Michael L. Zaleski, Environmental Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
Over 60 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatQuarles & Brady LLP
Madison, WI
Practicing environmental in Madison since 1966.
- 60+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael L. Zaleski?
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Quick answer
Michael L. Zaleski is an attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Quarles & Brady LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Madison, WI
- Experience
- over 60 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Litigation
- Handles Environmental, General, and Litigation matters from Madison, WI.
- Over 60 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael L. Zaleski: Michael L. Zaleski is an attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Quarles & Brady LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Madison
Michael concentrates on environmental, general, litigation, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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General
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Environmental cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael takes environmental matters in Madison, 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.
General cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael takes general matters in Madison, 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 Madison, Wisconsin
Michael takes litigation matters in Madison, 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.
Product Liability cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael takes product liability matters in Madison, 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
Michael L. Zaleski, environmental attorney serving Madison
Michael L. Zaleski is an attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Quarles & Brady LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Madison, Wisconsin and takes on environmental matters across the region.
Michael L. Zaleski is a lawyer practicing litigation, trade regulation, product liability litigation and 1 other area of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1963, and has been licensed for 60 years. Michael practices at Quarles & Brady LLP in Madison, WI.
Michael's approach to environmental cases
Michael L. Zaleski is a lawyer practicing litigation, trade regulation, product liability litigation and 1 other area of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1963, and has been licensed for 60 years. Michael practices at Quarles & Brady LLP in Madison, WI.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and litigation matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Wisconsin
J.D. · 1966
University of Wisconsin
B.S. · 1963
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1970 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1966 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1966 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin and B.S. in University of Wisconsin.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin and B.S. in University of Wisconsin. 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
Michael's legal honors and published work
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
membership
American College of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Locations
Michael L. Zaleski's office in Madison
Michael's primary office is at 33 East Main Street, Suite 900, Madison, WI, 53703-3095. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Quarles & Brady LLP
33 East Main Street, Suite 900
Madison, WI 53703-3095
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael L. Zaleski — 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 environmental attorneys in Madison.
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 L. Zaleski claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael L. Zaleski — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael L. Zaleski
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple environmental 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 Madison?
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 environmental 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
Environmental attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin
Michael handles environmental matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Wisconsin
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





