Joseph A. Bugni

Joseph A. Bugni

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Federal crime Lawyer at Madison, WI
Practice Areas: Federal Crime, Criminal Defense, Appeals

33 East Main, Suite 400, Madison, WI

About Joseph

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2006

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Hurley Burish, S.C.

33 East Main, Suite 400, Madison, WI, 53703

Joseph A. Bugni's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

130 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 130 reviews

Posted by anonymous | October 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Outstanding Representation!

During what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in my life – supporting a loved one through their criminal prosecution – Attorney Joe Bugni and his team proved to be an invaluable support. Navigating criminal charges in our family for the first time was overwhelming, particularly becaus...e there is so much uncertainty regarding the outcome of a criminal case. Attorney Bugni’s communication, high-level advocacy, and zealousness helped alleviate my stress during this emotional process. He understood how important it was to my loved one to ensure that I was part of the discussion about essential decisions in the case. He listened to us without judgment. By taking the time to communicate with me every step of the way I knew that he had my loved one’s best interests at heart. His compassion towards my partner AND to me is an incredible testament to Attorney Bugni’s caring, empathetic, and holistic representation. His genuine kindness, humanity, and benevolence is nothing short of exceptional. In terms of legal advocacy, what really stood out to me was the creative and thoughtful way that Attorney Bugni approached his legal research, analysis, and writing. He has a knack for combining sincerity, fierceness, and the right amount of flair in his work – particularly in his persuasive writing. Attorney Bugni has a remarkable way of using the power of the written word to advance a legal argument. I am deeply grateful for the guidance, support, and humanity that Attorney Bugni and his team provided both to me and to my loved one. If you need a compassionate, professional, and hard-working team by your side, look no further than Attorney Bugni and his right hand, paralegal Trinity Northop. You can feel confident that they will work tirelessly on your behalf during a most critical time in your life. Thank you, Attorney Bugni and Trinity. You were truly the right team to help navigate this crisis with us.

Posted by Da | October 06, 2026

Joe is whom you can trust when it matters the most.

Joe Bugni is whom you place your trust in. What stands out is not just his unparalleled knowledge, skill, and deep reservoir of legal strategies; it is how he treats you as his client. He is not seeing you as another file on the desk or an indifferent name they have to deal with in the court fili...ngs. He represents the people behind the name, a human being who needs help. The day you engage Joe, he is on your team, sharing the same pulse with you. It cannot be overstated how important it is to have legal counsel you can treat as a true partner. If you want a tone-deaf summary of the law, feel free to go elsewhere. But if you need someone you can genuinely place your faith in when it matters most, you go to Joe.

Posted by Mike | September 04, 2026

Completely satisfied

We had a very good friend refer us to Joe and his firm. I cannot say enough good about this man. If you want someone with honesty and Integrity, he is definitely your guy. His assistant Sophia is a great communicator and I also cannot say enough good about her. Do not hesitate interviewing and hiring... them. You will not be disappointed.

Posted by Robert | August 18, 2026

Looking for an excellent reliable attorney? Consider Joe Bugni

Permit me to share my personal experience with Hurley Burish, SC, as represented by Attorney Joseph Bugni (hereafter simply referred to as Joe). Several years ago Joe contacted a woman upon whom I had been making monthly pastoral visits in prison for more than thirteen years. His heart had been ...touched by her case. He knew he could help her and was eager to do that. He offered to serve as her attorney, Pro Bono. Although they had never met, she accepted his offer. Yes, he showed remarkable familiarity and understanding of her case. Yes, he obviously possessed excellent skills and experience as an attorney. But, she said yes to his offer primarily because of something more, something basic and most important to her: she viewed him as a man of faith, a godly person. Her intuition proved to be accurate! In my frequent visits with her, she praised Joe: for his honesty and faithfulness; for his kindness and compassion; for his tenacity and persistence; and, YES, for his godly handling of her case. She is obviously absolutely and completely pleased with his counsel and actions on her behalf. My experience and opinion of Joe is exactly the same! Experience and excellent legal knowledge, combined with indefatigable patience - all motivated by loving compassion! That is why I unequivocally recommend Joe for your consideration, if you or someone you love should have a need for a personal attorney. Thank you for your time in reading my testimony and recommendation. Robert J Gurgel, retired pastor

Posted by Tim | May 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Joe Bugni the only attorney you will need!

I’ve known Joe Bugni for well over 10 years and consider him a good friend. I have always said that if I needed an attorney Joe would be the one I called. Joe is currently helping us with an incarcerated family member. Over the years I have seen Joe in both a personal and professional context. Joe... delivers the kind of legal representation that clients both respect and deeply appreciate. He demonstrates a rare combination of professionalism clarity, and genuine care for his client’s situation. What truly sets Joe apart is his responsiveness and dedication. He is consistently accessible, promptly returning calls and emails, and keeping clients informed at every stage of the process. Joe’s level of communication builds trust and ensures that his clients never feel left in the dark. His attention to detail and thorough preparation are evident in every step he takes, reflecting his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. I’ve watched Joe appropriately stand up to Federal Judges and prosecutors in defense of his client’s. He’s a remarkable and professional litigator. In addition to his legal expertise, Joe brings a calm, confident presence that is invaluable during what can often be some of the most stressful times in his client’s lives. He approaches each matter strategically and thoughtfully, always with his client’s best interests. Overall, Joe is an outstanding attorney who combines skill, integrity, and client-focused service. If you are seeking reliable, effective legal counsel you would be well served by choosing him. Thank you, Joe! Tim and Lisa R

See All Client Reviews

Joseph A. Bugni's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joseph
Amanda Adrian headshot
Amanda Adrian

Federal crime lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua D. Uller headshot
Joshua Uller

Criminal defense lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Joe for many years now. And having watched him from the sidelines, worked on cases together, and worked in the same office as him, I am in a position to comment on his abilities. He is really a spectacular lawyer who cares about his clients and their families. He takes the time to get to know them and works tirelessly to advance their interests, which he does incredibly well. He is a great trial lawyer and excels in his written advocacy. It's an honor to be a colleague of his."

Matthew Doyle Rauh headshot
Matthew Rauh

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you're searching for a dedicated, passionate, highly intelligent and adept attorney for your federal defense, look no further than Joe Bugni. Joe has an innate ability to see and help others see the goodness and humanity in everyone around him, and he works tirelessly on behalf of all his clients to pursue the best possible outcome. An attorney who cares about your short term, long term, physical, emotional and spiritual well being, you will be hard pressed to find a better advocate or friend."

Anderson Mowry Gansner headshot
Anderson Gansner

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"Joe is personable, diligent, and thoughtful. Having spent his entire career in the federal system, Joe's knowledge of both federal criminal law and the federal criminal justice system is tremendous. The level of care and thought he puts into any piece of writing is inspiring, and the results speak for themselves. He gets great results."

Marcus Jens Berghahn headshot
Marcus Berghahn

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you're in trouble and the government is your adversary, you need Joe. He brings honesty, skill and passion to your defense. Joe is talented; his legal writing is superb. He is well-regarded and committed to his clients."

Matthew S. Pinix headshot
Matthew Pinix

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When I think about the type of lawyer that I would want to hire if I was in trouble, I think of Atty. Bugni. He is smart, thorough, creative, concerned, and respected by lawyers and judges alike. He's the perfect person to have at your side if you're walking into a courtroom to fight for your rights. I highly recommend Atty. Bugni."

Amelia L. Bizzaro headshot
Amelia Bizzaro

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joe is a wonderful lawyer. He not only has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law, but a great deal of compassion for people who are going through a terrible time in their life. He is thorough, dogged, and tireless. If there is a problem with the government's case, Joe will find it and use it to his client's greatest advantage, whether it's litigation or resolution. Joe's clients are lucky to have him; they couldn't be in better hands."

Nathan Otis headshot
Nathan Otis

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe is a brilliant and creative legal mind. He fearlessly takes on the most difficult cases, and aggressively advocates for his clients even against the toughest of odds. He has a mixture of legal knowledge and good judgment that few lawyers possess, and his clients are better off for it."

Christopher D. Donovan headshot
Christopher Donovan

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe is a formidable criminal defense lawyer that masters the law and facts of each case he handles. From winning suppression motions to appeals, he represents his clients at the highest levels in federal courts throughout Wisconsin. He is personally invested in each client who he represents and cares about the outcome of each case. Having earned broad experience in many areas of law by clerking for two federal judges, he chose to dedicate himself to representing those accused of crime. No lawyer will work harder or smarter on a case, and Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin and its clients are lucky to have him."

Joel Mogren headshot
Joel Mogren

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Keen intellect, sound judgment, and real passion make Joe Bugni the best young lawyer that money can't buy. If Joe were paid what he is worth, almost nobody could afford to hire him. I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Andrea Nicole Winder headshot
Andrea Winder

Criminal defense lawyer

Nathan Otis headshot
Nathan Otis

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Martin Smith headshot
Kevin Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Best Brief, Wisconsin State Bar

2018

Leaders in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal

2018

Best Brief, Wisconsin State Bar

2016

Best Brief, State Bar of Wisconsin

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Attorney, Hurley Burish, SC

2011 - 2024

Assistant Federal Defender, Federal Defender Services Of Wisconsin

2009 - 2011

Law Clerk, Seventh Circuit Court Of Appeals

2006 - 2009

Law Clerk, United States Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida

Associations

2014 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Member

2011 - Present

Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association

2011 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Member

2011 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Member

2011 - 2015

Seventh Circuit Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Leo, 792 F.3d 742

reversed

Pidgeon v. Smith, 785 F.3d 1165

grant of habeas corpus affirmed

United States v. Moore, 983 F. Supp.2d 1030

evidence suppressed

United States v. Delgado, 701 F.3d 1161

reversed

United States v. Rahman, 805 F3d 822 (7th Cir. 2015)

reversed, evidence ordered suppressed

Jensen v. Clements, 800 F.3d 892 (7th Cir. 2015)

habeas grant affirmed

United States v. Vivas-Ceja, 808 F.3d 719 (7th Cir. 2015)

United States v. Ferguson, 831 F.3d 850 (7th Cir. 2016)

reversal of 50 year sentence

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

Ave Maria School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Marquette Appellate Writing Symposium

Narrative Brief Writing

2014

Marquette Law School Appellate Practice Section

Persuasive Brief Writing

Publications

2023

Florida Defender (FACDL) A Legacy that Endures

2022

The Champion magazine A Legacy of Uncompromising Excellence: A Tribute to Jim Shellow

2022

The Champion magazine The Best Thing Since the Exlusionary Rule: For the Defense

2022

95 Wis. Law 38-46 Jim Shellow and the Importance of Mentorship

2019

THE ATTORNEY’S GUIDE TO THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS Direct Criminal Appeals in the Seventh Circuit

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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