Shelly Jean Rusch, Appellate Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Asst. Dist. Atty.
Madison, WI
Practicing appellate in Madison since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Shelly Jean Rusch?
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Quick answer
Shelly Jean Rusch is an asst. dist. atty. based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Shelly has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Madison, WI
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Criminal Defense
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense matters from Madison, WI.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Shelly Jean Rusch: Shelly Jean Rusch is an asst. dist. atty. based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Shelly has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Shelly's practice areas in Madison
Shelly concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, criminal defense, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Shelly handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Bankruptcy
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Appellate cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Shelly takes appellate 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 Shelly agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Shelly takes bankruptcy 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 Shelly agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Shelly takes criminal defense 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 Shelly agrees to represent you.
General cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Shelly 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 Shelly agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Shelly 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 Shelly agrees to represent you.
Biography
Shelly Jean Rusch, appellate attorney serving Madison
Shelly Jean Rusch is an asst. dist. atty. based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Shelly has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. Shelly works from Madison, Wisconsin and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Atty. Shelly Jean Rusch is a lawyer practicing child abuse, sex assault law, litigation and 4 other areas of law. Shelly received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Shelly practices in Madison, WI.
How Shelly handles appellate matters
Atty. Shelly Jean Rusch is a lawyer practicing child abuse, sex assault law, litigation and 4 other areas of law. Shelly received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Shelly practices in Madison, WI.
The kind of cases Shelly takes
Shelly reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and criminal defense matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Shelly studied and practices
University of Wisconsin-Madison
J.D. · 1986
University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Shelly's state bar admissions
Illinois
1986 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1986 · ACTIVE
Shelly studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and B.A. in University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Law school and academic background
Shelly completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin-Madison and B.A. in University of Wisconsin-Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Shelly runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Shelly's legal honors and published work
Shelly has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Shelly Jean Rusch's office in Madison
Shelly's primary office is at 17 W Main St, Madison, WI, 53703-3960. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Shelly Jean Rusch — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Shelly. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Madison.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Shelly Jean Rusch claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Shelly Jean Rusch — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Shelly usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Shelly charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shelly'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; Shelly will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Madison, 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 Shelly
Shelly 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. Shelly confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Shelly'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 Shelly Jean Rusch
How much does it cost to hire Shelly for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Shelly walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Shelly offer a free consultation?
Shelly charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shelly's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Shelly'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. Shelly gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Shelly take my case if I'm outside Madison?
Shelly 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 — Shelly 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 Shelly?
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. Shelly will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Shelly accepting new appellate clients right now?
Shelly'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 Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin
Shelly 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
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Wisconsin
If Shelly's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





