Image of Howard B. Schoenfeld

Howard B. Schoenfeld

Attorney
Print Full Bio

Service Areas:

Education:

  • J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
  • B.S., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Admissions:

  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin

Howard has an established track record of winning for over thirty years in both state and federal court – before juries and appellate courts. In recognition of his accomplishments, Howard has been repeatedly named as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Individuals, companies large and small, lawyers, judges and municipalities, turn to Howard when, in many instances, they have no one else to turn to. As Howard puts it: “I hate to lose more than I love to win.”

Affiliations
Articles & Presentations
Awards & Recognitions
Client Recommendations
Clients
Notable Representations
Service Areas Subspecialties

Affiliations

  • American Association for Justice
  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Society of Legal Advocates
  • Wisconsin Association for Justice

Articles & Presentations

  • “Schoenfeld’s Landmark Civil Rights Work Changes Lives,” Wisconsin Law Journal, November 16, 2016
  • Contributor (with Megan Senatori) to the Police Misconduct Litigation Packet of the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America – ATLA)
  • State Bar of Wisconsin – Trial Practice Book – Chapter 7: Jury Management During Trial

Awards & Recognitions

  • 100 Top Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin by the National Trial Lawyers
  • Named a Leading Lawyer by M Magazine – 2014, 2015
  • AV® rated by Martindale Hubbell since 1978
  • Best Lawyers® – Best Lawyers in America
  • Inaugural year of Wisconsin Super Lawyers

Client Recommendations

  • In a difficult and complex civil rights lawsuit against a municipality in Door County, Wisconsin, Howard obtained a jury verdict for substantial damages and an award of attorney fees. His client said:
    • “Howard was lead counsel when we as developers brought suit against the municipality for civil rights violations in federal court. We were awarded not only damages, but also our legal fees. Howard was easy to work with and very compelling and professional in presenting our case to the jury.”
  • In another case, representing the seriously injured wife of a client, the husband wrote after a high six figure settlement:
    • “In time of need, I left an introductory meeting with Howard, relieved I had a lawyer of competence, experience, tenacity and respected by his peers… Howard was there – I could call him at anytime, and Howard and his law firm delivered. The confidence that I believed in from our introductory meeting was fulfilled.”
  • Another colleague of Howard adds, “Howard tells it straight. No fluff, no exaggerations, just exactly like it is. His honesty is unquestioned.” – Martin Greenberg, Law Office of Martin J. Greenberg

Clients

Howard’s “public” clients have included the City of Cudahy, former Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier, Towne Realty, Spancrete Industries, Inc. and Chicago Title Insurance Company.

His litigation expertise includes civil rights, complex business and construction litigation, as well as personal injury and professional liability litigation.

Notable Representations

  • Settling a traumatic brain injury case for $1.7 million on behalf of a father of five who was injured in a work accident. 
  • Representing real estate developers in a suit against the City of Sturgeon Bay for violation of constitutional rights, Howard obtained a federal court jury verdict and award of attorney fees in excess of $800,000 for his client. For more information about this significant case, contact Howard at 262.754.2847 
  • Obtaining a $1.85 million jury verdict after a two week jury trial in a civil rights case brought in federal court on behalf of the minor children of an unarmed man who was shot and killed by a City of Milwaukee police officer
  • Serving as lawyer and Guardian ad Litem in the landmark case of Mindy Linda Panitch v. the State of Wisconsin. A three-judge federal panel directed the Wisconsin state legislature to provide an education to children with exceptional educational needs. Chapter 115 of the Wisconsin Statutes resulted from the federal mandate, and Howard later represented families with children who met the qualifications of Chapter 115
  • Representing a developer client sued by Milwaukee County after a pre-cast concrete fin fell from the courthouse annex onto the freeway, Howard successfully proved that Milwaukee County knew, or should have known, through its inspections, that there were problems with several of the fins developing cracks, and was successful in getting the case dismissed before trial
  • Successfully representing the City of Cudahy in a 30 million dollar foreclosure action against a failed project that was an eye sore for the community
  • Litigating a real estate transaction gone awry. Howard’s client intended to sell a choice parcel of real estate to the legendary Green Bay Packer great, Reggie White. In a highly publicized case, Howard prevailed against a mammoth law firm. Although Mr. White lost interest in the property during litigation, Howard assisted his client in selling the property to a third-party for almost $500,000 more than the initial price

Service Areas Subspecialties

  • Business
    • Business Disputes
  • Litigation
    • Appeals in State & Federal Court
    • Civil Rights
    • Trials in State & Federal Courts
Contact