Delivering sound solutions to complex problems
Joe Poehlmann is an experienced advocate who represents clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States. Clients know Joe for his tactical approach to developing and executing strategies to help them navigate through difficult commercial disputes. His practice includes:
- Complex commercial litigation
- Professional liability
- Class actions
- Insurance coverage litigation
Although he has extensive experience litigating on behalf of his clients, Joe regularly counsels his clients on best practices for identifying and resolving disruptions early. Joe also directs the firm’s domestic abuse pro bono clinic and serves on the associate committee for its annual United Way campaign.
Joe is co-chair of the firm’s Professional Liability team.
Experience in Action
- Maintains a robust general commercial litigation practice that enables him to represent clients across nearly every industry, both in court and in counseling his clients on avoiding and efficiently resolving litigation.
- Handles class action lawsuits through all phases of complex litigation.
- Represents a leading insurance brokerage firm in professional liability lawsuits in state and federal courts across the country.
- Regularly represents policyholders in connection with nuanced insurance claims, both in managing loss and litigating against insurers.
Successes
- Obtained summary judgment on professional liability claim against insurance broker brought in federal court.
- Obtained dismissal with prejudice of professional liability claims against an insurance broker brought in both state and federal courts.
- Obtained summary judgment on contract and product warranty claims in state court after limited discovery on behalf of manufacturing client.
- Obtained complete denial of opposing party’s motion to compel discovery of privileged communications in nine-figure putative class action brought in federal court.
- Successfully resolved several multi-million-dollar disputes over shareholder buyouts of closely held businesses in Wisconsin.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- Wisconsin Super Lawyers® "Rising Stars" (2019-present: Business Litigation)
- Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch" (2021-2025: Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law)
Professional & Civic Activities
- Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association, board of directors
- Milwaukee Bar Association, member
- State Bar of Wisconsin, member
Commitment to Pro Bono
You can learn more in this video about why Joe has been committed to providing pro bono service since the start of his career as an attorney.
News & Insights
Education
- Marquette University Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 2016)
- Marquette Law Review, articles editor
- University of Missouri (B.S., magna cum laude, 2013)
Bar Admissions
- Wisconsin
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit