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Margaret K. Heitkamp

Margaret K. Heitkamp

Senior Associate
Overview

A strategic thinker, Margaret works closely with each client to offer practical approaches to effectively accomplish each client’s specific goals in litigation matters.

Margaret handles all phases of trial-level litigation, from initial case evaluation through post-judgment collection. Margaret primarily works with manufacturing clients. She advises and represents clients on product liability defense and commercial risk assessment issues. She also advises and represents clients on insurance-related issues, including coverage evaluation for insureds and insurers. She also handles litigation for clients in the transportation, technology and real estate industries.

In representing her client’s interests, she strategizes all potential legal options for a particular issue. As plaintiff’s counsel, she takes a practical approach to evaluating possible claims based on underlying facts and applicable law, with an eye toward effectively and efficiently achieving each client’s specific goals. As defense counsel, she evaluates the best strategic approach, whether through early procedural motion practice or a merit-based legal defense based on applicable law, focused on defeating or minimizing negative outcomes. She then collaborates with the client to map out a solution that best aligns with the client’s risk tolerance, always considering how the strategy will benefit the client over the long term.

During law school, Margaret worked as a law intern in the Northern District of Illinois and at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. She also gained experience as a student lawyer with the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Commercial Litigation, 2021-2025
    • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, 2021-2025
  • BizTimes Milwaukee
    • Rising Stars in Law, 2022
  • The United States District Court, in conjunction with the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, 2018 Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service award
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers
    • Rising Star, 2018-2023

Education

  • J.D., Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law
    • Journal of Law and Social Policy, Executive Editor
  • B.A., University of St. Thomas
    • magna cum laude

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Young Lawyer Division
  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association
  • Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
2024 Pro Bono Achiever
Experience
  • Obtained dismissal of negligence and product liability case on behalf of trailer hitch manufacturer based on lack of personal jurisdiction in Wisconsin.
  • Served on legal team that secured complete defense verdict in case where plaintiff who was injured while using forklift alleged negligence and strict product liability in Texas.
  • As part of larger legal team, obtained complete defense verdict in case where plaintiff who was injured while using forklift alleged negligent maintenance in Texas.
  • Obtained dismissal of tortious interference, bribery and conspiracy claims on behalf of Texas company based on lack of personal jurisdiction in Wisconsin.
  • Obtained judgment for nonpayment on goods on behalf of chemical manufacturer, and successfully collected all amounts owed on the judgment.
  • Served on legal team that obtained favorable jury verdict for international manufacturing client and avoided $14 million claim in product liability matter including failure to warn and defective product design
Outside the Office

Margaret’s fun, relaxing time involves cycling.

As part of a women’s cycling group, Margaret takes to the road on her bike, enjoying both the exercise and camaraderie with women of wide-ranging interests from all areas of Milwaukee.

Community Leadership

Margaret is part of the legal community helping relieve hunger in eastern Wisconsin.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, the leading hunger relief organization in the state, has a fundraising competition, Food from the Bar, which Margaret co-chairs, recruiting law firm participation and legal community support. Food from the Bar raised more than $37,000 in 2016-2018 to provide over 111,300 meals to eastern Wisconsin residents.