Erik J. Pless

Erik is a seasoned trial lawyer with over 30 years of trial experience, having tried over 80 jury trials as lead counsel successfully representing clients throughout Wisconsin. The bulk of Erik's practice is insurance defense, which includes the defense of individuals, other attorneys and businesses who have been sued. He is also currently co-authoring a book on Wisconsin Civil Procedure for a national legal research and writing database and search engine.

Erik has been board certified as a Civil Trial Specialist since 2004 by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Trial law board certification is a comprehensive evaluation that officially recognizes extensive education, training, courtroom experience and actual trial experience as lead counsel. Certified trial lawyers like Erik undergo a thorough screening process, including documentation of trial experience, recommendations by judges before whom Erik has tried cases, and opposing attorneys who have tried cases against Erik, and successful completion of a thorough essay and written examination.

Additionally, Erik has been selected every year since 2008 for inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers in the category of civil defense. To be so designated, each nominee is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and verified professional achievement. Selections are made annually, and only five percent of the attorneys in Wisconsin are selected for designation as Super Lawyers.

Erik was also honored with an AV Preeminent rating through Martindale-Hubbell which is based upon peer reviews by other lawyers and judges familiar with his work. AV is the highest rating for professional ethics and legal ability. It is granted to fewer than eight percent of attorneys.

Practice Areas
Defense of insurers and insureds in a wide variety of cases including:
Severe personal injury;
Bad faith defense;
Insurance coverage;
Professional liability, including legal malpractice;
Products liability;
Auto liability and,
Premises liability