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Overview

Rachel handles all aspects of products-based counseling – from warning development through trial – with an emphasis on minimizing manufacturer exposure.

Rachel has extensive experience representing manufacturers against claims of design defect, manufacturing defect and warning defect. Rachel has served on the national counsel team for one of the nation’s largest Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) manufacturers. Through her practice, she has become extensively familiar with Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OHSA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards. In addition to her experience representing manufacturers in products claims, Rachel also represents manufacturers in asbestos litigation.

Understanding the evolving themes and trends presented in product-based claims, Rachel also advises clients on product safety and warnings language with an eye toward minimizing legal risk. As a former summer associate at a Fortune 500 corporation, she has experience participating in product safety meetings and providing insights on risk mitigation.

Rachel began her legal career in-house, a background that has molded her approach to every case. She’s seen firsthand the level of passion engineers have for the products they develop, and she understands the care with which manufacturers approach the intersection of safety and innovation. She is also cognizant of the various internal factors that play into product development and litigation strategies, as well as the necessity of knowing a client’s industry, business and products inside and out. Rachel always aims to learn as much as possible about each client, with the understanding that a client’s goals and vision of success may differ with each case.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2023

Education

  • J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
  • B.A., DePaul University
    • magna cum laude

Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Defense Research Institute
  • American Bar Association
  • National Business Institute
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • Authored and successfully argued dispositive motion in alleged electric shock case involving wage loss and permanent disability claims, obtaining full dismissal on summary judgment.
  • Prepared Fortune 500 corporate representatives for 30(b)(6) deposition in a case with 30M+ exposure.
  • Participated in mock jury and assisted in preparing motions in limine, pretrial conference statement, jury and witness lists, jury questionnaire, instructions and verdict form in a products liability matter with 30M+ exposure.
  • Successfully drafted motion to dismiss in New Mexico federal court, resulting in full dismissal with prejudice of Fortune 500 client.
  • Obtained full defense verdict in bench trial as first chair in Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Provided legal guidance and risk management on long-term supply agreement valued annually at $100M+.
  • Obtained summary judgement in design-build contract dispute arising from the construction of an automotive dealership.
Outside the Office

Rachel loves to travel, especially to visit family in Florida’s warm weather. When she’s at home in Milwaukee, she enjoys trying out new restaurants and spending time with her chihuahua, Chloe.

Community Leadership
  • Washington County Humane Society, Board Member, 2022–present