Stephanie L. Melnick

Phone: (262) 241-8900
Email: smelnick@melnickmelnick.com

Stephanie enjoys working closely with clients and guiding growth and change of new and existing businesses. Stephanie works to avoid litigation through proactive measures, including careful document drafting. Prepared to litigate when necessary, Stephanie also represents clients before state and federal trial and appellate courts. Stephanie is frequently the firm’s written voice, driven to analyze and streamline complicated facts and law using plain English.

Highlights

Litigation (See Representative Cases)

  • Part of lead counsel team representing independent pharmacies in multi-district antitrust litigation against drug manufacturers related to pricing of brand-name prescription drugs.
  • Won default judgment in favor of client lessor and defended judgment on appeal. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed in a published case, East Winds Props., LLC v. Jahnke:2009 WI App 125, 320 Wis.2d 797.
  • Secured reversal of trial court’s summary judgment in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals related to experts’ affidavits.  McDonald Enters./Fond du Lac Ltd. P'ship v. Excel Eng'g, Inc., 2007 WI App 130, 329 Wis.2d 269.
  • Settled contract dispute against large public company on behalf of local non-profit.
  • Settled post-sale contract dispute related to international manufacturer’s purchase of client subsidiary’s assets.

Transactions

  • Counseled publishing-related franchise owner related to franchise acquisition and related contracts.
  • Secured federal trademark registrations for small and medium sized businesses.
  • Negotiated peaceful owner separations for corporations and limited liability companies and drafted related contracts.
  • Implemented succession plan for family-owned business enabling a smooth transition to second generation.
  • In cooperation with owners, examined best practices for business operation, transition, and finances and prepared agreements to memorialize owners’ decisions.
  • Negotiated and drafted asset purchase agreements related to business clients selling or purchasing assets or stock.


Bar Admissions
State of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit


Education
University of Wisconsin (J.D. 1994)
University of Wisconsin, graduated with distinction (B.A. 1990)

Community Involvement
Maple Dale Indian Hill School Foundation Board of Trustees (2008-2011)
Congregation Beth Israel Ner Tamid

  • Vice President (2006-2010)
  • Financial Secretary (2005-2006)
  • Member, Board of Trustees (2002-2013)
  • Co-chair Social Action Committee (2003-present)

Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader (2007-2010)
B’nai B’rith Youth Organization

  • Advisor, Shemesh BBG (2000 - 2004)

Other Accomplishments
A relative newcomer to running, Stephanie has completed three half marathons and the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, so far.