John L. Cates
About John L. Cates
John L. Cates is a lawyer based in Fitchburg, WI and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2009. John L. Cates is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Fitchburg, Wisconsin
- Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Current Firm: John Cates Law Firm LLC
Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison, J.D., graduated 1980
Location: Fitchburg, WI
It takes just a few minutes to optimize your profile for clients looking to engage and lawyers who are ready to refer.
Activate your profile and highlight why your peers recognized in Best Lawyers today.
Nearby Lawyers
As a former three-term District Attorney in Dane County, Hal Harlowe’s familiarity with the complex operations of our legal system gives him an invaluable advantage in defending clients. His trial experience includes representing defendants in juvenile and criminal defense cases, defending licensed professionals in disciplinary matters, and litigating civil matters such as personal injury, contract disputes, real estate and guardianship cases. Having led countless investigations himself...
Quentin Shafer is a Shareholder in the firm’s Litigation and Risk Management Practice Group. He focuses his practice on civil litigation, construction litigation, product liability, wrongful death, insurance coverage disputes, and third-party recovery. He has successfully defended hundreds of cases throughout Wisconsin as well as in federal court, including catastrophic bodily injury cases, wrongful death claims, and complex construction defect litigation. Quentin is also experienced in...
Paul G. Kent is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Native American Law and Water Law. Paul G., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 1995. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
As a member of Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC , Dale is recognized as one of Dane County's preeminent litigators of complex business and commercial disputes. He represents business clients in all aspects of litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He has extensive experience in disputes involving contracts, dealerships, product manufacture and distribution, shareholder disagreements, mergers and acquisitions, construction, real estate, technology, and property taxation, among others....
Melanie S. Lee is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Real Estate Law. Melanie S., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melanie S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Chris Jenny is a Shareholder and Chairs the Business Practice Group. Chris focuses his practice on representing business owners to become more profitable while minimizing their risk and expenses. Chris’s practice has a heavy concentration in the real estate, construction, and information technology industries where he represents contractors, suppliers, landlords, tenants and real estate developers with a wide variety of transactional matters. Chris’s construction clients have reli...
Breanne L. Snapp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Breanne L., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Breanne L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Peter L. Gardon is a shareholder and the chairman of the firm's Telecommunications and Energy Practice. He is also a member of the Business Law Practice. Pete draws on decades of successful practice, regulatory and legislative experience to effectively counsel telecommunications and energy companies, financial institutions, health care institutions and other business clients in a variety of complex administrative, regulatory, commercial, litigation and environmental matters. Pete's clients hi...
Kyle W. Engelke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Municipal. Kyle W., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kyle W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Julie Piper-Kitchin manages all aspects of trial preparation and defense strategy for clients in both state and federal court with an emphasis on civil litigation, product liability, insurance defense, insurance coverage, personal injury and professional liability. Julie has extensive experience briefing dispositive legal issues and has handled both jury and bench trials. Prior to moving back to Wisconsin, Julie spent the majority of her career handling litigation matters in courts around the...
Explore and Learn
Recognizing Legal Leaders: The 2027 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan and Singapore
by Jamilla Tabbara
Market drivers, diversity trends and the elite practitioners shaping the legal landscape.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How Far Back Can the IRS Audit You?
by Bryan Driscoll
Clear answers on IRS statutes of limitations, recordkeeping and what to do if you are under review.
Musk v. Altman: The Lawyers Behind the Case
by Jamilla Tabbara
Meet the Trial Lawyers Shaping One of AI's Biggest Legal Disputes.
Can You File Bankruptcy on Credit Cards
by Bryan Driscoll
Understanding your options for relief from overwhelming debt.
The Legal Teams Behind the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni Settlement
by Grace Greer
A closer look at the legal teams and attorneys involved in the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni litigation and its resolution.
How AI Is Changing the Way Clients Find Lawyers
by Jamilla Tabbara
Best Lawyers CEO Phil Greer explains how AI-driven search tools are reshaping legal marketing and why credibility markers matter.
When Is It Too Late to Stop Foreclosure?
by Bryan Driscoll
Understanding the foreclosure timeline, critical deadlines and the legal options that may still protect your home.
Can You Go to Jail at an Arraignment?
by Bryan Driscoll
Understanding What Happens at Your First Court Appearance.