Civil Litigation

Skilled courtroom advocacy for individuals and businesses in contract disputes, property claims, and civil matters.

When negotiation fails and a dispute must be resolved in court, you need a litigator who is as comfortable at trial as at the negotiating table. Civil litigation encompasses a broad range of disputes — contract breaches, property disagreements, fraud claims, partnership conflicts, and more — and each requires strategic thinking, meticulous preparation, and persuasive advocacy.

At Smith & Associates, we represent plaintiffs and defendants in Wisconsin circuit courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. We handle every phase of litigation — from initial pleadings and discovery through motions practice, trial, and if necessary, appeal. Wisconsin circuit courts handle claims over $10,000; the small claims division handles claims up to $10,000 (or $5,000 for certain actions) under Wis. Stat. Ch. 799.

We evaluate each case with an honest assessment of its strengths, realistic expectations about outcomes, and a clear-eyed view of the costs of litigation so our clients can make informed decisions.

State law summary

Wisconsin civil litigation proceeds in circuit court (trial) with appeals to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Wisconsin Supreme Court. Federal cases from Wisconsin are appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Small claims jurisdiction is capped at $10,000.

Key statutes

  • Small claims Wis. Stat. Ch. 799

    Simplified procedure for claims up to $10,000 (excluding eviction and replevin, which have separate thresholds).

  • Notice of appeal Wis. Stat. § 808.04

    Civil appeals must generally be filed within 45 days of entry of final judgment (or 90 days if no post-judgment notice of entry is served).

Source: State_Legal_Data (verified per file). This summary is for general information only and is not legal advice.

Civil Litigation FAQ

Answers to common questions about this area of law.

Frequently Asked Questions

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