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About Francis
Biography
Frank has been a licensed attorney since 1994, joining Hale Skemp in 2000 and then going in-house at State Farm in 2025. Frank is licensed and actively practices in both Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is also licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, all U.S. District Courts in Wisconsin and Minnesota, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and all U.S. Military Courts-Martial.
Frank served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy as a JAG and was stationed in Washington, D.C., and overseas. In addition to his Juris Doctor, he earned a Master of Laws degree with highest honors in Litigation and Dispute Resolution.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Insurance
100%
26 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 25 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in Minnesota for 31 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
No contact information is available for this lawyer
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Francis M. Doherty's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
3 Client Reviews
Francis M. Doherty's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Frank is an outstanding attorney and a formidable opponent in court. He achieves great results for his clients."
Sarah Fortune
Estate planning lawyer
Richard Rice
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
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
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2011
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2007
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
2006
Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Attorney, State Farm Insurance Company
2000 - 2025
Partner, Hale, Skemp, Hanson, Skemp & Sleik
1994 - 2000
JAG, U.S. Navy
Associations
2015 - Present
Wisconsin Defense CounselBoard Member
2006 - Present
Wisconsin Defense CounselMember
2000 - Present
State Bar of WisconsinMember
2000 - Present
Minnesota Third Judicial District Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
Minnesota State Bar AssociationMember
2014 - 2018
Sparta Youth Hockey AssociationPresident
2014 - 2017
La Crosse Country ClubSecretary
2013 - 2017
Association of Defense Trial AttorneysMember
2003 - 2004
La Crosse County Bar AssociationSecretary
2003 - 2004
La Crosse County Bar AssociationTreasurer
2000 - 2025
La Crosse County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Property Line Dispute
Judgment in favor of client at trial.
Money Judgment
Judgment for client $1.1 million.
Construction Dispute - defense
Motion to dismiss granted in clients’ favor at trial.
Car Accident
$750,000 Settlement
Construction Dispute - defese
Jury verdict in client's favor.
Dog Bite
$212,000 settlement
Dog Bite
$100,000 settlement
Insurance Defense
Claim dismissed based upon summary judgment
Construction Defect/Insurance Defense
Settled after successful partial summary judgment motion.
Car Accident
$750,000 settlement
Williams v. Auto Owners Insurance
Mr. Doherty successfully sought and obtained the reversal and dismissal of a $500,000 judgment against his client in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.
Real Estate Dispute
Minnesota adverse possession ligiation. Mr. Doherty's client was awarded sole ownership of the disputed property and was also awarded damages for trespass.
Bar Fight Case
Mr. Doherty was able to sercure a pre-trial settlement for insurance policy limits from the individual defendant and an additional substantial amount from the tavern for his client.
Education
2000
George Washington University National Law Center
LL.M - Master of Laws
1994
University of North Dakota School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
University of North Dakota
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2012
2012 Summer Conference
Insurance coverage issues in construction litigation.
2009
La Crosse County Bar Association
Using Experts at Trial
2006
Wisconsin Defense Counsel Spring Conference
Expert Witness Update
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers