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Sean William O'Neill
About Sean
Biography
Legal Education and Background: Attorney O'Neill came to the La Crosse area from Spring Green Wisconsin in 1988. He attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with degrees in Political Science and Public Administration near the top of his class. He attended Drake University Law School and graduated in 1997 with high honors and induction into the Order of Coif (top 10% of his class). Because of top scores in Evidence and Criminal Practice and Procedure Attorney O'Neill was assigned a clerkship by Professor James Adams to do a State wide survey of Criminal Law. He was voted by his graduating class as the most likely to become a law professor.
Legal Experience: Sean has more than 15 years experience as an aggressive trial litigator. His main focus is representation in criminal and civil matters. He has assisted numerous persons accused of criminal and drunk driving offenses with excellent results (See case examples). He also has a successful personal injury practice and has helped numerous injured persons receive the compensation they deserve. His third major area of practice is family matters such as divorce, child custody and support. He is a member of the American and Wisconsin Association Justice and the Wisconsin and La Crosse Area Criminal Lawyers Associations. He holds licenses to practice law in Iowa and Wisconsin. ONeill Law Firm, LLC was formed by Attorney ONeill in 2012 to meet the growing needs of his client base.
Be sure to look at Attorney O'Neill's case examples. Every one has a cite to the actual case to insure you that what is being represented is 100% the actual result. Most all these cases can be researched in the Wisconsin CCAP system. There are no exaggerations or lies here. No attorney can promise a result. An attorney who does is not acting ethically. But these case results amassed over 15 years of aggressive practice show a solid track record. Its not lost on Attorney O'Neill that you work hard for your money. He knows word of mouth advertising is the most valuable kind and something no attorney can buy. You will get competent, aggressive, uncompromising legal representation for your hard earned dollar.
Community Activities: Sean believes in giving back to his community. He is a member of the Onalaska Lions Club and a member of the Centering Onalaska Community group. He has guest lectured at both U.W. La Crosse and Western Wisconsin Technical College on issues of Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Contracts. Sean lives in Onalaska with his wife and three children.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 28 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 1997
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023
Licensed in Iowa for 27 years
State: Iowa
Acquired: 1998
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2013
Location
O'Neill Law Firm, LLC
115 5th Ave S #421., La Crosse, WI, 54601
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Sean William O'Neill's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
44 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (44)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (33)
Advocacy (22)
Recommendation (21)
Responsiveness (14)
Professionalism (13)
Communication Style (11)
General Knowledge (10)
Trustworthiness (10)
Character & Conduct (9)
Cost of Services (9)
Practice Area Knowledge (9)
Compassion (4)
Payment Plans (2)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2025
Unprofessional
Are these men giving him five star reviews? As a woman, I am disgusted with how unprofessional and lack of knowledge he has.
Sean O'Neill
Replied last April 03, 2025This isn't a client. But a woman on the other side of a case who represented herself at first. I got a bit snarky at her buffoonery and she lashed out. It happens. Also notice the sexism being exhibited. And the inability to put together a sentence.
Posted by Emily | September 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Sean gave me the best representation I could hope for
I can’t say enough good things about Sean and his staff. I had a very messy divorce. I worked with another lawyer for seven months and he did very little for me except continually remind me that Wisconsin was a 50/50 state and that even though I brought significant assets into the marriage while my e...
Posted by Justin | March 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Excellent communication and follow through
Sean took great care of everything from the jump. He worked with me on payment, as well as gave me practical and reasonable legal advice. He didn’t over promise but certainly delivered. I hope to not have to use his services again but he would be the first I turn to if I ever do.
Posted by Josie | April 07, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Fights hard in the court room!
Sean was my lawyer about 8 years ago when I was in legal trouble. He fought for a second chance for me which I took and ran with. Now I hired Sean for a on going custody battle that we have been in and out of due to my ex and his lies to try and take my son from me. Sean proved his lies and proved my...
Posted by anonymous | June 03, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
Guardianship
Sean was very informative and upfront about the process to file for legal guardianship and how much he charges. He billed monthly and give me ample time to review the charges. There was a charge that I felt was wrong and he quickly reviewed it and we came to an agreement. The whole process from start...
Sean O'Neill
Replied last June 03, 2021Can't thank you enough for taking the time to write this. Thank YOU!
Sean William O'Neill's Lawyer Endorsements
"Sean works very hard for his clients. He is thorough and extremely competent."
"I have worked with Sean O'Neill in several complex cases over the years, and I am always glad when he is involved because he will not tacitly sit by the sidelines while I work the case. He is skilled in the use of both civil and criminal procedure. Sean is patient with his clients and works hard to advocate their positions. His professional colleagues in this area respect Sean. I endorse this lawyer."
"Sean provides quality legal advice. He has the ability to analyze the law and the big picture for client consideration. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney and a highly respected one in the legal community."
"Mr. O'Neill's reputation proceeds him in the legal community. His clients will be happy. I endorse this lawyer."
"Sean is a solid criminal attorney who has really learned his way around the courtroom."
"Mr. O'Neill is an exemplary attorney who I would recommend to everyone and anyone. Hiring him might very well be the best decision that you have ever made. His answers on Avvo are perfect. I have practiced for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney and he is one of the best I have encountered."
"Sean is a thorough and caring attorney. He is willing to take on the system; and I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. You should not judge an attorney by a disciplinary hit, but rather their dedication and zealousness. Sean is above the bar in these areas."
"Sean O'Neill is experienced in many areas of law. I've seen him successfully handle cases in criminal defense and matters involving families and children. He is not afraid to handle complex cases and does a fantastic job on them. He is an approachable attorney that really seems to care about his clients, and his work shows that. I highly recommend Mr. O'Neill for all your legal needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean has the skill, the experience, and the legal knowledge needed to excel in the courtroom and in the negotiating room. I have seen him at work. If you want an attorney who will work for you and fight for you, call Sean O'Neill."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sean has developed a reputation as a very solid criminal defense attorney. He is known as conscientious and a hard worker. He has a personality which allows him to negotiate effectively and a brain and the experience to do well in court."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had the opportunity to witness Sean in a courtroom on several occasions as well as the pleasure of knowing him outside of the courtroom. As a colleague Sean is always willing to provide advice or insight when asked and he has earned a reputation around the legal community as an honest, hardworking, and talented attorney. As an advocate, Sean is one of few attorneys I know who both takes great pride in his work, and possesses the skill and work ethic to achieve admirable results. You would be wise to hire him as counsel for your case."
"Sean is a very passionate advocate and works very hard at his cases."
"Sean is one of the smartest attorneys I know. Couple that with his sense of duty to his clients, his willingness to take on tough cases and his legal knowledge and skill and you can't go wrong."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney O'Neill is an outstanding attorney with an excellent reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney O'Neill has the knowledge and skill to effectively work for his clients. His common sense approach allows him to know how to best handle cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sean has an excellent reputation in the legal community as a strong affective litigator and fights hard and wins for his clients. He is an outstanding attorney."
"Sean is an honest, hard-working attorney who vigorously represents his clients interests. It was a pleasure working with him as a new attorney in La Crosse."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.
Public Reprimand issued in WI, 2023
updated on 03/27/2024Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.
Reciprocal - Reprimand issued in IA, 2013
updated on 10/16/2016This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in Iowa.
Sean’s comment:
“This is NOT another reprimand. Its for the same thing in WI 7 years ago. This is all because a client gave me an unexpected bonus on a Public Defender case. I don't do Public Defender work anymore because of this nonsense. A DA in WI was given nothing for sexting crime victims due to his position. But since I'm not in position of power, I don't get the same consideration.”
Public Reprimand issued in WI, 2012
updated on 10/16/2016Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.
Sean’s comment:
“This is extremely misleading. Look at my case results, endorsements and client testimonials right here. I am one of the best. PERIOD. I have REAL REVIEWS from REAL PEOPLE. Check my website and my Facebook page. Can't buy the ratings and trust. AVVO is flawed. I was a 7.6 and would be an 8 or 9 if not for this axe grinding client . Hire me and see how I treat you. YOU will be my next endorsement.”
Honors
1999
Outstanding Leadership Award, BNI
1997
Order of the Coif, Drake Law School
1997
Law Professor Award, Drake Law Class 1997
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Owner, ONeill Law Firm, LLC
2002 - Present
Associate Partner, Fehr Law Office
1999 - 2002
Associate, Ablan Law Firm
1997 - 1999
Associate, Park O'Flaherty
Associations
2001 - Present
Centering OnalaskaMember
2000 - Present
Onalaska Lions ClubMember
American Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers
Member
La Crosse Area Criminal Lawyers Association
Member
Wisconsin Criminal Lawyers Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Huge Divorce Win!!
Huge Win-- No maintenance/Alimony
OWI 6th ACQUITTAL AT JURY TRIAL!!
Acquittal by Jury Verdict
Lenient prison in horrific case
2 years Mental Hospital
50 g Felony drug case-- DISMISSED!.
Dismissal
ANOTHER HUGE TRIAL WIN
Total Acquittal
Probation in Child Abuse case
Probation
Misdemeanors come out of major felony case
Misdemeanor Plea
Another Huge Win
Dismissal.
Serious ES Revocation dropped
Revocation Dropped
Juvenile waiver hearing won
Judge dismisses waiver petition
Strangulation and Battery Acquittal by Jury
Felony acquittal by jury
State v. Greenwood OWI Jury Acquittal
Complete Acquittal
Big Divorce Victory -- Alimony for Male Spouse
Major victory on property division and maintenance
State v. Erik Daigle
Acquittal on Drunk Driving 5th
State v. Brian E. Pierce
Amendment from Drunk Driving 6th to 4th
State v. William Ogden
Acquittal
Jeff Carey, et. al. v. American Family Insurance
Settlement
Dorothy Wenzel v. American Family Insurance
Trial $67,000.00 recovery
State v. Virgil Stewart
Amendment from Major Felonies to Misdemeanor
State v. Tingleng Yang
Amendment from Major Felonies to Misdemeanor
State v. Erwin Beckom
Major Felony to Possession
State v. Peter A. Krump
Jury Acquittal
Education
1997
Drake University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
Publications
1997
Drake Annual Survey of Criminal Law
Survey of Iowa Criminal Law
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If a Foster Parent and a CPS case worker are friends, is that a conflict of interest?
12 Jan 2019
Q&A
Can my medical records be used against me in court?
11 Jan 2019
Q&A
Deferred Judgment VS Deferred prosecution agreement (Wisconsin)
27 May 2013