New Hires, Promotions, Partners

Marisa M. Andersen, Marquette 2025, has joined Pruitt, Ekes & Geary S.C., Racine, as an associate. The firm focuses exclusively on representing cities, villages, and towns in all facets of municipal law.

Virginia Bartelt, U.W. 1983, Lindsey Cobbe, U.W. 2010, and Ashleigh Hacker, U.W. 2018, have joined Boardman Clark LLP, Madison. Bartelt practices primarily in the areas of trust and estates, real estate, and business. Her clients include a wide variety of individuals, families, real estate investors, and business owners. Cobbe and Hacker are members of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. Cobbe focuses on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and physical placement matters, and financial issues, including child support, maintenance, and property division. She also drafts marital property agreements (prenuptial and postnuptial agreements) and cohabitation agreements. Hacker represents clients through all aspects of divorce litigation and in child custody, child support, and maintenance cases. She has extensive experience working with business valuations, complex financial assets, intrastate jurisdictional issues, and Hague Convention matters and also represents clients in appellate cases.

Barry J. Boline, Drake 1994, has returned to private practice and has joined Burbach & Stansbury S.C., Milwaukee, after serving nearly 14 years as a full-time family court commissioner. With more than 32 years of experience in family law, he offers mediation, arbitration, trial co-counsel, and appellate services and provides practical, efficient dispute resolution and strategic legal support at the trial and appellate levels.

Abbey Bowen, Marquette 2017, has joined Wessels & Liebau LLC. Her practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, guardianship and protective placements, special needs planning, and probate and trust administration. Wessels & Liebau LLC is dedicated to serving elder law and special needs planning clients throughout southeastern Wisconsin, with offices in Mequon and Sheboygan.

Jane H. Christopherson, Marquette 2010, has joined Levine Law LLC, Milwaukee, a boutique litigation firm handling criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation matters. Her practice focuses mainly on criminal defense matters throughout Wisconsin while also assisting with various civil matters.

Nicholas Burkett, Marquette 2017, and Robb Evans, U.W. 2017, have been promoted from associate to partner with DeWitt LLP. Burkett practices in DeWitt’s Green Bay office, and Evans is based in its Madison office.

Burkett focuses on business law, advising clients on a wide range of matters including entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, owner buyouts, real estate transactions, and general corporate governance. Before joining DeWitt, Burkett gained experience practicing in the Green Bay area.             

Evans is a member of the Business practice group. He frequently serves as outside general counsel to start-up businesses and has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, corporate governance, contract drafting, and negotiation. He assists business owners with succession planning and ownership transitions to family members or third-party buyers and counsels clients on real estate matters regarding purchase and sale, leasing, and land use of real property.

Matt Klos, U.W. 2016, and Emily Iverson, U.W. 2021, have become partners of Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik, La Crosse. Olivia Hefty, U.W. 2025, has joined the firm as an associate.

Charles Jaskolski, U.W. 2023, has joined Jaskolski & Jaskolski SC, Milwaukee, as a third-generation associate attorney in the family law firm. He is admitted to practice in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana; the U.S. District Courts for the Districts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, and the Northern District of Illinois; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Jaskolski previously practiced at Meagher & Geer PLLP, Chicago, advising clients and litigating significant insurance coverage disputes.

Robin Lehninger, Minnesota 2015 magna cum laude, has been elected as a member of Dykema. Lehninger, based in the Milwaukee office, advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, strategic partnerships, and governance matters, with a focus on healthcare- and technology-related deals. As a member of the firm’s capital markets team, she advises clients on capital raise transactions from early-stage funding to public offerings. Her practice also involves representation of clients across the healthcare industry on strategic transactions.

Jim Bedore, Georgetown 1985, has rejoined Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. as of counsel in the Corporate Law and Securities practices and is based in Milwaukee. Bedore, an attorney with Reinhart from 1985 to 2018, returns to the firm after serving as executive vice president, secretary, and general counsel of NCR Corporation. He advises clients on corporate and securities matters, including mergers and acquisitions, public and private securities offerings, private equity transactions, and other financing arrangements. He frequently works with companies on securities compliance, corporate governance, responding to shareholder activism, shareholder engagement, and executive compensation.

Matt Ackmann, Marquette 2016, Tomás Clasen, U.W. 2018 cum laude, and Joia Wodarczyk, U.W. 2018, have been elected shareholders of Reinhart. Ackmann is in the Trusts and Estates Practice in the Milwaukee office, focusing primarily on estate and tax planning for business owners and wealthy families.

Clasen is in the Real Estate Practice in the Milwaukee office and counsels clients on complex commercial real estate matters, including purchasing and sales, leasing, entitlements, construction law, tax incremental financing, and conventional financing. He has extensive experience working with municipalities on land use entitlements and zoning issues. He also handles licensing work in the food and beverage arena, helping businesses secure beer and liquor licenses through state and local agencies.

Wodarczyk is in the Real Estate Practice in the Madison office, assisting clients in all aspects of commercial real estate development. She is experienced in acquisitions and dispositions, land use, zoning and entitlements issues, public and private financing, and leasing and in collaborating with opposing counsel and municipalities to move deals forward efficiently.

Elise Braunel, Marquette 2025 cum laude, and Sadie Hobbs, Marquette 2024 cum laude, have joined Reinhart as associates, both in the Milwaukee office. Braunel, with the Trust and Estates Practice, focuses on estate plans for high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners and assists clients with probate avoidance; trust funding and beneficiary designations; trustee, beneficiary, and personal representative representation; and general tax planning and compliance. Hobbs, with the Litigation Practice, represents clients in commercial and competition law and product liability, safety, and recalls.

Reese M. Sarnowski, Florida 2025, has joined Davczyk & Varline LLC, Wausau, as an associate focusing on insurance coverage, products liability, premises liability, automobile accidents, and catastrophic loss.

Mergers, Relocations, New Offices

Latrice Knighton, U.W. 2002 (formerly Latrice Pinson), has launched Valor Divorce Firm PLLC, a family law firm based in North Carolina. Knighton focuses her practice on divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and property division matters. She is licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Wisconsin and brings more than 14 years of experience in family law.

Nowlan Law, a Wisconsin-based full-service law firm with a long-standing commitment to public service and advocacy, has partnered with Wisconsin Property Taxpayers (WPT). WPT is a statewide organization dedicated to protecting property owners through education, oversight, and responsible government policy. As part of the collaboration, Nowlan Law serves as a legal resource for WPT members across a broad range of practice areas, including business and corporate law, real estate law, estate planning, agricultural law, mediation and arbitration, family law, civil litigation, landlord and tenant law, and more. This legal support will help advance WPT’s mission to educate, inform, and advocate for property owners throughout Wisconsin.

Authors, Speakers

Authors of the recently revised Anderson on Wisconsin Insurance Law (State Bar of Wis. 10th ed. 2026) are the following: Brian D. Anderson, Ohio Northern 2010, Everson Law Firm, Green Bay; Caleb R. Gerbitz, Mitchell Hamline 2020, and David W. McCormack, Marquette 2021, Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C., Milwaukee; Joshua S. Greenberg, Marquette 2020, and David J. Turek, Marquette 2002, Gass Turek LLC, Milwaukee; Erik M. Gustafson, Marquette 2017, von Briesen & Roper S.C., Milwaukee; John P. Pinzl, U.W. 2015, von Briesen & Roper S.C., Madison; Andrew B. Hebl, Michigan State 2008, Boardman Clark LLP, Madison; Melita M. Mullen, U.W. 2012, Bell, Moore & Richter S.C., Madison; Patrick S. Nolan, Marquette 1997, and Alexandra W. Shortridge, Marquette 2014, Quarles & Brady LLP; and Monte E. Weiss, Case Western Reserve 1991, Weiss Law Office S.C., Mequon.

Jerome Grzeca, managing partner of Grzeca Law Group, Milwaukee, spoke at the AILA Midyear Conference on Jan. 23, 2026, in Costa Rica. He served as a discussion panelist for “Agency Enforcement Beyond ICE.” Grzeca advises employers across the hospitality, manufacturing, and professional services sectors on strategic immigration planning, workforce mobility, and securing employment-based visas for critical talent. His practice guides companies through complex visa and permanent residence processes with an emphasis on efficiency, compliance, and long-term workforce strategy.

Migena Vula, U.W. 2025, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., Madison, authored the recently revised Real Estate Transactions System (State Bar of Wis. 10th ed. 2026).

Authors of the recently revised The Law of Damages in Wisconsin (State Bar of Wis. 10th ed. 2026) are the following: Allen A. Arntsen (retired), U.W. 1981, and Matthew D. Lee, Alabama 2006, Foley & Lardner LLP, Madison; Ryan Bald, Duquesne 2024, Sherry D. Coley, Marquette 2003, and Tiffany E. Woelfel, U.W. 2016, Amundsen Davis LLC, Green Bay; Melinda A. Bialzik, Harvard 1999, and Lance E. Duroni, Marquette 2019, Kohner, Mann & Kailas S.C., Milwaukee; Derek W. Brown, U.W. 2018, Eisenberg Law Offices, Madison; Keith A. Bruett, Marquette 1998, and Patrick S. Nolan, Marquette 1997, Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee; and Robert C. Burrell, Iowa 1971, Borgelt, Powell, Peterson & Frauen S.C., Milwaukee.

Also, James R. Clark, U.W. 1971, and Matthew Kass, Marquette 2023, Foley & Lardner LLP, Milwaukee; Andrew J. Clarkowski, U.W. 1995, and Justin H. Lessner, Chicago-Kent 2006, Axley Brynelson LLP, Madison; Matthew J. Cornetta, Iowa 2001, Ruder Ware L.L.S.C., Eau Claire; Kyle W. Engelke, U.W. 2013, and Clementine Uwabera, Florida State 2014, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, Madison; Brandon J. Evans, George Mason 2005, Kendricks Bordeau P.C., Marquette, Mich.; and Matthew R. Falk, U.W. 1994, Falk Legal Group, Milwaukee.

Also, Isabelle L. Faust, Marquette 2018, and Joseph P. Trevino, Marquette 2012, Amundsen Davis LLC, Milwaukee; Stephanie L. Finn, U.W. 1991, Herrick & Hart S.C., Eau Claire; Matthew V. Fisher, Minnesota 2009, and Carly Swinick, Marquette 2017, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, Milwaukee; Stephen L. Fox, Marquette 1992, and Kent A. Tess-Mattner, Marquette 1980, Schmidt, Rupke, Tess-Mattner & Fox S.C., Brookfield.

Also, Robert L. Gegios, U.W. 1981, Gegios Law, Milwaukee; Kurt A. Goehre, U.W. 2009, Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry S.C., Green Bay; Thomas Gonzalez, U.W. 1998, Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary PC, Milwaukee; Erik G. Hassell, Notre Dame 2019, von Briesen & Roper s.c., Milwaukee; Ann S. Jacobs, U.W. 1992, Jacobs Injury Law S.C., Milwaukee; Sarah F. Kaas, Drake 1996, and Paul A. Kinne, U.W. 1993, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, Madison.

Also, Eric W. Lengell, Marquette 2007, and Gary S. Stanislawski , Marquette 1997, Zilske Law Firm S.C., Brookfield; Kristen E. Lonergan, U.W. 2010, Crooks Law Firm S.C., Wausau; Thomas J. Lonzo, U.W. 1989, The Rose Group, Milwaukee; Theodore V. Lyons Jr., U.W. 1978, Meier, Wickhem, Lyons & Schulz S.C., Janesville; Melita M. Mullen, U.W. 2012, Bell, Moore & Richter S.C., Madison; and Jacqueline C. Nuckels, Marquette 2004, Nuckels Law LLC, Oconomowoc.

Also, Daniel A. Peterson, Minnesota 2012, Zimmer & Rens LLC, Brookfield; David J. Pliner, U.W. 1989, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC, Madison; Terrence M. Polich, U.W. 1998, Lawton & Cates S.C., Madison; Benjamin R. Prinsen, U.W. 2009, Kravit, Hovel & Krawczyk s.c., Milwaukee; Elizabeth D. Reeths, U.W. 2011, Kramer Shull Reeths LLP, Wausau; Noah B. Relles, Univ. of California Berkeley 2016, Kasieta Legal Group, Madison; and Brian A. Schuk, Marquette 2001, Schuk Law LLC, Lake Geneva.

Also, Allison V. Shepard, Marquette 2013, Shepard Law S.C., Eau Claire; Isaiah Z. Simons, Marquette 2024, and David J. Turek , Marquette 2002, Gass Turek LLC, Milwaukee; Jacob A. Sosnay, John Marshall 2006, Meissner Tierney Fischer & Nichols SC, Milwaukee; Katherine D. Spitz, Notre Dame 2007, Spitz Mediation Services LLC, Pewaukee; Susan R. Tyndall, Marquette 1985, Habush, Habush & Rottier S.C., Waukesha; and Samantha J. Wood, U.W. 2013, Lindner & Marsack S.C., Milwaukee.

Awards, Degrees, Honors

Nicole M. Madden, U.W. 2025, and Rachel Seifert, Marquette 2025, have been commissioned as first lieutenants in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. Originally from Arcadia and Pepin, respectively, they completed basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia and officers’ school in Charlottesville, Virginia. They are currently stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

In Memoriam

John M. Bjelajac, U.W. 1973, Racine, Feb. 28, 1948 – Nov. 18, 2025.

Robert P. Burke, North Dakota 1967, Madison, Dec. 10, 1941 – June 24, 2025.

Nicholas E. Fairweather, Case Western Reserve 2000, Madison, April 28, 1974 – Jan. 5, 2026.

Hon. Daniel L. La Rocque, Marquette 1962, Madison, July 11, 1936 – Dec. 29, 2025.

Arthur M. Moglowsky, U.W. 1962, Mequon, May 15, 1937 – Dec. 25, 2025.

Paul A. Nikolay, Marquette 1984, Harshaw, Dec. 14, 1958 – Dec. 13, 2025.

James G. Sisolak, U.W. 1954, Brookfield, July 14, 1930 – Feb. 17, 2023.

Mark S. Stern, U.W. 1976, Bayside, Jan. 17, 1951 – July 29, 2025.

Steven C. Wimmer, Ohio Northern Univ. 1985, Waukesha, Aug. 7, 1957 – Jan. 8, 2026.

Hon. Edward F. Zappen Jr., Marquette 1973, Wisconsin Rapids, Nov. 9, 1942 – Nov. 19, 2025.

David K. Ziemer, William & Mary 1991, Casper, Wyo., Dec. 17, 1966 – Dec. 31, 2025.

How to Place your Announcement

If you have moved, become a partner or an associate, or received a promotion or an award, let us know! Writing guidelines are available here. Questions? Email us or call (608) 250-6127.

Email announcements to: MembersOnly@wisbar.org. Notices about State Bar members in good standing are printed as space is available, and subject to editing.

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Deadline: Submit announcements by the first of the month preceding publication. For example, to place an announcement in the November issue, it must be received before October 1. Email to: MembersOnly@wisbar.org. Include your State Bar membership number.