Connie L. O'Connell

I founded our firm in Madison in 1989. It was just me and one legal assistant. We now have three offices in the state with 12 lawyers and 19 great employees. The firm has grown under the premise that we will do our best to help good people in need. Our core values are hard work and honesty, and we are truly do have the most heart and caring for our clients. These values that drive our firm are the same values I learned from my parents growing up in Minot, North Dakota. I want to tell you why ...

Sarah M. Schmeiser is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defense: General Practice and DUI / DWI Defense. Sarah M., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Caya is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Steve, who practices law in Janesville, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steve is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kraig Byron is a Shareholder in the Litigation & Risk Management Practice Group at von Briesen & Roper, s.c. Kraig offers many years of experience in the areas of complex business litigation, labor and employment litigation, outdoor advertising law, tax assessments, family law issues, anti-trust matters and general civil litigation. Kraig has been a featured speaker at continuing professional education courses on Wisconsin property law and other related legal issues. Kraig has present...

Chris Rogers is a shareholder with the firm. He initially practiced predominately in the firm’s Lake Geneva office, where he tried cases in Walworth, Kenosha, and Racine counties. In 2004, he moved to the firm’s Madison office, where he continues to practice today. His focus is on cases involving injuries from product defects, automobile accidents, and general negligence. He has clients throughout the State of Wisconsin. In 2017, Chris served a one year term as President – E...

James I. Statz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Real Estate Law. James I., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michelle Umberger is a partner in the Patent Litigation and Intellectual Property Litigation practices. A registered patent attorney, she has focused her practice exclusively on intellectual property litigation for more than a decade. Michelle manages complex, high-stakes cases involving a wide range of technologies, including patents relating to microprocessors, medical devices, antibody libraries, genetically-engineered plants and mechanical devices. She represents both established internat...

John C. Mitby serves as counsel for numerous businesses, engineering firms, insurance companies, financial institutions, and health care and elder care facilities. Mr. Mitby’s commercial practice includes resolving a variety of matters relating to contracts, real estate, employment, financing, and business and insurance litigation. Since Jan. 1, 2015 Mr. Mitby is a senior partner Hurley, Burish & Stanton, S.C. From 2009 to 2014 Mr. Mitby was Axley Brynelson, LLP's managing partner.;...

Claire Richman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Claire, who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Claire is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Attorney Matt Fleming is a shareholder at Murphy Desmond representing both public and private sector clients in municipal law and related areas including land use regulation, property tax assessment, eminent domain disputes, economic development, tax incremental financing, alcohol and other licensing and permitting issues, open meetings and public records law, ordinance drafting, real estate, special assessments and general litigation. Matt is an established presenter on municipal law issues....