Education
University of Wisconsin, J.D.,
cum laude, Order of the Coif, 1993

University of Wisconsin - Madison B.A.,
cum laude 1988
Economics, International Relations

Practice Areas
Civil Litigation
Employment Law
Appellate Advocacy

Admitted
Wisconsin Supreme Court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
United States Supreme Court

Experience
JoAnne has represented hundreds of clients throughout the administrative, discovery, ADR, trial and appellate processes. She has argued before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Since joining Hostak, Henzl & Bichler in 1993, JoAnne has provided representation in hundreds of litigated matters and has briefed more than 30 appeals. JoAnne is also turned to frequently for preparatory consultation in making strategic decisions to anticipate or avoid potential litigation.

Approach
JoAnne has provided representation in many cases involving exposures in excess of one million dollars. Other matters have entailed far less monetary risk, but have had an equal importance to the client. JoAnne is mindful of the significant impact litigation carries with it and strives to provide clients with an understanding of the applicable risks and available alternatives in order to promote informed decision-making at all stages of a dispute. JoAnne's passion for and commitment to the practice of law drive her to provide individualized representation of uncompromising quality to all clients.

Background
In 1993, JoAnne completed an internship with Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. During this internship, JoAnne drafted bench memos, observed oral arguments, and worked closely with Justice Abrahamson in the decision-drafting process. This opportunity provided invaluable experience that continues to serve JoAnne in her current practice.

Memberships
Racine County Bar Association Member
American Bar Association
State Bar of Wisconsin
Civil Trial Council of Wisconsin

Boards
Racine County Bar Association
Board of Bar Governors (2008-2011)
The Preserve Subdivision (2006-2008)
The Center for Community Concerns (1994-1997)

Exemplar Published Appellate Decisions

Sokol & Associates v. Techsonic Industries, Inc
495 F.3d 605 (8th Cir. 2007) Rejecting claim that written Sales Agreement had been modified to include rights to sell additional product line.

Alexander v. Unified Solutions
221 Fed. Appx. 466 (7th Cir. 2007) Affirming dismissal of race discrimination claims.

Jackson v. County of Racine
474F.3d 493 (7th Cir. 2007) Affirming dismissal of four sexual harassment claims based upon Racine County's prompt, effective investigation of and response to allegations of sexual harassment.

E.C. Styberg Engineering Co. v. Eaton Corp.
492 F.3d 912 (7th Cir. 2007) Contract not formed under Ohio UCC when there is no single document demonstrating a meeting of the minds.

Kriska v. Wisconsin Employment Relations Com'n
745 N.W.2d 688 (Ct. App. 2007) State employees who have permanent status in class before promotion are not statutorily entitled to just cause for disciplinary measures taken during a promotional probationary period.

Bruzas v. Quezada-Garcia
248 Wis. 2d 659 (2001), on remand, 2002 WII App 57, 642 NW2d 207 (Ct. App. 2002) ERISA Health Plan entitled to dollar-one recovery based upon Plan Administrator's discretionary determination.

M&I First National Bank v. Episcopal Homes Management Inc.
195 Wis. 2d 482 (Ct. App. 1995) Bondholders' claimed priority interest against security deposits rejected and constructive trust in favor of residents upheld.

Stern v. Thompson & Coates, Ltd.
185 Wis. 2d 220 (1994) Standard for determining whether claim is frivolous is whether attorney knew or should have known that position taken was frivolous as determined by what reasonable attorney would have known or should have known under same or similar circumstances.

Gorton v. American Cyanamid Co.
194 Wis. 2d 203 (1995), cert. den., 116 S.Ct. 753. Negligent misrepresentation not federally preempted by FIFRA; grant of post-verdict motion for attorney's fees based upon proof of false advertising submitted during trial sustained.

Kuiper v. American Cyanamid Co.
131 F.3d 656 (7th Cir. 1997) cert. den., 118 S.Cr. 1839 Negligent misrepresentation and false advertising claims federal preempted by FIFRA.

Gaertner v. Holcka
219 Wos/ 2d 436 (1998) Claim for contribution by driver who negligently caused accident against driver who failed to restrain minor passenger disallowed.

Bubner v. Gritzner
228 Wis. 2d 541 (1999) In determining whether public policy barred recovery in negligence action, court addresses public policy directly, rather than asking whether the defendant owed a "duty" to the particular victim.