Joseph M. "Joe" Mella
About Joseph M. Mella
Joseph M. Mella is a lawyer based in Wausau, WI and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2010. Joseph M. Mella is recognized in the following practice area:
- Wausau, Wisconsin
- Real Estate Law
Current Firm: Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
Education: University of Wisconsin–Madison, J.D., graduated 1991
Location: Wausau, 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
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....
Jim’s practice focuses on representing privately held businesses and their owners on the wide variety of legal matters that may arise. This includes extensive experience with significant corporate transactions such as purchases and sales of businesses, complex contractual matters, and planning for business succession. In his practice, Jim works with clients across a wide range of industries, including fintech, manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. Jim has a unique pers...
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...
Jill Munson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jill, who practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jill is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steve is a seasoned litigation attorney with over 20 years of experience representing corporate clients and insurers in some of their most complex and high-exposure cases. While deeply rooted in the Wisconsin legal community, Steve regularly manages litigation dockets and coordinates defense strategy across jurisdictions. Clients rely on him not just for results, but for clear communication, sound judgment, and a steady hand throughout litigation. Steve’s practice spans a wide range of ...
Ed Vopal began his career with Habush Habush & Rottier in February 1997, after having practiced law for three years in Green Bay. In 2001, he was elected as a shareholder in the firm. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Wisconsin, and in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. Ed’s legal practice is entirely devoted to representing his clients who are injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle collisions, bicycl...
Erica Storm is a Shareholder at von Briesen & Roper, s.c. focusing on employment law and employee benefits law and compliance. Prior to joining von Briesen, Erica was a Senior Director at Zywave where she focused on the integration of HR and compliance products, implemented new technology solutions including AI, and oversaw legal content surrounding employment and employee benefits law.
Bennett E. Choice is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Bennett E., who practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bennett E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Lawrence Drabot is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Lawrence, who practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Lawrence is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Christine Bremer Muggli was born in Chicago, Illinois, and now resides in Wausau, Wisconsin with her husband Paul. She is the owner of Bremer & Trollop Law Offices, S.C. She and her husband Paul have five adult children, two granddaughters, and one grandson. Christine practices primarily personal injury law, representing the injured. Her firm has offices in Wausau, Stevens Point, Marshfield, Minocqua and Antigo. Legal Licensures: Illinois Supreme CourtU.S. District Court, Northern Distric...
Explore and Learn
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
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.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
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.
Can a Green Card Be Revoked?
by Bryan Driscoll
Revocation requires a legal basis, notice and the chance to respond before status can be taken away.
New Texas Family Laws Transform Navigating Divorce, Custody
by Bryan Driscoll
Reforms are sweeping, philosophically distinct and designed to change the way families operate.
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.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.
Can You File Bankruptcy on Credit Cards
by Bryan Driscoll
Understanding your options for relief from overwhelming debt.