As a seasoned litigator, Dan finds that to be true.  He excels at cutting through the noise to find the best solution for the client whether through trial, arbitration, mediation, or direct negotiation.   A trial lawyer by training, Dan has litigated a variety of cases throughout the state of Wisconsin including trust and estate litigation, contract disputes, business disputes, and construction projects.

He also has substantial insurance litigation experience.  He has served as counsel on a variety of insurance issues including insurance coverage, duty-to-defend issues, bad faith, premises liability, product liability, pesticide drift, property damage, and wrongful death.  More recently, Dan counseled clients with respect to business interruption insurance related to COVID-19.

Dan has successfully argued before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. His published decisions include:

Erdmann v. Progressive Northern Insurance Company, et al., 2011 WI App 33, 332 Wis.2d 147, 796 N.W.2d 846 (Wis. Ct. App. 2011)

Progressive Northern Insurance Company v. Jacobson, et al., 2011 WI App 140, 337 Wis.2d 533, 804 N.W.2d 838 (Wis. Ct. App. 2011)

Dan’s litigation experience includes:

• Resolved a multi-party litigation with multiple claims after a three-day mediation involving a corn seed production facility.
• Represented a company sued by a roofing contractor for breach of contract.  He won two motions whereby the court declared the contract void and ordered the roofing contractor to pay the client’s back money they previously paid the roofing contractor.
• Won a motion to dismiss for a school district sued for breach of contract leading to dismissal of all claims against the school district without the need for a trial.
• Won a motion to dismiss for a bank leading to dismissal of all claims without the need for a trial.
• Represented a beneficiary of a trust with claims against the trustee.  Negotiated a substantial recovery for the beneficiary after depositions and motions.
• Resolved multi-party litigation involving a parking lot resurfacing project.
• Won a trial for a motorcyclist sued for wrongful death.  The jury found no negligence.
• Negotiated a substantial settlement for a farmer in a pesticide drift case.
• Resolved dozens of cases through mediation or direct negotiation.

Despite his extensive trial experience, Dan advocates resolving disputes through mediation whenever possible and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a mediator.

When not litigating, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids whether it be on the water, the golf course, or watching sporting events.

Civic Activities

• Woodson YMCA – Health & Wellness Committee (past member)
• Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament – Volunteer Judge (2014)
• United Way of Marathon County – Board Member (2015–2020)

Professional Activities

• Central Wisconsin Manufacturer’s Alliance – Member, Executive Committee (2021–present)
• Defense Research Institute, Inc. – Past Member
• State Bar of Wisconsin – District 16 OLR Committee Member
• Wisconsin Defense Counsel – Member