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


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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

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Joseph A. Bugni's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

124 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 124 reviews

Posted by Tim | May 15, 2025 | Consumer Protection

A gentleman attorney

Dear Joe, I first contacted you just 7 days ago, when I was searching for a high calibre attorney to advise and advocate for me regarding a vexatious situation that threatened a damaging effect on my liberty and more importantly the emotional health of my wife. I live in a small town far from your... Madison offices, but this was not a hinderance and you offered great comfort and readiness to take first steps, without letting administrative steps take precedence. You very quickly grasped my predicament, swiftly re-assuring me that I was likely a potential target of a team of "scamsters" pressuring me by impersonating Federal officials from various agencies. Your good offices and obvious extensive liason within law enforcement determined, in very short order, that your initial suspicions were confirmed. You also recommended that I take steps to re-inforce the online security of my devices against possible attack. I have followed your advice and the scam appears to have been defeated for now. Should it re-appear or any other ugly issue present itself, you would be my "first port of call" and I would have no hesitation in endorsing your expertise to others. Indeed you have displayed skill, judicious knowledge, evident experience, a deft touch and, no doubt, a sound contact list. But most impressive has been your care, courtesy and kind consideration shown to someone previously unknown to you. Best regards, Tim

Posted by anonymous | April 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Joe Bugni, Best Lawyer in Wisconsin

Joe Bugni is exactly the person you are looking for if you need legal representation. My situation was chaotic and Joe came in and immediately provided authentic care, expertise, and sound guidance, relieving a lot of stress. Joe communicated his plan clearly, he is caring, a great strategist, though...tful, and exactly the person you want in your corner when you need it. I also want to thank Trinity for her excellent help in helping to get my documents cleanly in Joe's hands for review. Overall I could not be more pleased and want to give credit to Joe's exceptional skill and level of care for his clients. You have found the right lawyer in Joe and this talented Firm.

Posted by Nicholas | April 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Amazing

Joe is an amazing attorney and cares a great deal about his clients. He worked very hard on my case even when there was no chance of me winning. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Posted by Mike | April 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

So much more that just a lawyer!

If you take the time to read all of Joe’s’ reviews you will see the the common theme is that he is a very compassionate, smart and truly caring lawyer. Ive known Joe for over a decade in a professional capacity and have watched him hard at work in his craft. I’ve seen what everyone else writes about ...him but I’ve also come to know Joe as an amazing human being! My son fights addiction issues and found himself in a tough spot. I reached out to Joe for help and he and the firm didn’t hesitate to jump in with his support, knowledge and most importantly, his caring words and personality. It was one of the hardest times in my family’s life but Joe and his assistant, Trinity stepped up took the reins and started navigating us out of a really dark place. Joe and Trinity worked hard to find my son not only a solution to his legal problems but they were right there with me to help him find the care he needed with his recovery and rehabilitation. Joe took the time to talk to my son, like he was his family not just a client, about his future. Joe even set up meetings with military recruiters to give my son a different perspective on what possibilities were out there. Joe is one of the most compassionate and truly caring men I’ve ever met. I’ve seen him in action for many years in the courtroom. His knowledge of the law and his ability to argue the law and get people to listen and “hear” him is unmatched. Go watch him in action and find out for yourself!! Thank you Joe, for being you. Thank you Trinity for keeping Joe straight and helping him be him.

Posted by Kelvin | March 03, 2025

A World-Class Individual

This review may appear long, but it's because there is so much to be said about Attorney Bugni; My hope is that nothing from my many interactions with Attorney Bugni will be left out! Let me begin by saying that Attorney Bugni is a world-class individual! He is accomplished both professionally and in...dividually! In a conversation with him, you instantly sense his sincerity; Attorney Bugni is not only effective as a lawyer (showcased by his long list of accomplishments), but as a person, you find that Attorney Bugni is funny and highly affable! Attorney Bugni is willing to genuinely help anyone in need, as was the case for me! As a longtime admirer of his, just getting his time was alone for me an honor; Beyond that, when I needed navigation in my dire situation, Attorney Bugni stepped up and I will forever be grateful to him for that! He gave me his honest thoughts with no hidden agenda and for that, I have the highest and deepest respect for Attorney Bugni! I trust him, so much so that it was liberating to have someone to confide in, knowing that whatever was shared, he would never leak out! This is the kind of person (who also is an attorney, which is a major plus) that you want to have in your life! There is a reason Attorney Bugni has such high reviews and why there is a consensus to the experience witnessed by his clients! You are kidding yourself if you think there are better choices! Choose Attorney Bugni for your Legal needs and you will never be disappointed! Be Blessed

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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What determines Avvo Rating?
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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
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