Thomas N. "Tom" Shorter

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 ...

Rachel Mielke is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Trusts and Estates. Rachel practices law in Madison, Wisconsin Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel Mielke since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Rachel Mielke is held by other lawyers.

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...

Steve Hurley's more than 45 years of practice provides clients with the background necessary to litigate complex cases. Steve is highly regarded throughout the state for his expertise in criminal defense. His persuasive presentation in the courtroom and knowledge of the law make him an effective litigator for civil cases as well. Steve was nominated and elected by his peers to the American College of Trial lawyers. His reputation earns him many referrals from colleagues for both criminal and ...

Jessica Hutson Polakowski is a shareholder in Reinhart’s Intellectual Property Litigation and Litigation practice groups. Jess serves a wide range of business clients such as electrical and mechanical designers and manufacturers, biotech companies, health care technology companies, software developers, service firms and product distributors. Based out of Reinhart’s Madison office, Jess regularly appears in the Western District of Wisconsin and works to both advise and assist clien...

Christine Rew Barden is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Christine Rew practices law in Madison, Wisconsin Best Lawyers has recognized Christine Rew Barden since 2017. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christine Rew Barden is held by other lawyers.

Matthew P. Dregne is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law and Municipal Law. Matthew P. practices law in Madison, Wisconsin Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew P. Dregne since 2007. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Matthew P. Dregne is held by other lawyers.

Charles G. Curtis, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Antitrust, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - First Amendment, Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy). Charles G. practices law in Madison, Wisconsin Best Lawyers has recognized Charles G. Curtis, Jr. since 2003. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in ...

Steve Caya is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Steve practices law in Madison, Wisconsin Best Lawyers has recognized Steve Caya since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Steve Caya is held by other lawyers.

Megan Jerabek is a Shareholder, the Co-Chair of the Trusts and Estates Section, Chair of the Sports Law Section and a member of the firm’s Business, Tax and Real Estate Sections. Her practice focuses on estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession planning, real estate leasing and business transactions. She also represents current and former professional athletes on a variety of matters, including real estate, business formation and transactions, and estate plan...