Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
30 Client Reviews
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David M. Stegall
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About David
Biography
David Stegall is a trial attorney who represents Wisconsin families when commercial trucks kill or catastrophically injure someone they love. He is the attorney other attorneys call when the case matters most.
Wisconsin’s interstate system — I-90, I-94, I-39 — moves some of the heaviest commercial freight in the Midwest. When an 80,000-pound carrier collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are catastrophic and the legal fight is technically complex. David focuses specifically on these cases: commercial trucking wrongful death, catastrophic traumatic brain injury, and serious occupational injury. He knows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations that govern carriers, how to obtain and use electronic logging device data, and how to build the kind of evidence framework that drives full accountability — not just a check.
David is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Cavalry Officer before attending Marquette University Law School, where he graduated cum laude. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County, where he served as lead prosecutor in more than 40 jury trials. That trial experience — knowing how to build a case, read a room, and fight when it counts — is what David’s clients call on when the stakes are highest.
David has been recognized by Super Lawyers from 2023 through 2025 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review designation available. He is also a published co-author of Traffic Law and Practice in Wisconsin, the State Bar’s definitive guide relied upon by judges and attorneys statewide — a credential that reflects the same depth of preparation he brings to every trucking case.
He is a member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice. David serves on the Veterans’ Advisory Board and volunteers at the Veterans’ Law Center.
When a family calls David after a trucking crash, the first thing he says is: tell me what happened. He wants to understand what the family has been through before anything else. That is where the case begins.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
25%
Trucking Accident
25%
Workers Compensation
25%
Wrongful Death
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Lawton & Cates
345 W Washington Ave, Suite 201, Madison, WI, 53703
lawtoncates.com/attorneys/dave-m-stegallGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David M. Stegall's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 8 of 8 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Penni | June 24, 2015 | Child Abuse
Believes in Justice !
I was mistakenly charged with felony child abuse. Mr. Stegall gave me the confidence I needed to fight the charges. He kept me informed about every aspect of the court proceedings. Each and every time I stepped into court I knew what to expect . Not only was he prepared but he made sure I was too. In...
Posted by Jim | March 02, 2015 | Criminal Defense
Thorough and compassionate
I was arrested due to strict police policy for an issue which if the officers had any discretion, most likely would not have resulted in arrest. But the justice system is blind and left to its own devices, would have ground me up and cost me my job at the least. I submitted an online request for ...
Posted by Scott | June 30, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer and person
I had the unfortunate need for an attorney on a weekend, the day before leaving on a trip that would force me to miss my court date, creating a lot of anxiety for many reasons. Not only did Dave contact me on that Saturday, but he assured me that he could take my case in a conservative way to help m...
David M. Stegall's Lawyer Endorsements
"When I was a prosecutor, I had many cases with Attorney Stegall, including a jury trial. His experiences as a prosecutor prepared him perfectly to guide people through the criminal justice system; he knows what should happen and how to make it happen. He is easily one of the best attorneys I have known, and I endorse him without reservation."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Stegall since his days in the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office and have always found him to be professional, knowledgeable and very fair. Attorney Stegall is someone I would have no problem referring a friend or family member to."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Stegall is a great lawyer. I have known him since he was an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County. He always showed courtesy and respect in and out of court. His litigation skills are A-one."
"David is an extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful litigator. As a former Assistant District Attorney, he has better courtroom experience and trial skills than the vast majority of his peers. I would trust David with any criminal or complex civil litigation matter."
"I first got to know Dave when he worked for the Milwaukee District Attorney's Office. He was always very fair in his approach to cases, and very knowledgeable about the law and facts of each case he handled. Since he joined Lawton & Cates, I have consulted with him a number of occasions and value his input. I would not hesitate to recommend Dave because he is honest, genuine, and intelligent."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"As a prosecutor, David tried numerous cases. His trial experience has undoubtedly benefitted him in private practice and will continue to do so. He's a great lawyer who is easy to work with and gets great results for his clients. I definitely recommend David Stegall."
"We worked together (as opposing counsels) on a big criminal case and we were able to settle it while engaging in a professional and amicable communication regarding the details of the case and finally the details of the settlement. He was straightforward and honest as it came to the details of the case and we were able to engage in efficient work in finalizing all the details of the settlement."
"David Stegall is an outstanding lawyer. His knowledge of criminal law is exemplary, and his ability to work amicably with opposing counsel without sacrificing his client's interest is an indispensable asset. I highly recommend David Stegall."
Christopher Donovan
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Cherella
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Donovan
Criminal defense lawyer
Bridget Krause
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Hart
Criminal defense lawyer
Daniel Adams
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Certified Criminal Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2019
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Cum Laude, Marquette University Law School
1997
Distinguished Military Graduate, United States Army
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Attorney, Lawton & Cates
1900 - Present
Shareholder and Attorney, Lawton & Cates, S.C.
2006 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2012 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2012 - Present
Wisconsin Association for Justice
2012 - Present
Dane County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide, Aggravated Battery
Due to Attorney Stegall’s hard work and advocacy, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts.
Possession of Child Pornography
Not Guilty
1st Degree Sexual Assault (three counts)
Not Guilty on All counts
Car Accident Jury trial
Trial result was 358% higher than insurance company offer
Car Accident
Trial Result 750% increase over insurance company offer
Sexual Harassment
Six Figure Settlement
Injured Motorcyclist
900% Increase over Insurance company initial offer
Work Related Back Injury
Work Related Back Injury
Education
2006
Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2017
State Bar of Wisconsin
DUI
2013
2013 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference
An Overview of OWI Cases From Both Sides of the Courtroom
2012
John “Sly” Sylvester
Repeat Commentator on "Sly in the Morning" Radio Show
Publications
2019
2019
Traffic Law and Practice in Wisconsin (State Bar of Wisconsin)
2019-2020 Supplement
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
After workers comp pays my medical bills, do I get a settlement ?
15 May 2020
Q&A
A notice of hearing paper in the mail, & it says re disorderly conduct county/municipality this case is scheduled for: Intake?
19 May 2020
Q&A
What happens in a case of being charged with a 943.01(1) ?
04 May 2020
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24 Mar 2020