Joel primarily defends employers in litigation involving all aspects of labor and employment cases, ranging from grievance arbitration to NLRB proceedings and actions before state and federal agencies. Joel defends employers in a variety of cases filed in state and federal court, including disputes involving discrimination and harassment, wage and hour issues, employment contracts, enforceability of non-compete clauses, whistleblower protections, and wrongful termination.
He has successfully defended numerous private employers in unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB, discrimination charges before the EEOC and ERD, and wage and hour claims before the Department of Labor and Wisconsin Labor Standards Bureau. Joel has represented clients in administrative, state, and federal courts throughout the United States, including, but not limited to, the states of Wisconsin, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington. Joel also provides day-to-day advice on the full range of labor and employment topics, including counseling private employers during union organization and decertification campaigns.
I love the change of seasons, but most of all, I love going to Packers games. My dad and I have had season tickets since I was a little kid. I missed several seasons while I was in college, law school and the Army. After leaving the Army, I could not wait to get back to Wisconsin to go to the games again. We arrive at Lambeau Field four hours before kickoff to help set up and host very large tailgate parties before the games, then hangout after, while the traffic clears. Spending the entire day with my dad at Lambeau Field will always be some of the happiest times in my life.
A Few Good Men. Been there. Done that. I initially enlisted in the Army as a 12B, Combat Engineer. After law school, my legal career started in the US Army JAG Corps. Watching that movie brings back fond memories of my time in uniform.
Yes. We have had as many as four dogs, but currently only have two in “the pack.” Alora is a Siberian Husky we adopted as a puppy after she was rejected by the original owners for being undersized. You are likely to find her in my office or on the passenger seat of my car. Finley is a Siberian Husky/Australian Cattle Dog mix we adopted from Pip’s Rescue. His momma was found wandering the streets of San Antonio and was taken into the rescue where Finley and his siblings were born. We have open third and fourth spots, which are often filled by strays or special needs dogs that seem to find their way into our home.
I love cars, especially fast cars. I have a very heavily modified 2013 VW Golf R that puts down over 500 horsepower that I love to race. I have taken it to Road America a couple of times and to various autocross courses. Every year, I take my R to a VW rally in Robbinsville, NC where we take on US 129, known as “The Tail of Dragon,” which contains 318 turns in 11 miles. I recently picked up a 1975 MG Midget 1500 with a nicely updated engine, but, a heavily neglected body and interior. I am completely restoring the interior and exterior of the vehicle, which has turned into a fun and challenging project.
Camping. I love the outdoors and absolutely love sitting around a campfire with a fine cigar, a tin cup of aged bourbon, and my dogs. If we aren’t camping, I am likely working on the car.
I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.” – Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in Tora! Tora! Tora! regarding the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Although there is no definitive evidence proving Yamamoto actually made this statement, it is widely believed to encapsulate his real feelings regarding the attack, which were proven to be true. As a student of American history, I remain in awe of what we, as a unified country, are able to accomplish and it reminds me of the greatness we have yet to achieve.
