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also known as Rick Coad
Rick Coad is widely recognized as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Madison, Wisconsin, specializing in OWI defense, domestic battery, drug offenses, and serious felonies in the Dane County Courthouse. While he is one of the few Wisconsin lawyers to have argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, and his federal practice has carried him to federal courthouses across the midwest, he focuses his daily practice on helping local citizens navigate the high stakes of state court prosecutions. Based in Madison, Rick serves clients in the Dane County Courthouse and throughout Wisconsin, frequently appearing in Columbia, Sauk, Rock, Iowa, and Jefferson Counties.
Rick built Coad Law Office on a stubborn insistence on getting the best outcomes in both common and complex cases. Whether defending a first-offense OWI or a high-level fraud charge, he applies a level of litigation scrutiny rarely seen in state courts. His reputation for results has earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer 14 times, most recently in 2025, and selection to the prestigious Best Lawyers in America list for 2026.
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Practice Areas
22 years | 1,000 cases
22 years | 200 cases
22 years | 200 cases
22 years | 150 cases
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$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2004
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10 E. Doty Street, Suite 513, Madison, WI, 53703
6 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews
Posted by Jimmy | February 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great to work with
Rich Coad did a great job handling my case. He ensured that the best outcome possible was reached. He was professional at all times. His rates were reasonable for the high quality work, and he is just a good guy overall.
Posted by Ravi | September 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Top Notch & Extraordinary
Rick is an exceptional lawyer and i highly recommend him who is in need without an inch of doubt. He is very thorough and will walk you through the whole process throughout your case. He is very patient and give you an answer even if you ask him same question multiple times which was the case with m...
Posted by Mike | March 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Exceeded Expectations
Rick was tremendous. I was involved in a situation when visiting Madison, WI and without Rick's help I was facing a serious charge that would have required 2-3 return trips to the city. Being from out of town, this would have been near impossible to balance with my job, let alone what may have happen...
Posted by Nate | March 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Top Notch!
I hired Rick to help me through a difficult time and he did an excellent job. I called a few lawyers in Madison but chose Rick because he was very down to earth and didn't try to bowl me over with ego or gruffness. He took the time to explain how the process worked and prepared me for the possible ...
Posted by anonymous | March 02, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Beyond Expectations
When I initially contacted Rick he was very honest about my chances of succeeding with my case. He advised me of all possible scenarios that could play out, and what my rights were. Throughout the process he asked strategical questions pertinent to my situation and I never felt like I was being led a...
"I have worked together with Rick on many cases. Rick's combination of instinct, intelligence, and hard work always yields great results for his clients. He is a great lawyer."
"There is a reason why Rick has been selected as a Super Lawyer year after year. He is one of the more thorough and hard working attorneys I know. Rick has experience litigating cases all over Wisconsin, and has argued in front of the United States Supreme Court. I endorse him, because he's an aggressive lawyer who has compassion - those traits aren't often seen together."
"Rick Coad is a very good lawyer with good judgment. He is very able in the courtroom and his written product is among the best. I trust Rick and refer clients to him."
Litigation lawyer
2026
Best Lawyer, Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer Rising Star, Milwaukee Magazine
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer Rising Star, Milwaukee Magazine
2011
Super Lawyers Rising Star, Madison Magazine
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2010
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2009
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2008
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2007
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2011 - Present
Attorney, Coad Law Office, S.C.
2015 - 2015
Shareholder, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.
2007 - 2011
Attorney, Hurley Burish & Stanton
2004 - 2007
Attorney, Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin
2007 - Present
Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Dane County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2004 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard Member
2004
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Undergraduate
2015
White Collar Defense
2011
Firearms Litigation
2011
United States Supreme Court Update 2011
2010
Litigating Firearms Cases
2010
Supreme Court Update
2009
Supreme Court Update
2008
Litigating Firearms Cases
2008
United States Supreme Court Update
2007
2007
English
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