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Trusted Legal Defense Attorneys in Wisconsin
Founded in 1881, Otjen Law Firm, S.C has built a legacy of excellence in legal defense, specializing in complex litigation and trial representation. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in defending medical malpractice, product liability, and general liability cases across state and federal courts. We prioritize personalized client collaboration, working directly with healthcare providers, insurers, and professionals to develop tailored legal strategies that align with their objectives. Our team includes seasoned trial attorneys, licensed nurse-paralegals, and investigators who meticulously analyze every case to ensure robust defense.

We actively engage with hospitals and medical institutions to reduce malpractice risks through educational seminars and policy guidance. With a reputation for aggressive courtroom advocacy and cost-efficient resolutions, we serve as trusted counsel for clients throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Our expertise extends to pharmaceutical liability, asbestos litigation, and professional negligence defense, supported by deep relationships with local healthcare providers and national legal networks. We maintain a strong commitment to ethical practice, transparency, and achieving favorable outcomes through both litigation and settlement negotiations.
Services
Medical Malpractice Defense General Liability Defense Product Liability Defense Pharmaceutical Liability Defense Professional Negligence Defense
Highlights and features
  • We offer 140+ years of experience in complex litigation and trial defense.
  • Our attorneys work directly with clients without outsourcing case management.
  • We employ licensed nurse-paralegals and investigators for specialized case analysis.
  • We provide strategic legal solutions tailored to healthcare providers' unique needs.
  • Our team has secured defense verdicts in medical malpractice cases statewide since 1881.
What people say
Proven courtroom results Experienced legal team Tailored defense strategies Longstanding reputation
Services
Medical Malpractice Defense
Otjen Law Firm, S.C provides comprehensive defense for healthcare providers facing medical malpractice claims. Our team includes trial attorneys, licensed nurse-paralegals, and investigators who analyze complex medical and legal issues. We develop customized defense strategies while working directly with physicians and hospitals to minimize liability risks through proactive risk-management programs.
General Liability Defense
We defend clients in auto liability, premises liability, construction defect, and toxic tort cases. Our attorneys handle uninsured motorist claims and insurance coverage disputes with a focus on cost-efficient yet aggressive representation. The firm's experience spans both trial litigation and appellate advocacy in state and federal courts.
Product Liability Defense
Otjen Law Firm, S.C represents manufacturers in pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare product liability cases. Our attorneys have served as national counsel in multi-jurisdictional litigation and local counsel for major class-action cases. We develop expert testimony and exposure analysis to build strong defense strategies for complex product liability claims.
Professional Negligence Defense
We defend professionals including attorneys, accountants, and real estate agents against negligence claims. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both federal and state court proceedings, handling cases from initial investigation through trial and appeal. We leverage deep industry knowledge to protect clients' professional reputations and licenses.
Asbestos Litigation Defense
The firm has significant experience defending asbestos exposure claims in Wisconsin and other jurisdictions. Our attorneys have participated in numerous trials and understand the complex medical and legal issues involved in asbestos litigation. We develop targeted defense strategies based on exposure history and scientific evidence.
People
Theobald Otjen
Founder
Founded the firm in 1881 after graduating from University of Michigan Law School. Served on Milwaukee's common council and as trustee for public institutions. His legacy of legal excellence continues through the firm's practice today.
Michael Johnson
Attorney
Experienced litigator with focus on medical malpractice defense. Handles complex cases involving healthcare providers and institutions. Active participant in the firm's trial advocacy tradition.
Todd Weir
Shareholder
Dedicates substantial practice to healthcare provider defense. Brings 25 years of experience in medical negligence claims. Works closely with Wisconsin Patients Compensation Fund on complex cases.
Lori Gendelman
Shareholder
Specializes in medical malpractice defense with extensive trial experience. Represents physicians and hospitals in high-stakes litigation. Contributes to the firm's risk-reduction initiatives for healthcare institutions.
Jason Franckowiak
Attorney
Part of the general liability defense team. Handles automobile liability and premises liability cases. Applies cost-effective defense strategies while maintaining readiness for trial advocacy.
Questions
What areas of law does Otjen Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in medical malpractice defense, product liability, general liability, and professional negligence cases involving healthcare providers, attorneys, and other professionals.
How long has Otjen Law Firm been in practice?
Our firm has provided legal defense services since 1881, with over 140 years of continuous operation in Wisconsin.
Do you handle cases outside Wisconsin?
While based in Wisconsin, we handle cases in federal courts and multi-jurisdictional matters through our national counsel partnerships and litigation experience.
What makes your medical malpractice defense unique?
We combine trial attorneys, licensed nurse-paralegals, and investigators with direct client collaboration to develop tailored defense strategies and risk-reduction programs.
How do you approach product liability cases?
Our approach combines scientific analysis, expert testimony development, and national litigation experience to build strong defenses for manufacturers and distributors.