Speakers

Tim Jacobson (Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC) Tim Jacobson, an attorney since 1992, has been recognized as a Wisconsin "Super Lawyer," as well as a regional Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker ("Decoding the Driftless" and "Mysteries of the Driftless") and a best-selling novelist. He practices in several areas of law, including environmental, business, and construction litigation, and handles personal injury claims. Not only does he help clients in Wisconsin and Minnesota with their legal needs, but he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Tim has served as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) in the roles of Mission Pilot and Squadron Legal Officer. He earned a black belt in karate and pilot certificates in land and seaplanes.

Christopher Shattuck Christopher C. Shattuck is the Program Director and Legal Studies/Paralegal Program Instructor at Madison College. Previously, Mr. Shattuck managed a department and litigated cases for a creditor's rights firm in Milwaukee. He then dedicated close to six years to the State Bar of Wisconsin as their Law Practice Assistant Manager. Throughout this period, Mr. Shattuck provided over two thousand consultations, authored more than fifty published articles, and delivered over one hundred presentations, all focused on practice management, technology, and their ethical implications. Mr. Shattuck earned his undergraduate and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, and completed his Juris Doctor at the University of La Verne College of Law in southern California.

Matthew Furrer (Krenz Engineering, LLC) Matthew J. Furrer is the owner and a consulting engineer at Krenz Engineering. Matthew holds a Bachelors degree and Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Following his Bachelors degree, Matthew worked in research and development for a large consumer products company. His experience ranged from manufacturing development to individual product development. At first eligibility, Matthew became a licensed owner, professional engineer by the State of Wisconsin. Matthew's professional experience in addition to his personal automative background led him to become a consulting engineer, specializing in motor vehicle accident analysis. Matthew has performed analyses on hundreds of motor vehicle accidents, as well as numerous slip and fall, industrial, and recreational vehicle accidents. 

Pete Sayner (La Crosse Lawyers) Education: B.A. (Social Work), UW-Madison, 1984; M.S. (Social Work), UW-Madison, 1985; J.D. (Juris Doctor), William Mitchell College of Law, 1993; Attorney Pete Sayner specializes in Social security disability/SSI, probate, guardianship/protective placement, estate planning, wills, trusts, and power of attorney.

Brent Smith (Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC) Brent P. Smith is the managing partner of the La Crosse area law firm Johns, Flaherty & Collins, S.C. He has been with the firm since he graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1978. His practice centers on mediation and defending insurance claims. He is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Steve Doyle (Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC)

Dan Arndt  (Arndt, Buswell & Thorn, SC) Dan is a 1978 Gradate of Bangor High School and a 1982 Graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. While at UW Stevens Point, he played collegiate basketball and was active in numerous student organizations and student government. Upon graduation from UWSP, he was awarded the prestigiuos James H. Albertson Medallion for outstanding leadership, scholarship and community involvement. He then attended the University of Wisconsin Law School at Madison and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1985. Thereafter, he immediately began practicing law in the La Crosse/Sparta area. In 1991, Arndt, Buswell & Thorn, S.C. was formed by himself, Jack Buswell, and Ellen Thorn. His practice primarily consists of both personal and business litigation, real estate law and estate planning. He does a great deal of business representation including business set-up, consulting and litigation. He is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, American Bar Association, Wisconsin Association of Trial Lawyers and American Trial Lawyers Association. He has litigated personal injury, business, and real estate disputes. In 2002, he successfully argued the case of O'Neill v. Reemer, et al before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This case resulted in the change in law concerning adverse possession in the State of Wisconsin. In addition, in 2006, he successfully argued the case of Alakson v. Gallagher Bassett before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This case resulted in a change in the law concerning worker's compensation and personal injury in the State of Wisconsin. Dan once again successfully argued a sand mining rights in front of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the case of Borek v. Jackson County. In 2014 Dan again was successful in litigating an environment tort case involving inherently dangerous activity before the Supreme Court in the case of Brandenburg v. Luethi. He has also been a speaker at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, lectured for the University of Wisconsin - Extension, and at many private seminars. 

Nicole Stangl (Ruder Ware) Nicole is a natural pathfinder, driven by a passion for problem-solving and a love for puzzles. She likes to be involved in shaping the outcome of things. This innate curiosity led her to the dynamic field of employment law, where she thrives on shaping outcomes. Nicole collaborates closely with HR professionals, recognizing the delicate balance between safeguarding the business and supporting employees. She equips HR teams with the tools to navigate complex situations, ensuring compliance with regulations while maintaining the business framework. Not only does Nicole provide the day-to-day employment advice that adheres to federal and state employment laws, she also provides tailored advice to clients in areas including wage and hour issues, overtime calculations, WFEA and Title VII discrimination, state and federal family medical leave, work place accommodation issues, employee handbooks, OSHA investigations and citations, and restrictive covenants (such as noncompetes and nonsolicitation). Additionally, Nicole represents employers in the defense and prosecution of various employment-related claims throughout all stages of litigation. She has significant experience representing clients in state and federal courts and has represented clients in four cases before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. She routinely engages with HR professionals through her active participation in local HR organizations. She frequently speaks at industry conferences addressing a wide range of employment issues. A sprinter in college, she was a 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee and in 2016 a National Qualifier. Nowadays, she channels her energy into chasing after her daughter whose appetite for exploration is boundless. She is happiest when with her husband, daughter, and their incredibly sweet dog.