Lawton & Cates s.c.

Richard L. Cates earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Law in 1951, with distinction, and was a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of The Order of the Coif. He is the co-founder of the Lawton & Cates, S.C. law firm in Madison, Wisconsin. Mr. Cates is highly respected as a trial lawyer. His philosophy in practicing law is to represent each client at the highest possible level of skill, ability and personal integrity to maintain the public's belief in and respect for the legal system, which provides freedom and preserves human dignity.

In 2005 Mr. Cates was presented the Charles Goldberg Award for Lifetime Service by the State Bar of Wisconsin. Attorney Robert Habush stated that Dick Cates deserves the honor because, "Few have contributed as much as you [Dick] to the Bar and the community at large. On a personal note, from the first time I saw you demonstrate your trial advocacy skills (and that was many years ago) I have tried to fashion my delivery to a jury in your down home, low key, yet intense style. I would like to think that part of the successes I have had were due to you. Thank you on a very personal level."

"Dick Cates has always been one of my favorites among the lawyers I have known starting with our early years when we were colleagues," comments Attorney Joseph Melli. "I was sufficiently impressed that later I referred the Gregory Esser murder case to him which turned out to be a landmark case because of his thoroughness and artful advocacy. Dick has always been a responsible, hardworking, thorough, creative and highly intelligent lawyer. He merits the Charles Goldberg award."

The American College of Trial Lawyers admitted Mr. Cates as a Fellow in 1973. He is currently a life member of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, a member of the Dane County Bar Association, and a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association.

Mr. Cates' contributions to the legal profession include teaching law school and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses for over twenty-five years. He taught numerous courses for the University of Wisconsin School of Law and McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California. He was a lecturer and participant in CLE programs presented in Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Michigan and Wyoming to bar, judicial, media, medical and industrial groups.

Dick Cates' commitment to the legal profession also included a leadership role in the State Bar of Wisconsin. He served on the Board of Governors from 1985 through 1989.

Mr. Cates' leadership and service to the legal profession carried over into public service. Governor John Reynolds appointed him Special Prosecutor for the John Doe hearings in Milwaukee from 1963 through 1967. Governor Warren Knowles appointed him Special Counsel to the University of Wisconsin following the Commerce Building takeover in 1967.

From fall 1979 through summer 1980 the Public Defender Board appointed Dick Cates as Acting Interim Wisconsin Public Defender.

Mr. Cates was appointed Associate Special General Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee by Chairman Peter Rodino, and served in that capacity from November 1973 through August 1974, during the Impeachment Inquiry involving President Richard Nixon. Mr. Cates was again appointed Special Counsel to House Judiciary Committee in 1986, for the Impeachment Proceedings involving Judge Harry Claiborne.

Congressman Robert Kastenmeier commented, "My friend Dick Cates has done many, many good things in his remarkable career. But I know him best for his outstanding work in Washington counseling and guiding the Congress in the Impeachment process, both Presidential and Judicial. He did so selflessly and effectively. For that, the nation owes Dick its eternal gratitude."

In addition to a long-standing record of service to the legal profession, Dick Cates has a long record of serving the general public. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. He served as Dane County Deputy District Attorney from 1957 through 1958 and as a member of the State Assembly from 1959 through 1960. Cates was a member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Visitors from 1963 through 1969. He also served on the Madison Board of Education during the 1960s.

Dick Cates' commitment to the legal profession continues on today. Dick Cates regularly works cases with lawyers at Lawton & Cates, S.C. He serves as a valued advisor and assists with the preparation of witnesses for trial. Mr. Cates also serves the Madison Metropolitan School District as a hearing officer in expulsion cases.

Mr. Cates' many contributions to the legal profession and the public at large span more than 60 years. The time and effort that he has devoted to this service is immense.

Senator Gaylord Nelson wrote, "Wisconsin and the Nation are deeply indebted to Dick Cates. As an outstanding graduate of our University Law School, he went on to a long and distinguished career as partner to my close friend and mentor, John Lawton. He was an outstanding legislator when I was Governor. He has served the University as a lecturer, and the Madison community as a prosecutor and school board member. Most of all, he is widely known and respected for his role as Senior Associate Counsel to the House Judiciary committee during the extremely serious Watergate crisis. At every level in his career, he has been an enormously talented and effective defender of the rule of law, and a steadfast advocate for the rights of the common man."

• Knapp Fellowship, University of Wisconsin Law School, 1952 - 1953
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation

• Lecturer, Military Law, Negligence Law, University of Wisconsin, 1958 - 1962
• Lecturer, Trial Courses, University of Wisconsin, 1953 - 1977
• Lecturer, Evidence, University of Wisconsin, 1979 - 1981
• Lecturer, Evidence, Juris Prudence and Trial Courses, McGeorge School of Law-University of Pacific, Sacramento, CA, 1982 - 1985
• Lecturer, Continuing Legal Education

Jim Olson's experience is extensive as a litigator. He became a Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Attorneys in 1987. He has achieved great success handling products liability and personal injury cases. His accomplishments include obtaining the first personal injury jury verdict in excess of $1 million in Dane County, the first personal injury verdict in excess of $1 million in Juneau County and the largest verdict, about $5.5 million, in the history of Dodge County. In addition, he was lead counsel on a case that recovered $6.7 million for Tri-State homeowners - a case that involved six appeals and two reported opinions.

In addition to obtaining numerous substantial jury verdicts and settlements for plaintiffs, Jim Olson has been a tireless advocate on behalf of consumers who have been injured or whose rights have been otherwise violated. He recognized a need and, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Madison, helped found the Consumer Law Clinic/Center for Public Representation. The Clinic handles cases that would not otherwise be brought to court because either the plaintiffs have limited financial resources or the potential financial recovery for the attorneys and plaintiffs is small. He served on the Advisory Board from 1996 to 1999.

Jim Olson served two terms on the Board for the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and served on the Public Intervenor Board of Directors for approximately ten years.

Jim Olson was a finalist in 2000 for the Wisconsin Trial Lawyer of the Year and was rated by Madison Magazine as one of Madison's Top Lawyers in Products Liability and Environmental Law in January 1994.

• Yao v. Chapman, 705 N.W.2d 272 (Wis.App. 2005)
• State v. Chvala, 693 N.W.2d 747 (Wis.App. 2005)
• State v. Jensen, 681 N.W.2d 230 (Wis.App. 2004)
• State v. Chvala, 678 N.W.2d 880 (Wis.App. 2004)
• State v. Chvala, 673 N.W.2d 401

• AV Rating - Martindale-Hubbell
• Certified Civil Trial Advocate, 1987 - Present
• Finalist, Wisconsin Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2000 - Present
• Rated by Madison Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Products Liability and Environmental Law, 1994 - Present
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
• Super Lawyer 2005, 2006, 2007; Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine

• Lecturer, Environmental Litigation, University of Wisconsin
• Lecturer, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Lecturer, Trial Tactics, Discovery, Products Liability, Environmental Litigation, Consumer Law and Insurance Coverage, NBTI and University of Wisconsin School of Engineering

Jim Gardner has successfully handled cases involving complex litigation. He has represented people with personal injuries that resulted from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice and products liability claims. He also earned a reputation for representing farmers in stray voltage cases, handling insurance bad faith claims and business litigation matters.

Jim was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in 1972 and has also been admitted to the U.S. Federal Court. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Dane County Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and the James E. Doyle Inns of Court.

Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and was named in the Best Lawyers of America 2005.

• Danks v. Stock Bldg. Supply, Inc., 727 N.W.2d 846 (Wis.App. 2006)
• Lewis V. Straka, 2006 WL 2927658 (E.D.Wis. 2006)
• Summers v. Touchpoint Health Plan, Inc., 723 N.W.2d 784 (Wis.App. 2006)
• Sunny Industries, Inc. v. Rockwell International Corp., 11 Fed.Appx. 613, 2001 WL 371929 (C.A.7 (Wis.) 2001)
• Smith v. Meadows Mills, Inc., 60 F.Supp. 991 (E.D.Wis. 1999)
• Sunny Industries, Inv. v. Rockwell Intern. Corp., 175 F.3d 1201 (C.A. 7 (Wis.) 1999)
• Spitz v. C.I.R., 954 F.2d 1382 (C.A. 7 (Wis.) 1992)
• Schultz v. Schrank, 1992 WL 12003988 (Bankr. W.D.Wis. 1992)
• Kolpin v. Pioneer Power & Light Co., 162 Wis.2d 1 (Wis 1991)
• Johnson V. Steele-Waseca Co-op Elec., 469 N.W.2d 517 (Minn.App. 1991)

• Fellow; American College of Trial Lawyers
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
• Best Lawyers in America 2005
• Super Lawyer 2006, 2007; Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine

• Lecturer, Trial Advocacy, University of Wisconsin Law School

Kent I. Carnell is a shareholder with the Madison firm of Lawton & Cates, S.C., where he also serves as President. He is certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and has achieved great results for clients on personal injury cases. He has gained a reputation for successfully handling business litigation and resolving construction disputes.

Kent was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in 1970 and has also been admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. He received his bachelor's degree in 1967 and his J.D. in 1970, both from the University of Wisconsin. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Dane County Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the James E. Doyle Inns of Court.

Kent was elected to the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors in 2001. He served on the Executive Committee from 2004-2006 and is the Chair of the Board of Governors for 2005-2006. He has also served as liaison to the Litigation Section, the Construction and Public Contract Law Section, the Energy and Telecommunication Law Section, and the Lawyer Dispute Resolution Committee. In addition, he has served on the Professionalism Committee.

In addition to his legal accomplishments, Kent has a long record of extensive civic commitments. He is one of the founding members of the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, Inc. and served on the Board of Directors from 1986 to 1999. In addition, Kent served as a member of the Advisory Board to the Salvation Army for over 25 years, serving as Chair from 2000 to 2002. He has been a board member and chair of the Parkcrest Pool and Tennis Club, served on the John Muir School PTO, and held committee positions with a youth hockey club.

• Nathan N. Allbaugh, Plaintiff, Middlesex Insurance Company and Combined Insurance Company of America, Subrogated Parties v. Paul A. Johnson, Lycon, Inc. and General Casualty Company of Wisconsin, Defendants, 2006 WL 4041511 (Wis.Cir. 2006)
• Purdy v. Cap Gemini America, Inc., 637 N.W.2d 763 (Wis.App. 2001)
• Rhein Bldg. Co. v. Gehrt, 21 F.Supp.2d 896 (E.D.Wis. 1998)
• Capital City Sheet Metal, Inc. v. Voytovich, 578 N.W.2d 643 (Wis.App. 1998)
• Banc One Bldg. Management Corp. v. W.R. Grace Co. Conn., 565 N.W.2d 154 (Wis.App. 1997)
• Markweise v. Peck Foods Corp., 556 N.W.2d 326 (Wis.App. 1996)
• Anderson v. Regents of University of California, 554 N.W.2d 509 (Wis.App. 1996)
• Florin v. Nationsbank of Georgia, N.A., 60 F.3d 1245 (7th Cir.(Wis.) 1995)
• Wisconsin Retired Teachers Ass'n, Inc. v. Employe Trust Funds Bd., 537 N.W.2d 400 (Wis.App. 1995)
• Florin v. Nationsbank of Georgia, N.A., 869 F.Supp. 669 (W.D.Wis. 1994)
• Florin v. Nationsbank of Georgia, N.A., 34 F.3d 560 (7th Cir.(Wis.) 1994)
• Matter of Liquidation of WMBIC Indem. Corp., 499 N.W.2d 257 (Wis.App. 1993)
• Maas by Grant V. Ziegler, 492 N.W.2d 621 (Wis. 1992)
• Lisney v. Labor and Indus. Review Com'n, 493 N.W.2d 14 (Wis 1992)
• Lisney v. LIRC, 165 Wis. 2d 628, 478 N.W.2d 55 (Ct. App. 1991)
• Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue v. Dow Jones & Co., Inc., 436 N.W.2d 921 (Wis.App. 1989)
• W.T. Rogers Co., Inc. v. Keene, 778 F.2d 334 (C.A.7 (Wis.) 1985)
• Schmitz v. Hunter Machinery Co., 279 N.W.2d 172 (Wis. 1979)

• AV Peer Review Rating (Martindale-Hubbell)
• Nationally Certified Civil Trial Advocate
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
• Executive Register Honor Roll; In Business Magazine
• Super Lawyer 2006, 2007; Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine

• Attorney Professionalism (November 7, 2003), State Bar of Wisconsin
• Ethics Seminar (November 1, 2003), State Bar of Wisconsin
• Trying the Soft Tissue Injury Case in Wisconsin (December 6, 1997), National Business Institute
• Trying the Automobile Injury Case in Wisconsin (August 24, 1993), National Business Institute
• Trying the Automobile Injury Case in Wisconsin (February 25, 1992), National Business Institute

Former Family Court Commissioner, Ginger Murray, offers years of judicial experience to clients. As Commissioner, Ginger presided over divorce and paternity cases in which she decided custody, placement, child support and asset distribution as well as abuse and harassment restraining order/injunction hearings.

Ginger provides competent and compassionate representation for clients with family law matters: adoption, change in custody/placement/support, divorce, grandparent's rights, paternity and matters seeking protection for victims of abuse children and adults.

Ginger helps many clients with diverse needs, including cordial couples seeking amicable divorces, abused clients needing their rights protected, parents wanting more time with or needing to protect children, and spouses needing to protect business interests, real estate, pension/retirement plans and other assets.

Ginger comments, "It's a great pleasure to help clients obtain a divorce without a battle, when appropriate. In those cases, clients are generally more satisfied with the process as they have more control over the results. However, formal court proceedings are required in some cases, such as those involving alcohol/drug abuse, unequal income, or special concerns for a child. Because I have either presided over or litigated thousands of cases, I am very prepared to be as aggressive as your case demands."

• Borrenson v. Yunto, 713 N.W.2d 656 (Wis.App. 2006)

• Child Custody and Visitation, National Business Institute, December 2007
• Basic Divorce 101, 26th Annual Family Law Workshop, State Bar of Wisconsin, Family Law Section August 2007

Dixon Gahnz has represented many families and injured people over the course of his career including victims of automobile accidents, slip and falls and medical malpractice. He is also experienced in handling complex cases involving defective products and malpractice.

Dixon is certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is community-minded and was recently appointed to the Village Board of DeForest, Wisconsin.

As a member of the American Inns of Court, Dixon is committed to improving the skills, professionalism and ethics of the bench and bar. Comprised of judges, lawyers, and in some cases, law professors and law students, each Inn meets approximately once a month to discuss matters of ethics, skills and professionalism.

• Nationally Certified Civil Trial Advocate

Lisa Goldman represents clients in various areas including criminal defense, election recounts, campaign finance, civil litigation and family law. She makes a strong presence as demonstrated by her excellent trial and appellate record.

Lisa has successfully reversed an election result in northern Wisconsin through an effective recount strategy. She successfully represented the Democratic Party in circuit court to extend polling hours at a polling station temporarily closed - a first in Wisconsin. She assisted Senator Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. She has worked to modify a provision of a state campaign finance law affecting charitable contributions. Most recently she was selected to participate on the Rules Committee for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

In June 2003, Lisa was appointed to serve on the Professional Ethics Committee of the State Bar of Wisconsin. In addition to serving on the committee, she acts as a referee in attorney discipline cases. She is also a member of the Wisconsin Association of the Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Dane County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin, Lisa worked as a legislative intern for Representative Spencer Coggs in the Wisconsin State Assembly, and as a summer intern for the United Nations. Lisa then worked as a reporter for Al-Fajr in East Jerusalem, Israel. After finishing her degree in Political Science, Lisa volunteered for the Peace Corps and served as an Agricultural Extension and Small Business Development Officer in Lesotho, Africa.

During law school, Lisa worked as a law clerk for the Wisconsin Department of Justice, was a student representative for Westlaw, a semi-finalist in the Heffernan Oral Advocacy Competition, quarter-finalist for the August A. Dendings, National Products Liability Moot Court Competition, a member of Moot Court, a student attorney in the Legal Defense Program, and a new mom.

• Kenseth v. Dean Health Plan, Inc., 2010 U.S. App. LEXIS 13153 (7th Cir.)
• Green v. Hahn, 689 N.W.2d 657 (Wis.App. 2004)
• In re John Doe Proceeding, 660 N.W.2d 260 (Wis. 2003)

• Law & Politics Rising Star 2007
• Ethics Committee and Appointed Referee by Wisconsin Supreme Court in lawyer discipline cases

• Ethics presentation, State Bar Annual Conference, 1996, 1997, 1998
• NBI Ethics Presentation, 2008

Kelly Anderson has experience handling personal injury claims and consumer law matters. She also helps people with civil litigation matters. Prior to attending law school, Kelly worked as a paralegal handling personal injury, products liability and medical malpractice claims. During law school she worked as a Student Attorney at the Consumer Law Clinic at the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Kelly continues to advocate on behalf of consumers. She currently serves on the Board for the Consumer Law Clinic.

Bruce Davey is highly respected for his knowledge and expertise in handling labor and employment cases. He has also earned a reputation for successfully managing civil and criminal trial matters.

Bruce earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Law in 1968, and was a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of The Order of the Coif. He served as a member of the Wisconsin Law Review.

Bruce has earned an "AV" Rating by Martindale Hubbell and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has been named in Best Lawyers in America and listed as a Top Lawyer in the Madison Magazine. In 2005, Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine listed Bruce Davey as a Super Lawyer.

• Chao v. Local 538 of United Food and Commercial Workers Intern Union AFL CIO, 307 F.Supp.2d 1027 (W.D.Wis. 2004)
• Tainter v. State of Wisconsin Dept. of Health and Family Services, 2003 WL 23200348 (W.D.Wis. 2003)
• Jones v. Adams Count

• United We Stand/Ross Perot
• Wisconsin State Employees Union, Council 24, AFSCME
• United Food & Commerical Workers, Local 538
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 965
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 715
• IATSE

• "AV" Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
• Named in Best Lawyers in America
• Recognized as a Top Lawyer in Madison; Madison Magazine
• Super Lawyer 2005, 2006, 2007; Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine
• All New England
• 1st Team (Hockey)

• Yao v. Chapman, 750 N.W.2d 272 (Wis.App. 2005)
• Garcia v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc., 682 N.W.2d 365 (Wis. 2004)
• Pliss v. Peppertree Resort Villas, Inc., 663 N.W.2d 851 (Wis.App. 2003)
• Yao v. Board of Regents of University of Wisconsin System, 649 N.W.2d 356 (Wis.App. 2002)
• In re K-Dur Antitrust Litigation, 2001 WL 1347237 (Jud.Pan.Mult.Lit. 2001)
• Schneider v. U.S., 936 F.2d 956 (7th Cir.(Wis.) 1991)
• Kolpin v. Pioneer Power & Light Co., Inc., 469 N.W.2d 595 (Wis. 1991)
• Johnson v. Steele-Waseca Co-op. Elec., 469 N.W.2d 517 (Minn.App. 1991)
• Lucas v. Godfrey, 467 N.W.2d 180 (Wis.App. 1991)
• Leverence v. U.S. Fidelity & Guar., 462 N.W.2d 218 (Wis.App. 1990)

Scott Hassett was a shareholder and partner at Lawton & Cates, S.C. for 22 years before being appointed by Governor Jim Doyle as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 2003. While working as a trial attorney, Scott focused his practice on general litigation matters. Scott obtained his JD from Rutgers Law School in 1980.