Mark E. Schmidt

Attorney

Mark E. Schmidt

Attorney

Telephone

(414) 287-1249
Fax

(414) 238-6627
Email
Office

Milwaukee
411 East Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 1000
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Mark Schmidt is a Shareholder in the Litigation and Risk Management Practice Group and Co-Chair of the Construction Law and Litigation Section.

Mark helps clients resolve their most challenging and complex problems by focusing on practical solutions and efficient business results. Mark is directly involved in all aspects of negotiation, strategic planning, risk assessment, arbitrations, mediations and court and jury trials in state and federal court.

Mark’s broad experience covers all areas of commercial law and business litigation. His practice concentrates on four main areas:

Business and Commercial Law and Litigation

Contract disputes
Shareholder and LLC member disputes
Non-compete litigation
FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) arbitrations
Investment advisory services disputes
Strategies for avoiding litigation and liability

Business Torts

Fraud and misrepresentation
Breach of fiduciary duty
Interference with contractual relationships
Misappropriation of confidential information and theft of trade secrets

Construction and Real Estate

Mark is a fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA), an invitation-only construction lawyer honorary society; fellows are evaluated for effectiveness and accomplishment in construction law, along with an ethical reputation
Represent property owners, contractors and developers in disputes involving commercial, residential and public projects
Construction defects
Theft by contractor
Options to purchase
Leases
General Contractor, subcontractor and material supplier agreements

Independent Sales Representatives/Manufacturer Representatives

Mark is one of a select group of Wisconsin attorneys who regularly represents the interests of independent sales representatives. He is active with Manufacturers & Agents National Association (MANA), the leading rep trade group.
Contract negotiation
Customer and territory issues
Wrongful termination
Commission disputes

Mark has been actively involved in pro bono matters throughout his career. He represented a military family through the Marquette SAVLAW program, assisted a Milwaukee charter school with the formation of a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, represented a community organization involved in a municipal zoning dispute, and accepted an appointment from the Seventh Circuit to handle a criminal appeal.

George Mason University, J.D., magna cum laude, 2004
University of Virginia, M.A., 1998
State University of New York at Binghamton, B.A., magna cum laude, 1995

Wisconsin
U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Pennsylvania, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Illinois
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
U.S. Tax Court

American Bar Association
State Bar of Wisconsin
Milwaukee Bar Association

"Don’t Get Caught in the Crossfire: Ethical considerations when owners of closely held businesses feud,” WICPA The Bottom Line, July 2021
"Commercial and Business Litigation Stemming from COVID-19,’” von Briesen Legal Update, April 2020
“Damages Available in Real Estate Transactions,’” von Briesen Real Estate Group presentation, October 2019
“When Your Client Asks: ‘Can I Recover Attorney Fees?,’” State Bar of Wisconsin Construction Blog, December 2018
“Real Estate Case Law Update,” von Briesen Real Estate Section presentation, October 2018
“Blanket Orders – Are They Commissionable?” and “Application of Statute of Frauds to Oral Rep Agreements,” MANA Attorney Forum presentation, October 2018
“Seven Things to Know About Changes to Wisconsin Civil Procedure,” von Briesen Litigation Law Update, June 2018
“Supreme Court Affirms Attorney Fees Are Recoverable for Theft by Contractor,” State Bar of Wisconsin Construction Blog, March 2018
co-Author, “Three Best Practices for Reps”, Agency Sales (published by Manufacturers Agents National Association), Vol 47, Number 8, August 2017
“Ethical Considerations for Corporate Fiduciaries,” Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants Financial Institutions Conference, May 2017
“Supreme Court’s Decision on Whether Attorney Fees Are Recoverable Will Impact Theft by Contractor Cases,” State Bar Construction & Public Contract Law Section Blog, April 2017

Won dismissal of misrepresentation claims in federal court action involving alleged joint business venture.
Obtained buyout of shares for minority shareholder in closely-held company after bringing claim for oppression and judicial dissolution of company.
Dismissal of million-dollar claim against property owner arising out of sprinkler system failure at high-rise condominium tower.
Counsel for plaintiff in multimillion-dollar construction defect case regarding HVAC, roof systems, site drainage, pavements, and foundation.
Prevailed in federal court trial on behalf of employer and former employee accused of misappropriating confidential information.
Prevailed in arbitration on behalf of subcontractor that supplied labor and materials for retail store at regional shopping center.
Successfully represented seller of assets in federal court action alleging $10 million in damages arising out of purported breach of asset purchase agreement.

The Best Lawyers in America^®, Litigation - Real Estate (2015-2024), Litigation - Construction (2019-2024), Commercial Litigation (2024)
Best Lawyers^® Insurance Law "Lawyer of the Year", Milwaukee (2022)
Wisconsin Super Lawyers^®(2018-2023)
Wisconsin Law Foundation, Fellow
Wisconsin Rising Stars (2014)