MJ

Michael J. Cieslewicz, Appellate Attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Milwaukee, WI

Practicing appellate in Milwaukee since 1976.

50+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you Michael J. Cieslewicz?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Michael J. Cieslewicz is an attorney based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Milwaukee, WI
Experience
over 50 years
Known for
Appellate · Civil Rights · Employment
  • Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment matters from Milwaukee, WI.
  • Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael J. Cieslewicz: Michael J. Cieslewicz is an attorney based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael J. Cieslewicz

Michael concentrates on appellate, civil rights, employment, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes appellate matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes civil rights matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes employment matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes government matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Michael takes litigation matters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael J. Cieslewicz — Over 50 years of Wisconsin appellate experience

Michael J. Cieslewicz is an attorney based in Milwaukee, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Atty. Michael J. Cieslewicz is a lawyer practicing litigation, employment law, civil rights and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Michael practices in Milwaukee, WI.

How Michael handles appellate matters

Atty. Michael J. Cieslewicz is a lawyer practicing litigation, employment law, civil rights and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Michael practices in Milwaukee, WI.

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and employment matters in Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin area.

Credentials

Michael J. Cieslewicz's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

    J.D. · 1976

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

    B.A. Economics · 1973

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Wisconsin U.S. Supre

    1976 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and B.A. Economics in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and B.A. Economics in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J. Cieslewicz

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin (Member, Litigation Section) Seventh Circuit Bar Association American Bar Association (Litigation and Employment Law Sections) Defense Research Institute (Member, Employment Law Committee) Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin

    membership

  • Wisconsin Super Lawyer selection, 2006

    membership

Locations

Michael J. Cieslewicz's office in Milwaukee

Michael's primary office is at One Park Plaza, Fifth Floor, 11270 W. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI, 53224-3639. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

One Park Plaza, Fifth Floor, 11270 W. Park Place

Milwaukee, WI 53224-3639

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J. Cieslewicz — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Milwaukee.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael J. Cieslewicz claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J. Cieslewicz — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael J. Cieslewicz

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Wisconsin typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Milwaukee?

    Michael is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Milwaukee, Madison and Waukesha in Wisconsin

Michael handles appellate matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Milwaukee handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.