.

At Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. Attorney Tobin’s practice focuses on products liability, personal injury, and employment law matters. Attorney Tobin has been recognized as a Rising Star by Wisconsin Super Lawyers for his litigation work in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A., 2007
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2015

Brianna J. Meyer

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: bmeyer@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2017
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Brianna J. Meyer joined Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. in 2022. Brianna graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2017 and earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. After her first year in law school, Brianna earned a fellowship through the Public Interest Law Society and worked with the Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin in their Milwaukee office. During law school, Brianna held a leadership position within the Public Interest Law Society and participated in the National Advocacy Moot Court Competition. In 2017, Brianna was awarded the Outstanding Public Interest Law Student Award by the State Bar of Wisconsin. In 2018, Brianna was selected as the "Newaukeean of the Week”. Brianna recently finished her term as President of the Milwaukee Young Lawyers’ Association, is a mock trial coach for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and volunteers with Divine Savior Holy Angel’s Summer Cool mock trial camp. Brianna was recognized in 2021 as a “Best Lawyer-Ones to Watch”.

Although Brianna is in private practice, she continues her involvement in public interest law through volunteering and assisting with pro bono work. Bri’s practice is a diverse mix of litigation, including civil, municipal, criminal, Title IX, and other school disciplinary matters. Her passion is to not just meet her clients' needs, but to consistently exceed their expectations. Her optimistic and down to earth attitude resonates well with clients.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Eastern District of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association (Board of Directors, Past President)

Education:

• University of Minnesota, B.A., 2014
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2017

Eric S. Darling

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: edarling@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1982
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• Supreme Court of Wisconsin

Eric S. Darling is a shareholder with Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., practicing out of both its downtown and Mayfair Road locations in Milwaukee. He has over 40 years of experience in private practice and has successfully taken innumerable cases to jury trial over that span of time. He also has extensive experience pursuing substantive legal issues and insurance coverage issues by way of motion practice at the trial level, as well as appeals to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Eric grew up in Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, both as an undergrad and for law school, but has lived and worked in the Milwaukee area since 1982.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• The University of Iowa, B.A., 1979
• The University of Iowa College of Law, J.D., 1982

Henry E. Koltz

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: hkoltz@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2001
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Henry is a Shareholder at Crivello, Nichols & Hall, who joined the firm through a merger in September of 2022.

He has over 20 years of experience defending contractors, motorists, and insurance companies across Wisconsin. He has handled numerous jury trials, appeals, and argued at the Wisconsin Supreme Court, at Wisconsin’s Federal Courts, in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and in the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, DC. He has served as an arbitrator and mediator.

Memberships:

• Wisconsin Defense Counsel

Education:

• College of William & Mary, B.A., 1998
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2001

Kiley B. Zellner

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: kzellner@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2007
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Kiley B. Zellner serves as a shareholder at Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., which she joined in 2017. Kiley works as a litigator in federal, state, and administrative forums.

Kiley concentrates her civil practice in the areas of civil rights litigation, insurance litigation, premises liability, commercial litigation, employment, and products liability matters.

Kiley has zealously advocated for clients in both federal and state criminal trials. In addition, Kiley has successfully completed hundreds of consumer bankruptcy filings helping her clients to effectively resolve issues of debt.

Memberships:

• American and Milwaukee Bar Associations
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Claims and Litigation Management Institute
• CLC Legal Professional Employee Assistance Organization

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, B.A., 2004
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2007

Jocelyn S. Gaddini

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: jgaddini@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2023
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Attorney Jocelyn Gaddini recently became an Associate at Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. in 2023, following her graduation from Marquette University Law School. Her primary areas of focus within the legal field encompass insurance defense and civil rights litigation, as well as estate planning. Prior to completing her law degree, she served as a law clerk for the firm.

Being a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, Jocelyn grew up in Janesville and pursued her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison..

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A. Political Science, 2019
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2023

Honors:

Marquette University Law School Pro Bono Society, 2023; CALI Award: Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law, Marquette University Law School, 2023 and Business Basics for Lawyers, Marquette University Law School, 2021

Micaela E. Haggenjos

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: mhaggenjos@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2020
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Micaela E. Haggenjos joined Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. as an associate in 2020. Micaela works as a litigator in state, federal and administrative forums.

While at Marquette Law, Micaela was a recipient of Marquette’s Litigation Certificate and was an avid participant of Marquette’s Moot Court program: Micaela was a quarterfinalist of the National Moot Court Competition and a champion of the 2019 Jenkins Honors Moot Court Competition, and served on Marquette’s Moot Court Executive Board as the Associate Justice of Intramural Competitions. Micaela also served as a staff editor of the Marquette Benefits and Social Welfare Law Review.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2016
• Marquette University Law School, J.D., 2020

Kevin R. Landgraf

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: klandgraf@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2022
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Attorney Kevin Landgraf joined Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. in 2022 after graduating from Marquette University Law School. Attorney Landgraf works in several litigation forums for the firm, including insurance defense, labor & employment, municipal law, and civil rights litigation. Prior to graduation, he interned with the City Attorney’s office in the City of Muskego, handling ordinance violations from inception through trial.

While in law school, he devoted a majority of his time to extracurricular activities and litigation-based classes, earning a certificate from the National Sports Law Institute. He was heavily involved in the Moot Court and Sports Law programs, while also holding an associate editor role on the Sports Law Review. Kevin competed in the Jenkins Honors Moot Court competition, in addition to several sports law negotiation competitions. He was also elected by his peers as class representative of the Student Bar Association.

Kevin completed his undergraduate studies at Carthage College in Kenosha. At Carthage, Kevin was a frequent member of the Dean’s list.

Education:

• Carthage College, B.A., 2018
• Marquette University, J.D., 2022

John J. Moroney

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: jmoroney@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 2023
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Attorney John J. Moroney joined Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C. as an associate in 2023. Attorney Moroney works in several practice areas for the firm, including insurance defense, personal injury litigation, municipal law, and civil rights litigation.

Attorney Moroney has lived in the Madison area for nearly a decade. His time in Madison began at UW Madison where he obtained his undergraduate degree. After completing his undergraduate studies, Attorney Moroney worked at the Wisconsin Clerk of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Office in downtown Madison.

While at UW Law school, Attorney Moroney worked as a clinical law student with the Consumer Law Clinic, where he provided members of the Madison community with low-cost legal services. Attorney Moroney was a member of the Wisconsin Law Review as an Associate and late a Note and Comment Editor. After completing his second year in law school, Attorney Moroney began work as a law clerk at Crivello, Nichols & Hall, S.C., and continued in this role during the school year. Attorney Moroney graduated Cum Laude from UW Law School in May of 2023.

Education:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 2017
• James Madison College at Michigan State University, J.D., 2023

William P. Dineen

Milwaukee, WI

• E-Mail: wdineen@crivellolaw.com

Admitted

• Wisconsin, 1978
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Mr. Dineen has been associated with the firm as Of Counsel since 1993. The principal areas of his practice have been Municipal Law and Transportation Law. He is also President and sole shareholder of Dineen Law Offices, s.c.

Memberships:

• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Bar Association
• Transportation Lawyers Association
• International Municipal Lawyer's Association

Education:

• Marquette University, B.A., 1973
• Marquette University, J.D., 1978

Born: 1950