Litigation: General Commercial
USA Guide 2024 : Wisconsin
Band 3
About
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Successfully resolving commercial disputes requires understanding our client’s business and the local civil laws shaping outcomes. Michael Best’s Commercial Litigation attorneys work tirelessly to develop a litigation strategy focused on our client’s overall business goals and needs, not just the case at hand.
We aim to assist our clients in avoiding litigation and exploring alternative dispute resolution methods whenever feasible, effectively minimizing both costs and disruption of their operations. However, when litigation becomes necessary, we stand ready with the experience and bench strength to navigate all phases of the legal process.
From comprehensive pre-suit assessment to adept handling of discovery, motions practice, settlement negotiations, arbitration or trial proceedings, and appellate work, our trial lawyers possess the knowledge of Wisconsin and federal courts to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
Our team has experience resolving:
- Contract disputes
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) disputes
- Unfair and deceptive trade practices
- Antitrust
- Dealership and franchise disputes
- Tortious interference, fraud, and other business torts
- Trade secrets and unfair competition
- Corporate governance disputes
- Fiduciary disputes
- Insolvency and restructuring disputes
- Creditors’ rights, collections, and bankruptcy
- Lender liability claims and other financial services litigation
- Products liability defense
- Class action, collective action, and multidistrict litigation
Chambers Review
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has a robust group adept at handling an array of disputes, including antitrust, false advertising, construction, employment and product liability cases. The team is also recognized for its capabilities in class action suits and for its strengths in white-collar crime and government investigations. It is additionally noted for its skills in mediation and arbitration and is frequently sought after for its intellectual property expertise.
Work Highlights
- Michael Best & Friedrich LLP served as Wisconsin counsel to defend Estee Lauder and Colgate Palmolive against a series of product liability lawsuits regarding the alleged presence of asbestos in their cosmetic products.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Michael Best lawyers have always been able to handle complex and sophisticated matters quickly and efficiently."
"They always appear to be on top of next steps and have done a great job of keeping me apprised of activity in a timely way."
"All team members are excellent and display solid communication skills."
"The Michael Best lawyers have always been able to handle complex and sophisticated matters quickly and efficiently."
"They always appear to be on top of next steps and have done a great job of keeping me apprised of activity in a timely way."
"All team members are excellent and display solid communication skills."
Notable Practitioners
Paul Benson handles a wide range of commercial litigation, including product liability issues, insurance work and defending class actions.
"Paul is a wonderful resource and a wealth of knowledge for our organization."
"I would recommend Paul Benson to those looking for an experienced litigator."
Justin Mertz is held in particularly high esteem for his bankruptcy litigation practice, as well as advising on insolvency and broader breach of contract claims.
"Justin's a rock star. Really, his level of knowledge in his chosen field is second to none and he knows how to achieve a practical result. He's also an absolute pleasure to work with."
"Justin definitely understands our issues, has given good guidance and communicates well in an effort to complete the negotiations."
Ranked Lawyers at
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Wisconsin
Members
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Adam E Witkov
Adam Lowe
Alexander M. DeGuire
Annie Schoenfeldt
Austin Wesner
Christopher Schreiber
Daniel J Vaccaro
Head of Department
David A Krutz
David Shea
Davis Sullivan
Ena Allen
Ian Pitz
John C. Scheller
John D. Finerty
Jonathan H Margolies
Joseph Brydges
Joseph L Olson
Lauren Triebenbach
Lee M Seese
Michael Laing
Paul Matenaer
Peter Sandvick
Roy Wagner
S Edward Sarskas
Shane Brunner
Tanya M. Salman
Ted A Wisnefski
Thomas Agnello
Victor J Allen
Industries
Provided by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Banks
Construction & Materials
Financial Services
Food & Drink Producers
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences