Lawyers
The Attorneys of Lawton & Cates
Michael J. Stingl
Michael Stingl is the lead attorney at Lawton & Cates' office in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Mike has over 30 years of experience in representing people for a variety of legal needs. He built his career around litigation and general practice areas including civil trial work, personal injury, family law, real estate, estate planning and appellate cases.
Mike was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in 1983 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 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Jefferson County Bar Association, Oneida-Vilas-Forest County Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin and the Defense Research Institute.
Mike takes pride in providing excellent service for all his clients and has achieved successful results.
Areas of Practice
Family Law, including Divorce, Custody Disputes, Guardianship and Adoption; Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents; Civil Litigation; Real Estate; Estate Planning; Probate; and Appellate Cases
Bar Admissions
Wisconsin, 1983; Eastern and Western Districts of the United States District Court of Wisconsin, 1986
Professional Associations and Memberships
State Bar of Wisconsin (Member)
Jefferson County Bar Association
Oneida-Vials-Forest County Bar Association
American Association for Justice
Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin
Defense Research Institute
Honors and Awards
Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award for Contracts, 1980
Education
University of Wisconsin Law School, 1983, J.D.
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, B.A.
Kathryn Harrell McKnight
Kate Harrell McKnight has extensive courtroom experience and has prevailed in each of her jury trials. She focuses her practice on personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance coverage, appeals and municipal prosecution. In addition to zealously advocating on behalf of her clients, Kate is the Municipal Prosecutor for the Village of Waunakee.
Kate was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in 2006 and has also been admitted to the United States Eastern and Western District Courts She is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, Dane County, Sauk County and La Crosse County Bar Associations.
In 2002, Kate graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Certificate in Criminal Justice. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2006 and earned CALI Awards (highest grade) in Trial Advocacy, Legal Writing & Research, Employment Law, and Military Law.
Super Lawyers awarded Kate the 2012 Rising Star designation. The American Registry selected Kate for the "Top Attorneys - Wisconsin's Outstanding Young Lawyers" designation also in 2012.
Kate gives back to the community through service as a Board Member for the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund. She also conducts pro bono work on behalf of Legal Action of Wisconsin.
Areas of Practice
Accidents; Personal Injury; Medical Malpractice; Insurance Coverage; Civil Litigation
Bar Admissions
Wisconsin, 2006; Eastern and Western Districts of the United States District Court of Wisconsin
Professional Associations and Memberships
Dane County Bar Association
Sauk County Bar Association
La Crosse County Bar Association
Education
Marquette University Law School, 2006, J.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison, B.A. in Political Science and Certificate in Criminal Justice
Honors and Awards
Super Lawyers Rising Star - 2012
American Registry - Top Attorneys-Wisconsin's Outstanding Young Lawyers; 2012
John A. Lawton
Mr. Lawton entered private practice in Madison in 1946, initially with Lyall T. Beggs and Gaylord A. Nelson. In 1958 he became a co-founder of Lawton & Cates, S.C. His legal practice included union organizing, handling grievances, and assisting in collective bargaining. In addition, Mr. Lawton served as legislative representative to numerous public employee unions in Wisconsin from the late 1940’s and continuing until well into the 1980’s.
As legislative representative, he drafted and shepherded through the legislative process a succession of laws enacted starting in 1959, which made Wisconsin the pioneer state in legislation encouraging unionism among public employees. He was successful in persuading both Republican and Democratic legislators to support these causes.
Mr. Lawton’s love of the out-of-doors had been nurtured by his upbringing in Montana, Wyoming, and Vernon County, Wisconsin. While practicing law full time, Mr. Lawton also served on the Department of Natural Resources Board from 1977 to 1989, under both Republican and Democratic governors. During six of those years, he was Chair of the Board. In 1989 he received the Pat Werner Award from the John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club for his efforts as “devoted conservationist and persuasive advocate of environmental protection.” In 1989 the DNR dedicated the “John A. Lawton Fishery” on Tagatz Creek in Marquette County.
His talents as a legislative representative were recognized when he received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. The award was in honor of his pro bono work for the Foundation, accomplished near the end of his career, during which he successfully advocated for legislation assuring care for kidney patients without adequate insurance coverage or other means to pay.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lawton advocated for fair treatment for the ordinary working person.
Scott Hassett
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.
Daniel S. Lenz
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Areas of Practice Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Labor and Employment Law |
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Bar Admissions Wisconsin, 2010, Illinois, 2010, Western District of the United States District Court of Wisconsin, 2011 |
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Professional Associations and Memberships State Bar of Wisconsin (member) Dane County Bar Association (member) Wisconsin Association for Justice (member) |
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Education University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 2010 J.D. cum laude; University of Wisconsin, Madison, B.A. History and Political Science, 2006 |
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Dan Lenz has experience in civil litigation, labor and employment matters and in handling criminal defense cases. Prior to joining Lawton & Cates, worked as an Intern for the Vilas County District Attorney's Office and gained experience conducting court and jury trials, arguing motions before the court and performing research, pleadings and motions. Other experiences include working in a Chicago law firm providing administrative support to a high-volume civil litigation practice and working as a Judicial Intern for Honorable John Coffey, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.James W. Gardner
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, 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, American Association for Justice, Wisconsin Association for Justice 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.
Areas of Practice
Civil Trial Law; Commercial and Business Litigation; Legal and Medical Malpractice; Personal Injury Litigation; Farm Litigation; Products Liability
Representative Cases
- 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)
Bar Admissions
Wisconsin, 1972; U.S. Federal Court, 1972
Professional Associations and Memberships
Wisconsin Association for Justice (Member)
James F. Doyle Inns of Courts (Member)
The American Association for Justice (Member)
State Bar of Wisconsin, Litigation Section (Member)
Dane County Bar Association (Member)
Honors and Awards
- Best Lawyers in America 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
- Super Lawyer 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010; Law & Politics and Milwaukee Magazine
- Fellow; American College of Trial Lawyers
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1972, J.D. Honors: cum laude
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1968, B.S.
Certification/Specialties
Certified Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Classes/Seminars Taught
- Lecturer, Trial Advocacy, University of Wisconsin Law School
James A. Olson
- James Olson
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.
Areas of Practice
Toxic Torts; Products Liability Law; Class Actions; Insurance Coverage; Consumer Law; Environmental Law; Natural Resources Law; Personal Injury Litigation
Representative Cases
- 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
Bar Admissions
Wisconsin, 1966; U.S. Federal Court, 1966
Professional Associations and Memberships
Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1978 - Present (Member)
Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers, 1976 - Present (Member)
National Board of Trial Advocacy, 1982 - Present
Wisconsin Citizens Advisory Board to the Public Intervenor, 1976 - 1982
Capital Community Citizens, 1980 - 1981 (Chairman)
State Bar of Wisconsin (Chairman, Environmental Law Committee)
State Bar of Wisconsin (Member)
Dane County Bar Association (Member)
Honors and Awards
- 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
Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1966, J.D.
Law Review: Wisconsin Law Review, Member, Board of Editors, 1964 - 1966
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1961, B.S.
Certification/Specialties
Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
Published Works
Progress and Problems in Wisconsin's Scenic & Conservation Easement Program Wisconsin Law Review, No. 2, 1965, Wilcox v. Wilcox: The Beginning of a New Approach to Conflict of Laws in Tort Cases Wisconsin Law Review, No. 3, 1966
Classes/Seminars Taught
- 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
Richard L. Cates
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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. 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." |
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Areas of Practice Litigation |
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Bar Admissions Wisconsin, 1951; U.S. Federal Court, 1954; U.S. Supreme Court, 1970 |
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Professional Associations and Memberships Impeachment Inquiry, House Judiciary Committee, 1973 - 1974 (Associate Special Counsel) University of Wisconsin, 1963 - 1969 (Member, Board of Visitors) Wisconsin Legislature, 1959 - 1961 (Representative) State Assembly, 1959 - 1960 (Joint Finance Committee) State Assembly, 1959 - 1960 (Chairman Interim Legislative Committee on Commercial Code) Madison Board of Education, 1966 - 1967 State Bar of Wisconsin, 1985 - 1989 (Board of Governors) Medical Malpractice Committee, 1975 - 1977 Committee on Professionalism, 1988 - 1989 Impeachment Proceedings, House Judiciary Committee (Special Counsel) |
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Education University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1951 LL.B., Honors: Order of the Coif Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, 1947 B.A. |
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Classes/Seminars Taught
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Past Employment Positions United States Marine Corps Dane County, Deputy District Attorney, 1957 - 1958 Milwaukee John Doe, Special Prosecutor University of Wisconsin, Special Counsel, 1967 - 1969 McAndres and Milli, Associate Stroud, Stebbins, Wengert and Stroud, Associate Wisconsin Public Defender, Acting Interim, 1979 - 1980 |
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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.Dixon R. Gahnz
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Dixon was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar in 1994 and has also been admitted to the United States Eastern and Western District Courts. He is a member of the Bar Associations in Dane County, Dodge County and Jefferson County. He is certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Dixon is dedicated to improving the skills, professionalism and ethics of judges and lawyers. He helps to accomplish this through his active membership in the American Inns of Court and by serving on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Association for Justice. Dixon's strong commitment to serving the community is met through his role as a Trustee for the Village of Deforest, and a member of the DRA. He strives to preserve equal justice for all, not just a privileged few. His efforts help ensure that people harmed due to work place injuries and those injured through the negligence of others can have their fair day in court.
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Areas of Practice Personal Injury; Automobile Accidents; Workers Compensation; Dog Bites; Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect; Commercial and Civil Litigation. |
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Bar Admissions Wisconsin, 1994; Western District of the United States District Court of Wisconsin, 1995; Eastern District of the United States District Court of Wisconsin, 1999 |
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Professional Associations and Memberships State Bar of Wisconsin (Member) Wisconsin Association for Justice Board of Directors Association of Trial Lawyers of America American Inns of Court Dodge County Bar Association Jefferson County Bar Association Dane County Bar Association |
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Honors and Awards
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Education University of Wisconsin Law School, 1994, J.D., Honors: cum laude University of Wisconsin, Madison 1989. B.S. |
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Certification/Specialties Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy |
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Dixon Gahnz has represented many families and injured people over the course of his career including victims of automobile accidents, slip and falls and work related injuries. Dixon also handles commercial litgation, contract disputes and other business related litigation.Kent I. Carnell
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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. |
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Areas of Practice Business Litigation; Construction Litigation; Trademark Litigation; Personal Injury; Insurance Claims |
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Representative Cases
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Bar Admissions Wisconsin, 1970; U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit; U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin; U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin |
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Professional Associations and Memberships Salvation Army, 1979 - Present (Advisory Board Member) Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, 1984 - 1999 (Founding Board Member) State Bar of Wisconsin - Board of Governors, 2001 - Present (Chair (2005-2006)) State Bar of Wisconsin, Litigation Section (Member) Dane County Bar Association (Member) The Association of Trial Lawyers of America (Member) Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers (Member) James F. Doyle Inns of Court (Member) Parkcrest Pool & Tennis Club, 1985 - 1989 |
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Honors and Awards
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Education University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1970, J.D. University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1967, B.S. |
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Certification/Specialties Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy |
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Classes/Seminars Taught
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Kent I. Carnell is a shareholder with the Madison firm of Lawton & Cates, S.C.,. 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.
