Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is home to a vibrant legal market supported by a diverse array of industries. The city’s largest employers span sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and technology, offering numerous opportunities for legal professionals. Working with a legal recruiter can enhance your chances of securing a position with these prominent companies, providing a gateway to a rewarding legal career in Milwaukee.
Biggest Law Firms in Milwaukee
- Foley & Lardner LLP: Founded in 1842, Foley & Lardner LLP is one of Milwaukee’s oldest and largest law firms, employing nearly 300 lawyers locally and more than 1,100 across its 21 offices worldwide. As an AM Law 100 firm, Foley & Lardner is known for its strong practices in corporate law, healthcare, intellectual property, and litigation. Notable work includes representing major clients like Harley-Davidson and Johnson Controls in high-stakes corporate transactions and litigation.
- Quarles & Brady LLP: Established in 1892, Quarles & Brady LLP is a prominent national law firm with a significant presence in Milwaukee. The firm employs over 400 attorneys across its 10 offices. Quarles & Brady specializes in business law, intellectual property, healthcare, and real estate. The firm has been involved in notable cases such as representing Advocate Aurora Health in complex healthcare mergers and acquisitions.
- Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.C.: Founded in 1894, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. is a full-service law firm with more than 200 attorneys. The firm provides comprehensive legal services in corporate law, real estate, healthcare, and litigation. Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren is recognized for its private wealth practice and has successfully represented clients in high-profile real estate transactions and corporate governance matters.
- Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.: Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., established in 1957, employs over 180 attorneys and offers expertise in corporate law, banking, environmental law, and intellectual property. The firm is known for its work in significant environmental cases and complex corporate transactions. Godfrey & Kahn is deeply involved in the Milwaukee business community, providing legal services to major corporations and startups alike.
- Michael Best & Friedrich LLP: Founded in 1848, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP has a robust presence in Milwaukee with over 100 attorneys. The firm specializes in intellectual property, labor and employment, and corporate law. Michael Best is known for representing innovative tech companies and has been involved in significant intellectual property litigation and high-stakes labor disputes, providing comprehensive legal support across various industries.
- Husch Blackwell LLP: Husch Blackwell LLP is a national law firm with a strong office in Milwaukee. The firm employs over 800 attorneys across 20 offices. Husch Blackwell provides legal services in healthcare, real estate, corporate law, and litigation. The firm is known for its strategic industry focus and has represented clients in major healthcare transactions and complex commercial litigation.
- von Briesen & Roper, S.C.: Established in 1904, von Briesen & Roper, s.c. has over 200 attorneys and offers a wide range of legal services, including litigation, healthcare law, and corporate transactions. The firm is noted for its innovative approach to legal practice and has successfully represented clients in high-profile healthcare cases and significant corporate mergers, ensuring comprehensive legal solutions tailored to client needs.
- Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP: Founded in 1989, Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP is one of the largest minority-owned law firms in the U.S. The firm specializes in labor and employment, environmental law, and commercial litigation. Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan has been involved in notable cases defending major corporations in complex employment disputes and environmental compliance matters, highlighting its commitment to diversity and excellence.
- Boyle Fredrickson, S.C.: Established in 1999, Boyle Fredrickson, S.C. is the largest intellectual property law firm in Wisconsin. The firm handles patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets for a diverse clientele, including innovative tech startups and established corporations. Boyle Fredrickson is known for securing significant patent protections and defending against high-stakes IP infringement cases, providing robust legal strategies for intellectual property management.
- DeWitt LLP: DeWitt LLP, with a strong presence in Milwaukee, offers legal services in corporate law, intellectual property, and litigation. The firm employs over 130 attorneys and is known for its client-focused approach and extensive industry knowledge. DeWitt LLP has represented clients in high-profile corporate restructurings and complex IP litigation, ensuring tailored legal solutions that address the specific needs of its diverse client base.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a position with one of the largest companies in Milwaukee often requires navigating a competitive job market, and working with a legal recruiter can significantly enhance your chances. Below are some of the biggest employers of lawyers in Milwaukee, highlighting their history, organization size, and notable work.
- Johnson Controls International: Founded in 1885, Johnson Controls International is a global leader in building technology and energy solutions, employing over 100,000 people worldwide. The company’s legal team handles a broad range of issues, including corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property. Notable work includes significant mergers and strategic acquisitions that have expanded their global footprint. Their legal department is critical in managing complex transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance across various jurisdictions.
- Northwestern Mutual: Northwestern Mutual, founded in 1857, is a leading financial services organization with approximately 6,000 employees in Milwaukee. The company’s legal department focuses on regulatory compliance, securities law, and estate planning. Their attorneys play a crucial role in managing legal risks and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Northwestern Mutual’s legal team has been instrumental in navigating the company through significant financial regulations and compliance challenges, ensuring the firm’s stability and growth.
- Harley-Davidson, Inc.: Founded in 1903, Harley-Davidson, Inc. is an iconic motorcycle manufacturer employing over 5,000 people globally. The company’s substantial legal team manages intellectual property rights, compliance, product liability, and international trade issues. Notable work includes protecting the Harley-Davidson brand and handling complex international trade regulations. The legal department’s expertise is crucial in maintaining the company’s legacy and global market presence.
- ManpowerGroup: ManpowerGroup, established in 1948, is a global leader in workforce solutions with 30,000 employees worldwide. The company’s legal team deals with employment law, compliance, and international business transactions. The legal team supports global operations and ensures adherence to labor laws and corporate policies across multiple jurisdictions. Their role is vital in managing legal risks and supporting ManpowerGroup’s international business strategy.
- Rockwell Automation: Rockwell Automation, founded in 1903, employs approximately 23,000 people worldwide and specializes in industrial automation and information technology. Their legal team handles intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and commercial litigation. Notable cases include defending patents related to automation technologies and managing compliance with international trade laws. The legal department’s work is essential in protecting Rockwell Automation’s innovations and ensuring global regulatory compliance.
- Milwaukee Tool: Founded in 1924, Milwaukee Tool is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools with over 10,000 employees. The legal team at Milwaukee Tool focuses on product liability, intellectual property, and corporate governance. They manage the company’s extensive patent portfolio and handle litigation related to product safety. The legal department plays a crucial role in maintaining the company’s reputation for innovation and safety.
- Aurora Health Care: Aurora Health Care, established in 1984, is a major healthcare provider in Wisconsin with over 32,000 employees. The legal team addresses healthcare regulations, compliance, patient privacy issues, and medical malpractice defense. They play a critical role in navigating the complex regulatory environment of the healthcare industry, ensuring that Aurora Health Care complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
- Baird: Founded in 1919, Baird is an international financial services firm employing over 4,500 people globally. The legal team at Baird manages securities law, mergers and acquisitions, and compliance. Their role is essential in ensuring regulatory compliance and handling significant financial transactions and mergers. Baird’s legal department is key in supporting the firm’s financial operations and strategic growth initiatives.
- Fiserv: Fiserv, established in 1984, is a leading provider of financial technology services with approximately 44,000 employees. The legal team handles cybersecurity, intellectual property, and financial regulations. Notable cases include managing data breach responses and ensuring compliance with evolving financial industry regulations. The legal department’s expertise is crucial in protecting Fiserv’s technological innovations and maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Marquette University: Founded in 1881, Marquette University employs over 2,500 people and is a significant educational institution in Milwaukee. The legal team focuses on educational law, compliance, and intellectual property. They handle issues related to student rights, faculty employment, and the protection of academic research and intellectual property. Marquette University’s legal department plays a vital role in maintaining the institution’s legal integrity and supporting its educational mission.
