Elizabeth McInerny

Attorney

Elizabeth McInerny loves being a lawyer. She knew from a very young age that she was going to go to law school. Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Marquette University in 2012 (magna cum laude) and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2015. While she was a law student, Elizabeth interned for the Wisconsin State Public Defender – Appellate office, worked as a clinical law student through the Economic Justice Institute, and worked as a law clerk for Chvala Law Offices and at Lawton & Cates.

Elizabeth has been practicing law since June 2015. Her practice has focused primarily on family law, including divorce, paternity, post-judgment matters, guardianship, termination of parental rights, CHIPS cases, and pre-/post-nuptial matters. She also has experience in basic estate planning, probate, and personal injury. Elizabeth practices primarily in Dane County but also handles cases in Jefferson County, Rock County, Dodge County, Columbia County, Iowa County, and Grant County. Elizabeth’s clients know that she cares. Elizabeth’s approach to family law is one of empathy and compassion. She believes her clients deserve the respect and dignity that comes with a full understanding of the legal process, including the strengths and weaknesses of their particular case; but she also knows that lending an ear, and learning about each client’s personal needs, is another essential aspect of family law. A tenacious negotiator, Elizabeth also knows how to advance her clients’ interests in an effective and professional manner. She fights for her clients no matter the opposition. When she is not doing legal work, Elizabeth loves to spend time on her small farm with her husband, two blue heeler mix dogs, and cat. She is a passionate flower and vegetable gardener and loves working outside. Elizabeth also enjoys cooking, knitting, and playing the piano. On any given Friday, you can find her enjoying fish fry at the local VFW.

Speeches & Presentations

Over 100 presentations to a variety of audiences including lawyers, judges, physicians, social workers, teachers, students, community based organizations, government agencies and the general public. Topics have included high net worth divorces, complex child custody disputes, psychological profiles of parents in child custody evaluations, child support for the self-employed or business owner, the enforceability of marital property agreements, alimony/maintenance with high net income parties; the unique legal issues in same-sex divorces, grandparent visitation rights, and resolving high conflict divorces. A few recent seminars in which Christopher has presented include:

  • Understanding the New Relocation Statute, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Madison, October 18, 2019
  • Family Law Update:  Relocation Statute, State Bar Webcast, Madison, April 15, 2019
  • Grandparent and Third-Party Visitation Rights, Wisconsin Judicial Education Seminar, Neenah, March 14, 2019
  • The New Relocation Statute:  When a Parent Wishes to Move Away, Milwaukee Bar Association, Milwaukee, February 25, 2019
  • Staying Current on New Laws Regarding Child Support and Relocation of a Child, Wisconsin Judicial Education Seminar, Lake Geneva, November 1, 2018
  • Gathering and Analyzing Financial Information in Divorce, National Business Institute, April 10, 2018
  • Today’s Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Successes, Ethical Issues and Challenges, State Bar of Wisconsin, December 11, 2017
  • Divorce Law: Handling Relocation Issues, National Business Institute National Teleconference, July 5, 2016
  • “Divorce” for Unmarried Partners, State Bar of Wisconsin Webcast, May 2016
  • Grandparent Visitation Rights, State Bar of Wisconsin Webcast, May 2016
  • Case Law Update: Family Law, State Bar of Wisconsin Webcast, May 2016
  • Wisconsin Child Support & Enforcement Conference, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, October 23, 2015
  • Divorce 101: The Basics, Morgan Stanley, Inc., Middleton, Wisconsin, October 13, 2015

Practice Areas

  • Divorce
  • Custody/Placement
  • Child Support
  • Grandparent Visitation
  • Guardianship
  • Termination of Parental Rights
  • Pre-/Post-Nuptial Agreements
  • Basic Estate Planning

Education

  • Marquette University, Bachelor of Arts – English Literature, 2012, Magna Cum Laude
  • University of Wisconsin, 2015, Juris Doctor

Boards, Associations, Pro Bono Work

  • State Bar of Wisconsin – Member
  • Legal Association for Women – Board Member
  • Trans Law Help Wisconsin – Board Member and Volunteer Attorney
  • JustUs Singers (lawyer choir!) – Singer
  • University of Wisconsin Law School LGBTQ Law Class – Guest Lecturer

Honors

  • Since 2014 Best Lawyers in America in the area of Family Law
  • 2017 & 2018 Lawyers of Distinction
  • 2015 Leader in the Law by the Wisconsin Law Journal
  • 2015 Top 10 Attorneys for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2006, 2007 & 2010 Rising Star designation with Law and Politics magazine
  • 2005, 2007 & 2009 Volunteer Attorney of the Year from AIDS Network
  • 2007 Executive Director’s Volunteer of Year Award from AIDS Network
  • 2006 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, Dane County Bar Association
  • Admission into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Fellow – Fellows of Wisconsin Law Foundation
  • Member of the Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

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