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Richard A. Coad
also known as Rick Coad
About Richard
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
22 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
30%
22 years | 200 cases
Domestic Violence
20%
22 years | 200 cases
Federal Crime
5%
22 years | 150 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 21 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Coad Law Office, S.C.
10 E. Doty Street, Suite 513, Madison, WI, 53703
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Richard A. Coad's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
Richard A. Coad's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Jack Williams
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
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
Sample of Legal Cases
Logan v. United States, 552 U.S. 23 (2007)
Education
2004
William Mitchell College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Gettysburg College
Undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2015
What to do when the FBI knocks.
White Collar Defense
2011
Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference
Firearms Litigation
2011
Dane County Bar Association Meeting
United States Supreme Court Update 2011
2010
Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference
Litigating Firearms Cases
2010
Dane County Bar Association
Supreme Court Update
2009
Dane County Bar Association
Supreme Court Update
2008
Wisconsin State Public Defender Conference
Litigating Firearms Cases
2008
Dane County Bar Association Meeting
United States Supreme Court Update
Publications
2007
Wisconsin Law Journal
Looking back at the ride
2007
Wisconsin Law Journal
Taking it to the top
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers