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Christopher J. Dodge

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Avvo Rating8.8
  • Middleton, WI
  • Licensed for 30 years
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About Christopher

Chris’s primary practice involves helping his individual and business clients with their day-to-day legal needs. Chris has significant experience in the litigation area for his clients, including work in the Wisconsin Circuit Courts, Federal Courts, Appellate Courts, as well as administrative agencies and municipal governments. Chris’s litigation experience is broad, with significant knowledge in contract, business, and property disputes, as well as litigation involving the banking, dealership and construction industries. Chris is also regularly involved in the operation of business, including representation of clients in their day-to-day needs, employment matters, purchases and sales of businesses and resolving problems arising out of disputes between business owners. Chris has an extensive practice in collections and business formations.

Chris’s clients include several banks and credit unions, and he assists them with their daily operational needs, including loan origination transactions, inter-creditor issues and debt collection, including replevins, foreclosure and contract actions.

Chris also has a long history of representation of dealerships, including automobile dealers, equipment dealers, hardware dealers and other Wisconsin dealerships. Over the course of his entire career, Chris has represented clients in dealership and franchise disputes and in matters governed by the Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law.

Chris also has extensive experience in the real estate arena, ranging from assistance with real estate purchases and sales to extensive and complex commercial real estate transactions. Chris has litigated numerous cases involving problems arising during or after the sale of real property, title issues, construction disputes and matters involving the state government and local municipalities.

Practice areas

BusinessLitigationReal estate
  1. Real estate: 34%

  2. Litigation: 33%

  3. Business: 33%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

2501 Parmenter Street
address map

Fuhrman & Dodge S.C.

2501 Parmenter Street
Suite 200B
Middleton, WI, 53562

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WIGood Standing199011/17/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Dean's Recognition AwardUniversity of Wisconsin1990
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PresidentFuhrman & Dodge, SC2012 - Present
PartnerMurphy Desmond S.C.2009 - 2012
PartnerBoardman Law Firn1999 - 2009
PartnerTomlinson Gillman1990 - 1999
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Dane County Bar AssociationMember1990 - Present
American Bar AssociationMemberN/A
State Bar of WisconsinMemberN/A
Sauk County Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
National Business Institute SeminarLaw Firm Management2013
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Wisconsin Law School JD - Juris Doctor1990
University of WisconsinBS - Bachelor of Science1986
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Preparating a Case for Civil TrialLaw School Class2016
SeminarLaw Firm Management2013

Reviews

(10)
5 Star
90%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
10%
Review Christopher Dodge

Chris Dodge review

Posted by

I have used Chris Dodge for various legal issues for over twenty years, both personally and on business matters relating to our business, Barnes, Inc. I have found Chris to always be professional and thorough in the dealings we have had with him, namely collections, litigation, personal injury, general business matters, contract writing, property transactions and trademark and patent work. Chris has always been extremely fair in his billing, and transparent in his recommendations of whether or not he thought we were on firm ground with regards to legal standing with our goals and strategies. In addition, both my staff and I have always felt Chris gave us legal advice that was in our best interest, not his or his firms in an attempt to increase his billings. I have always felt that he cared first and foremost that we received the best results possible. It goes without saying that I was not always happy with his advice, But knew that it was given with our best interests in mind. I can ask for nothing more from a professional advisor than to be a partner who puts our interests first. Mark , President/CEO, Barnes, Inc.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

An attorney I would recommend!!!

Posted by

My husband and I worked with Christopher Dodge from the Fuhrman and Dodge law firm on a very complex and multifaceted real estate case. We found him and his staff to be smart and hard-working. Christopher and his team were always compassionate and considerate during this stressful time. They allowed us to work on parts of the case that we could easily do. We answered interrogatory questions and developed interrogatory questions for the defendants. Due to this our bill was reduced and we were very happy. With Christopher and his expertise we were able to get a very good settlement without going through a very long, drawn out and expensive court case. As an attorney he worked collaboratively and cooperatively with the co-plaintiffs attorneys. We were very happy with both him and his team and highly recommend them
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Valuable Professional

Posted by

I’ve worked with attorney Chris Dodge on several different cases or issues for past 20 years. He has always provided informed recommendations and clearly identified next steps. Chris balances strong client advocacy with common sense to achieve optimal results. Dodge’s vast experience, candor and responsiveness continue to be why he is a valued professional resource.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thoughtful. Thorough. And yes an Honest attorney.

Posted by

Chris recently handled an acquisition of a competitor. Everything went very well. Not only is he very friendly and easy to talk with, he is thorough and detailed. Chris never gave me the feeling that it is only about billable hours that most attorneys have in the past. Chris and his associates also helped my son keep a clean record by getting a DUI case dropped after another firm had failed. They had to get the case reopened and then managed the dismissal , even at a lesser fee than the original attorney that did very little. Chris is the only attorney I trust and I would not consider another.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Caring and attentive.

Posted by

I had contacted Chris about a claim with a tenant, and he took the time to listen and understand my particular circumstance. Not only did he provide insightful information and help give me some direction on what I needed to collect and where to go, but he didn't charge me for the consultation. In fact he gave me the options of what he could do if I could work with him, and what I could do on my own. It is refreshing to have an experience with an attorney that is not out to squeeze me for every dollar they can get. I can't recommend Chris and his firm enough!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Outstanding Attorney

Posted by

I have known Chris for over twenty years and have benefited from his expertise in both business and personal legal matters. I will continue to recommended him to friends and relatives for any legal assistance they may need.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional and Trustworthy

Posted by

I’ve worked with Chris on a multitude for different cases or issues for close to 20 years. He has always given us thorough information and recommendations to help us make the best decisions with our legal issues. In each instance he has clearly explained the different options we have and any possible ramifications and also the likelihood of a positive outcome and probable costs. He has a great team of associates who have a wide range of specialties. Navigating the legal system can be a daunting experience for any business but having Chris and everyone at Furhman and Dodge has always made the process a little easier.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Legal Advice

Posted by

I have worked with Chris Dodge at Fuhrman & Dodge in a couple of different situations pertaining to non-compete issues and some other personal matters. Chris and his associates have always been able to point me in the right direction to make conclusive and responsible legal decisions while also firmly understanding any consequences of my decisions. I understand that there is no one path for an outcome and so does Fuhrman & Dodge. Giving me different options and helping me understand them is a key role in why I continue to use them for all of my legal decisions.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional and helpful

Posted by

I've worked with Chris Dodge on two real estate matters. He will helpful, concise, professional in both cases. I've also worked with other attorneys in his firm, and my experience with them has also been excellent.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Disorganized and unprofessional and arrogant

Posted by

I contacted WI State Bar for Referral to an attorney specializing in adverse possession of real estate. They gave me Chris Dodge's phone number. I met with and was assured by Chris that he could handle my case. I signed a contract in early October 2017. I provided very specific printed materials and all the pertinent information he would need to pursue my case. Over the next 6 weeks we spoke by phone and via email. He was constantly deferring decisions on how to proceed on my case to me. The entire reason I hired him was to be the expert on the topic. On two phone calls, he had me on speaker phone with him and two separate associates. We would spend 15 minutes recapping my case for the benefit of the new associate. Chris was clearly unprepared for these calls and I had correct his recollection of my case on EVERY detail. It was irritating because I thought I was hiring Chris, himself, and not having him pawn me off to a lower level associate attorney. I received an email with a draft of letter to the defendent and the letter was missing many of the facts that I had jsut discussed with Chris. I wrote back and let Chris know my dissatisfaction with how my case was being handled. Instead of responding as a professional, he wrote back an email attacking me and firing ME as his client. I called him immediately and never received a phone call back. I found Chris extremely arrogant, unprofessional, unknowledgeable and I would not recommend him or his firm for any legal work. I have filed complaints with the State Bar and the Wisconsin Office of Legal Regulation. I have hired and used attorneys for over 30 years and spent 100's of 1000's of dollars and this is by far one of the worst experiences I have had hiring an attorney. I notice that all the positive reviews on this site are from coworkers or other attorneys, so you they are very biased.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Attorney endorsements

(9)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Dale Gregory, Business Attorney on Feb 11, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with Chris for many years. He is an effective and creative attorney, a skilled litigator. Chris is well connected to the Dane County business and banking community and a tireless volunteer. I recommend him without reservation.

Jeanne Armstrong, Litigation Attorney on Feb 11, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

Chris is a very effective and passionate litigator. He thinks of practical, as well as creative, solutions to issues faced by his litigation and business clients. I strongly endorse Chris as an attorney who will do an excellent job for his clients.

Matthew Suing, Litigation Attorney on Feb 5, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

Chris' professionalism, advocacy skills, and knowledge of the law is impressive. I highly recommend Chris to anyone in need of a good litigation attorney.

Mark Fuhrman, Litigation Attorney on Feb 5, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked with Chris for many years. He is a great friend and fantastic attorney. He is an extremely effective litigator, constantly striving to find creative solutions to the complex issues facing many of his clients. Chris is also an very empathetic and ethical person, traits reflected in both his personal and professional life.

Danielle Tierney, Litigation Attorney on Jan 19, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

I have worked with Chris on a number of matters in the last few years working for him. Chris is a diligent attorney who works with his clients to achieve excellent results. He is an experienced litigator in a number of practice areas. Chris is also extremely involved in the community and works well with attorneys in the Madison and Milwaukee area, as well as across Wisconsin.

Ryan Seib

Chris is one of the most experienced attorney's in the greater Madison area. He has had immense success defending his clients and partners. He has cultivated access to a wide variety of legal talent with which to tackle any legal matter. With his strong ties to the community, a heart for volunteer service, and a passion for getting the right answers, Chris is certainly among the giants of our profession.. Without reservation, I endorse this attorney.

Todd Pfeil, Real estate Attorney on Aug 12, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a terrific attorney who is well equipped to handle all aspects of real estate and business law. He maintains outstanding relationships with his clients and can be counted on to get the work done quickly and efficiently. I would not hesitate to use Chris in my own personal affairs.

Margery Tibbetts-Wakefield, Civil rights Attorney on Mar 21, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a brilliant trial attorney.

Chad Koplien, Business Attorney on Oct 10, 2008
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Chris for almost 5 years. We have on opposite sides of cases, and we were peers in the Leadership Greater Madison program. Chris is down to earth, honest, and a savvy and experienced litigator. I have found his integrity and fair dealing second to none. He is an intelligent and excellent lawyer. He is a leader in his firm and in his community. I would unequivocally recommend Chris for any legal matter. Chad W. Koplien

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$250-$310/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card