Nicholas C. Zales

Nicholas C. Zales

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Appeals Lawyer at Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas: Appeals, Litigation, Trademark Infringement

9012 W Holt Ave, Milwaukee, WI

About Nicholas

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Appeals 50%

Civil and Criminal appellate law in state and federal court.

33 years | 27 cases

50%
Litigation 45%

General complex business civil litigation in state and federal courts.

33 years | 33 cases

45%
Trademark Infringement 5%

Success in prosecuting and defending trademark and trade-name claims.

30 years | 7 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-325 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 36 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1989

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Zales Law Office

9012 W Holt Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53227-4426

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Nicholas C. Zales's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (6) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews

Posted by Don | March 10, 2015

A friend when I needed it the most.....

In a world that's not often fair, it's good to know someone whose understanding, support and guidance provides the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank You Nick

Posted by Jim M | March 04, 2015 | Family

Sincere thanks for reuniting me with my son

I hired Attorney Nick Zales for my family law case. He got the job done that I asked him to do. I don't know what I would have done without him. He reunited me with my son. I was well informed during the case. Attorney Zales was very knowledgeable about family law and that was what I needed to win t...his case.

Posted by Bonnie | March 03, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Great attorney

Thank you Nick for helping me out with my divorce appeal. Nick was easy to work with, did a fantastic job and was very knowledgable both as to the law and the judges. I would highly recommend Nick as a appellate attorney.

Posted by Carolyn | March 03, 2015 | Appeals

Civil Litigation Appeal

We became involved in civil litigation that involved the sale of condominium property and a resultant business relationship. The business relationship eroded and ended in civil litigation that included questions of trademark. The first attorney we worked with failed to provide adequate representatio...n. We decided to appeal the civil trial outcome and began working with Attorney Zales, which resulted in a successful appeal for us. He quickly learned the facts of the case and provided excellent advice and representation throughout the appeal process. Mr. Zales was knowledgeable, met all deadlines, submitted a well-written brief that incorporated all relevant facts, answered our questions promptly and, overall, very ably represented us and our position. We also appreciate that he promptly answered our questions and listened to our concerns throughout the process. We believe that if Mr. Zales had been our first attorney the civil litigation would have had a much different outcome. We continue to work with Mr. Zales and would highly recommend him.

Posted by Barbara L | March 02, 2015 | Family

Atty Zales Representation

I hired Attorney Zales for a family law case. I was kept informed throughout the case. The knowledge that Attorney Zales provided was very good. I won my case. I am a very satisfied client and I highly recommend Attorney Zales.

See All Client Reviews

Nicholas C. Zales's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Nicholas
John T. Schomisch Jr. headshot
John Schomisch

Appeals lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Nick is an excellent appellate lawyer. He knows the law and more importantly, appellate procedure. Nick is also active in the State Bar of Wisconsin Appellate Practice section. I have consulted with Nick on appeals and have also referred cases to Nick. The reports I receive back tell me that Nick is hardworking and gets the job done for a reasonable fee."

Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,

Appeals lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nicholas is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."

Elizabeth G. Rich headshot
Elizabeth Rich

Appeals lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is an honest, hard-working, intelligent attorney dedicated to serving his clients with compassion, ethics, high energy, and exceptional ability."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Other

"An excellent attorney in an extremely difficult field, who is an excellent advocate for clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Dirk Julius Derrick headshot
Dirk Derrick

Litigation lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Respected in the legal field and produces results for his clients!"

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ryan Jacob Fishman headshot
Ryan Fishman

Appeals lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Litigation lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robin Dalton headshot
Robin Dalton

Litigation lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Zales is not only an earnest legal advocate, he is also active in the legal community helping to enact broader improvements to Wisconsin’s legal system. He is dedicated to his work and not afraid to fight to ensure his clients are heard."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Nicholas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

John Scott Swimmer headshot
John Swimmer

Appeals lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Nick is an excellent lawyer and I have consulted with him several time on appellate matters. If I have referred clients and I call him first to answer my appellate questions. I strongly endorse this lawyer."

T. Joshua Ritz headshot
T. Ritz

Appeals lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ronald Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Litigation lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Zales knows the courtroom. He has years of experience and praise from his clients and respect from attorneys who know him. There is a lot more to trial work than just being a lawyer and attorney Zales knows it. I strongly recommend him to you. If you have a question about the court process, he can give you the answer. If his office is anywhere near you, call him. If it isn't near you, get in your car. He's worth it."

Albert Lee Crosner headshot
Albert Crosner

Litigation lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Zales. He is a very experienced litigator and is very respected in the legal community. He also has contributed a significant number of responses to Avvo community posed questions in a very analytical manner. I would highly recommend Attorney Zales should you need any legal services in his field.."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Litigation lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Zales is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession."

David J. McCormick headshot
David McCormick

Appeals lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Nick is a fantastic appellate lawyer that has provided assistance to many fellow Wisconsin lawyers. He is a great writer and knows the ins and outs of the appellate system. Also a great appellate resource."

Daniel W. Stevens headshot
Daniel Stevens

Appeals lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Nick is a highly effective legal writer and researcher. His Appellate skills and knowledge of the law exceeds that of most lawyers in the community. He is very sympathetic to those who have suffered losses. I highly recommend him."

Randy T. Enochs headshot
Randy Enochs

Appeals lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Nick is one of the most knowledgeable, committed and hard-working attorneys I know. He assisted me on an appeal to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and displayed his encyclopedic knowledge of the law and procedure. I highly endorse and recommend Nick."

Wendy Alison Nora headshot
Wendy Alison Nora

Litigation lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nick is one of the most talented litigators I have encountered in 37 years of practice. His case analysis is incisive. His writing skills are clear and precise. He is efficient and effective. His commitment to the pursuit of truth and justice is exemplary."

View All Endorsements
Elizabeth G. Rich headshot
Elizabeth Rich

Business lawyer

Frank J. Liska Jr. headshot
Frank Liska

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Dirk Julius Derrick headshot
Dirk Derrick

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Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

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Kevin Palmersheim

Business lawyer

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Robin Dalton

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Nilesh Patel

Employment and labor lawyer

Roberta A. Heckes headshot
Roberta Heckes

Criminal defense lawyer

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John Swimmer

Litigation lawyer

Ben Walter Pesta II headshot
Ben Pesta

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Jonathan Mas

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

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Albert Crosner

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Nicholas Destefanis

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

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Jessica King

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Highest Rated Attorney, AVVO

2015

Milwaukee Leading Lawyer - Appeals, M: Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine

2014

Highest Ranked - Lititgation, M: Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine

2014

Highly Rated Attorney 10.0, AVVO

2013

Highest Ranked - Litigation, M: Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine

2013

Highly ranked Attorney 10.0, AVVO

2012

Highest Ranked Attorney - Litigation, M: Milwaukee Lifestyle Magazine

2012

Highly Ranked Attorney 10.0, AVVO

2010

President's Award for Excellence in Service, State Bar of Wisconsin

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Owner, Zales Law Office

Associations

2015 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin

State Bar Governor - Milwaukee County

2010 - Present

Wisconsin Trust Account Foundation

Board Member

2010 - 2011

Judicial Council of the State of Wisconsin

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

US v. Richards, 741 F. 3d 843 (7th Circuit 2014)

District Court Afffirmed

State v. One 2000 Lincoln Navigator, 731 NW 2d 375, 2007 WI App 127,

Won

Tallmadge v Boyle, 730 N.W.2d 173 (2007) 2007 WI App 47

New Rule of Law Created

State ex rel. Labine v. Puckett, 676 NW 2d 424, 2004 WI 25, 270 Wis. 2d 57

Split Decision

OLDE POPCORN WAGONS v. FESTIVAL POPCORN WAGONS, 275 Wis.2d 397 (2004) 2004 WI App 129 685 N.W.2d 853

Affirmed in part on appeal.

IN RE MARRIAGE OF PATRICKUS v. Patrickus, 620 NW 2d 205, 2000 WI App 255,

New Rule Created

Halloway v. Milwaukee County, 180 F. 3d 820 (7th Circuit, 1999)

Tensor Group, Inc. v. All Press Parts & Equipment, Inc., 966 F. Supp. 727 - Dist. Court, ND Illinois, 1997

Won

Rheams v. Marquette University 989 F. Supp. 991 - Dist. Court, ED Wisconsin, 1997

Case dismissed on summary judgment.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Marquette University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

Publications

2009

De Novo In Chambers Series - Interviews with Wisconsin Appellate Court Judges

2008

De Novo In Chambers

2007

De Novo In Chambers

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution