For over 130 years, Stroud, Willink & Howard has delivered precise, personalized legal solutions to businesses, families, and individuals across Wisconsin — not off-the-shelf answers, but results.
More than 130 years of continuous practice in Wisconsin. Our longevity is evidence of consistently delivering results clients trust across generations.
Our attorneys appear on Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers in America® lists — peer recognition reflecting the quality of advocacy you receive.
We don't offer cookie-cutter advice. Every solution is built around your specific goals, circumstances, and future — because your legal matter is not like anyone else's.
From business law and construction to estate planning, family law, and immigration — our breadth of expertise means you never have to look elsewhere.
Our litigation team has the experience to pursue and defend your interests wherever the fight must be taken — in state courts or federal jurisdictions.
Charity A. McCarthy and Monica A. Wedgewood named Equity Members. Multiple attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers in America® 2024 and Super Lawyers.
Our attorneys bring a breadth of practical understanding to handle all facets of your legal needs — from complex transactions to the most personal matters.
Discuss Your MatterFrom formation and contracts to ongoing strategy and governance, we provide the highest-quality counsel to help your business succeed today and for generations ahead.
When disputes arise, we prosecute and defend your interests with discipline and precision in both state and federal courts across Wisconsin.
Our Construction group represents some of the most prominent names in southern Wisconsin construction, handling contracts, disputes, and project counsel.
Our criminal defense attorneys have handled thousands of cases, bringing experience, strategic clarity, and fierce advocacy to clients facing investigation or prosecution.
We help employers navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of workplace law — from HR compliance and policy development to litigation and dispute resolution.
Our estate planning attorneys have handled virtually every aspect of wealth transfer and legacy planning, providing exceptional counsel that protects families for generations.
We understand that divorce, custody, placement, and paternity matters are deeply personal. We guide clients through each step with compassion and experienced advocacy.
Attorney Sarah Schmeiser brings focused expertise to immigration matters, guiding non-citizen clients through complex processes with steady, knowledgeable support.
Our attorneys represent secured and unsecured creditors and lenders across the full spectrum of financial transactions, from loan origination through workouts.
Our real estate attorneys sweat the details — combining meticulous attention to every clause with extensive transactional experience to protect your interests at every stage.
1892
Established
130+
Years of Practice
Since 1892, Stroud, Willink & Howard has been more than a law firm — we have been a trusted institution in Madison and Wisconsin, built on the belief that exceptional legal counsel changes lives and builds legacies. For over 130 years, our attorneys have helped businesses grow, families navigate their most difficult moments, and individuals protect what they've worked hardest to achieve.
Our firm has prospered across generations because we operate from a single conviction: fully understanding our clients' objectives is the only way to deliver timely, effective results. We don't sell products. We build relationships, listen carefully, and craft solutions that are as individual as the clients we serve.
Today, Stroud, Willink & Howard brings together some of Wisconsin's most accomplished attorneys — consistently recognized by fellow lawyers and business leaders as leaders in their fields.
10+
Practice Areas
WI+
State & Federal Courts
Our firm has been shaping law and outcomes in Madison, Dane County, and beyond since 1892 — a depth of institutional knowledge that few firms anywhere can match.
Our attorneys are consistently named to Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers in America® — recognition earned through results, not reputation management.
From complex business transactions to deeply personal family matters, we handle every facet of your legal needs under one roof — with counsel tailored to you.
Our litigation team prosecutes and defends disputes in state and federal courts with the strategic focus and courtroom experience your case demands.
We proudly represent some of the biggest names in construction in southern Wisconsin, with deep experience bringing landmark projects to life.
Every client relationship begins with listening. We deliver solutions that are personalized, practical, and built around your specific goals — not a template.
Every engagement begins with a thorough conversation. We invest time understanding your specific situation, goals, and concerns before we recommend a course of action.
Our attorneys draw on deep legal expertise and practical experience to analyze your matter and develop a strategy aligned with your objectives — not a default playbook.
We communicate clearly and keep you informed at every step, ensuring you understand your options, the risks, and what we are doing on your behalf.
Whether negotiating, drafting, litigating, or advising, our attorneys execute with the thoroughness and attention to detail that protects your interests and drives results.
Our client relationships extend far beyond a single matter. We remain a trusted resource as your business grows, your family evolves, and your legal needs change over time.
We serve a broad range of clients — from businesses of all sizes and construction companies to individuals and families navigating estate planning, family law, criminal matters, immigration, and more. Our full-service model means most legal needs can be handled under one roof.
Stroud, Willink & Howard was established in 1892, giving the firm over 130 years of legal practice in Madison and Wisconsin. That institutional depth and continuity is rare and provides our clients with exceptional perspective.
Yes. Our attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers in America® — recognition conferred by peers and industry leaders, reflecting the quality of counsel our clients consistently receive.
Yes. Our litigation practice handles business disputes in both Wisconsin state courts and federal courts, providing experienced advocacy wherever your matter needs to be resolved.
Absolutely. Many of our long-term clients come to us for both their business and personal legal needs. Our full-service capabilities mean you have a trusted team across every area of law that matters to you.
We believe informed clients make better decisions. We prioritize clear, proactive communication throughout every matter — explaining options, outlining risks, and ensuring you always know where your case stands.
Yes. Attorney Sarah Schmeiser has focused experience in immigration law, handling all types of issues that arise for clients who are not U.S. citizens, from visa matters to complex immigration proceedings.
The first step is scheduling a consultation with one of our attorneys. We'll take the time to understand your situation and explain how we can help — with no pressure and no obligation.
Schedule a consultation with one of Wisconsin's most accomplished legal teams. We listen first, then craft a strategy built around your specific goals — not a template.