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Overview

A commercial litigator, Jacob delivers legal strategy, sharp analysis and strong communication skills on behalf of clients in complex cases.

Jacob counsels small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, individuals and other clients across industries—including manufacturing, technology, and healthcare—in complex litigation in Wisconsin, Illinois, and nationally. He represents clients in all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, including case evaluation and investigation, preparation of pleadings, depositions, dispositive motion practice, settlement negotiations, trial, and appeal, in a wide range of business disputes involving claims based on:

  • Negligence
  • Breach of contract
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Conversion
  • Tortious interference
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Defamation
  • Misappropriation of trade secrets
  • Employment discrimination
  • Patient healthcare records confidentiality laws

Jacob regularly helps resolve disputes before they escalate to litigation through meaningful and well-timed discussions with opposing counsel and has obtained favorable outcomes for clients through mediation as well. Jacob excels in using creativity and candor to help resolve business disputes in ways that preserve business relationships. He is known for his analytical application of legal facts on the ground. Clients and attorneys also appreciate his communications skills, which he knows to be necessary in formidably advocating for clients and being responsive to their customized goals.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Commercial Litigation, 2021-2025
    • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, 2024 and 2025

Education

  • J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
    • cum laude
    • Jewish Law Students Association, Director of Community Affairs
  • B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison
    • Journalism and Mass Communication, Political Science
    • Zeta Beta Tau-Alpha Kappa

Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association (ABA)
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
  • Dane County Bar Association (DCBA)
  • Chicago Bar Association (CBA)
Experience
  • Second-chaired jury trial, obtaining defense verdict in premises liability case on behalf of cemetery client in which plaintiff fell and sustained fractured hip.
  • Prepared appellate brief and obtained judgment affirming dismissal of negligence and res ipsa loquitur claims on behalf of concert venue where descending doors of freight elevator struck plaintiff.
  • Obtained summary judgment for funeral home on premises liability claims when their client fell from wheelchair.
  • Briefed and successfully argued motion to dismiss spoliation claim on behalf of distribution center where ATM involved in product liability suit shipped to customer.
  • Represented traditional financial services corporate lender when their bio-ag startup client failed. Secured equipment turnover judgment for liquidation over officer adverse claims through evidentiary hearing.
  • Prepared motion for summary judgment on respondeat superior, negligent training, retention and supervision, and intrusion upon seclusion claims, resulting in $5,000 settlement on behalf of hospital where receptionist allegedly disseminated protected health information ($850,000 demand).
  • Prepared winning motion for summary judgment pro bono on behalf of Social Security disability claimant, resulting in remand of Commissioner of Social Security's decision to deny benefits.
  • Secured victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on behalf of Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin in a matter originally filed as a class action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin involving allegations of violations of the federal and Wisconsin Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Outside the Office

Jacob and his wife enjoy traveling, both domestically and abroad. Recent trips have taken them to Hawaii, London, Spain, Israel and the 2020 Rose Bowl to cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers. Jacob is also a devoted Chicago Cubs fan.

Community Leadership
  • Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, Chapter Adviser
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities