608-237-6854

Fearless. Confident.

Champions for the Underdogs.

We have an outstanding reputation for giving a voice to the voiceless and getting results in the courtroom.

Exceptional trial attorneys. Exceptional experience. Exceptional knowledge. Exceptional results.

Not all lawyers have the same level of experience, expertise, judgment or skill. Just because a lawyer holds a law license does not mean that he or she is well-equipped to handle a serious case. Hiring a Wisconsin attorney is a decision that can affect your entire life. Before you do so, you should ask a lot of questions, like:

How many trials have you handled in the past year?
What was the last trial you handled?
What were the results of that trial?

Choosing an attorney with a record of success in cases similar to yours is the best way to ensure that he or she has the experience and in-depth knowledge to achieve the best possible results for you.

Discover more about our services and the focus

Why Choose Us to Represent You?

Our attorneys do not simply pay lip service to trial skills. Each attorney at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., has significant courtroom experience. Our office has handled thousands of cases, and our attorneys are in Wisconsin courtrooms every day.

We are lawyers in the trenches, devoting our working hours to mastering the rules of evidence, case law knowledge, and written and oral communication skills that set our representation apart from other firms because of the level of preparation and quality put into each case and client we handle. And, perhaps most importantly, our pretrial and trial records reflect winning results for our clients.

A Boutique Law Firm Focusing on Success in the Courtroom

At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., in Madison, we bring together attorneys and staff members with valuable backgrounds and experience throughout the legal system. Our entire team shares one goal: to provide aggressive, prepared trial litigation in Wisconsin state and federal courts.

We proudly identify ourselves as a boutique litigation and trial firm. We provide exceptional legal representation and prioritize clear and open communication with clients in all our practice areas, including:

Criminal defense, including OWI charges, traffic violations, drug charges, homicide, sex crimes and other felony and misdemeanor charges
Family law litigation , including divorce, child support, paternity and restraining order matters
Temporary restraining orders and injunctions , including harassment, domestic abuse and child abuse

Why Trial Skills Matter

The attorneys at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., are experienced, knowledgeable, respected and, most importantly, successful trial attorneys. We will put our track record of trial experience and success up against anybody.

What Our Clients Say About Us.

“Jessa Nicholson made me feel like I was her most important client. From pre-trial litigation through settlement she fiercely advocated for me at every step. She knows the law intimately and explored every strategy. And she usually wins. I don’t intend to need a criminal attorney again but, if I do, Jessa will be my fist and only phone call.”

Otis gets Felony Charge for threats to a law officer dismissed

Attorney Otis obtained a great outcome, getting a felony charge for making threats to a law enforcement officer dismissed. Diligent pre-trial investigation uncovered a recording that completely contradicted previous statements made by law enforcement and completely exonerated his client. Upon presenting this evidence to the prosecution, they agreed that they could not proceed with the case and were forced to dismiss the charges against Attorney Otis’ client.

Case Results

News and Insights

Pleading Nolo Contendere

August 4, 2022

Have you heard of someone pleading “nolo contendere” or no contest? There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of plea. Visit the website here

The Case That Pushed the Abolition of Wisconsin’s Death Penalty

July 29, 2022

In 1850, John McCaffary was the last person executed in the state of Wisconsin. He was convicted of murder by drowning his wife in a

What Does a Criminal Background Check Entail?

July 20, 2022

Have you ever been screened for a job that required a criminal background check prior to hiring? This is completely normal, actually about 96%

Contact Our Wisconsin Law Firm Today

Learn more about how we can put this experience to work for you. Call 608-237-6854 or contact us online for a free 30 minute initial consultation about your criminal defense or family law case at our office in the heart of downtown Madison. We also offer off-site, weekend and evening appointments upon request.