Terry E. Nilles

Terry Nilles has extensive experience in commercial litigation, including UCC; Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law; securities and FDIC/banking; insurance litigation; corporate litigation; State and Federal Appeals; and, legal ethics and risk management. He also has significant experience in ERISA and employment litigation, including covenants not to compete.

Terry is a member of the Milwaukee and American Bar Associations, the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers. He is a frequent lecturer on legal ethics. 

Terry is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as “Lawyer of the Year” for Professional Malpractice Law-Defendants (2018 & 2020). He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation and Professional Malpractice Law-Defendants (2013-2020).

representative jury trials:

• Kaeser Compressors, Inc. v. Compressor & Pump Repair Services, Inc., May 2011, Eastern District of Wisconsin; Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law
• Drake Environmental Inc. v. Frieseke et al, June 2006, Circuit Court; Milwaukee County; unfair competition
• Vandeburgt v. Pizza Hut et al, December 2004, Circuit Court; Outagamie County; insurance defense
• Green Bay Packaging v. Suy Ryung Co., et al, 1998, Circuit Court; Western District of Washington; Uniform Commercial Code

representative appeals:

• Larson et al v. United Healthcare Insurance Company, et al, 2013; respondent’s brief in United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, on issues concerning dismissal of putative ERISA class action
• Kolb et al v. Children’s Hospital, 2011; respondent’s brief in United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, on issues concerning dismissal of ERISA complaint for refund of medical payments
• Lakefield Telephone Company v. Northern Telecom, Inc., 1992; respondent’s brief and oral argument in United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, on Wisconsin Fair Dealership Law
• Jackman v. WMAC Investment Corporation, 1987; respondent’s brief and oral argument in United States Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, on construction of deferred compensation agreement
• Altergott v. Family Corporation, 2009; appellant’s brief in Wisconsin Court of Appeals on dissolution of corporation based on alleged oppression of minority shareholders
• Maynard Steel Casting Company v. Sheedy, 2008; respondent’s brief in Wisconsin Court of Appeals on recoupment of unreasonable attorneys’ fees
• Dickman v. Vollmer, 2007; respondent’s brief in Wisconsin Court of Appeals on enforceability of oral agreement to assign patent
• Staudt v. Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital et al, 1998; respondent’s brief in Wisconsin Court of Appeals on issue of hospital’s responsibility for surgeon’s off-label use of medical device
• Larson v. Kleist Builders, Ltd et al, 1996; respondent’s brief in Wisconsin Court of Appeals on issue of application of Uniform Fiduciaries Act

representative legal education presentations:

• Outline and lecture, December 2013, NBI Seminars, “Legal Ethics: Hot Topics and Current Events”
• Outline and lecture, November 2012, von Briesen & Roper Ethics Update, “How an Ethical Practice Fosters Great Client Service”
• Outline and lecture, November 2011, von Briesen & Roper Ethics Update, “You Are Not Alone: The Ramifications of Practicing in a Law Firm”
• Outline and lecture, January 2011, Milwaukee Bar Association, “Trust Accounting and Other Tools for Law Practice Management”
• Outline and lecture, December 2010, National Business Institute, “Legal Ethics: Solutions to the Most Common Challenges”
• Outline and lecture, November 2010, von Briesen & Roper Ethics Update, “Risk Management and Conflict Avoidance”
• Outline and lecture, November 2009, von Briesen & Roper Ethics Update, “Legal Ethics and Risk Management”
• Outline and lecture, November 2007, von Briesen & Roper Ethics Update, “Recent Changes to Wisconsin’s Rules of Professional Conduct”
• Outline and lecture, November 2005, von Briesen & Roper Ethics Update, “Lawyers As Their Brothers/Sisters Keepers”
• Outline and lecture, December 2002, Corporate Practice Institute, “The Organizational Client: Rule 1.13 and Sarbanes-Oxley”
• Outline and lecture, January 2001, Law Education Institute, Inc., “Virtual Jurisdiction, Marketing and Goodwill Courts: Legal Ethics and the Internet”
• Outline and lecture, June 2000, State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Convention, “Representing Health Care Providers: The Conflict Rules Do Apply”