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Past Axley Leaders
Burr Jones
(1846-1935)
From humble beginnings as a farmhand in Union, Wisconsin, Burr Jones rose to become what Wisconsin Lawyer called, “one of the last of Wisconsin’s great all-purpose trial lawyers,” and an undoubtedly prominent figure in Wisconsin state history. His legacy is one of many notable achievements, including his service as a member of Congress and the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Dane County District Attorney, Chairman of the Democratic State Convention and the President of the State Bar Association. He is the noted author of one of the most enduring law texts ever written, Jones on Evidence, and was a respected professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School for 30 years.
Outliving two of his former partners, Jones passed away at the relatively old age of 89, and even penned his own autobiography, Reminisces of Nine Decades. He was a humanitarian, willing $3,000 to the City of Madison and $500 to the City of Evansville for playground equipment, and $2,000 to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents to establish a loan fund for law students.
Burr Jones Field on East Washington Avenue, purchased for the city by Jones in May 1903, still bears his name today, as well as a UW-Madison Kronshage dormitory. According to his memorial, Jones "was, by common consent, Wisconsin's most beloved citizen."
E. Ray Stevens
(1869-1930)
Edmund Ray Stevens was raised in Janesville, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1895. At his memorial service, his former law partner Burr Jones said, "he [Stevens] crowded into his sixty one years of life more of usefulness than most men even of high ability, in fourscore years can contribute to their fellowmen."
Stevens jump started his legal career by joining Burr Jones to form the private practice Jones & Stevens only one year out of law school. A short time later in 1901, Stevens was elected to the State Assembly, where he helped shape Wisconsin’s Primary Election System. At the young age of 34, he was appointed Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit and was re-elected twice. During this time he also lectured for five years at his alma mater on criminal law.
Stevens worked tirelessly his whole life, serving on the Wisconsin Supreme Court from 1926 up until his death in 1930. In that short time, Jones participated in more than 1,700 cases and wrote 237 opinions. Known for his love of nature and devotion to his job, Stevens’ work ethic and dedication remain core values within Axley Brynelson today.
E. J. B. Schubring
(1878-1921)
Best known for his involvement in the construction of the Wisconsin Kilbourn Dam, Edward John Bernhard Schubring got his start in law at the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he studied under his future partner and mentor, Burr Jones. The two formed Jones & Schubring in 1904, beginning a lifelong friendship. Jones writes in his memoirs, “Mr. Schubring still treats me with the kindness which a dutiful son might show to his father."
Along with engineer Magnus Swenson and Attorney Phillip Spooner, Schubring studied hydroelectric power and oversaw the construction of a dam and power plant at Kilbourn, now the Wisconsin Dells. The Kilbourn Dam is largely responsible for transforming the Wisconsin Dells into the popular vacation destination it is today.
Schubring also served as Madison General Hospital Association’s first President, occupying the position for more than 30 years, and was the Vice President of the French Battery Company, now known as Rayovac. E.J.B. Schubring’s career left a significant mark not only in the history of Axley Brynelson, but also the State of Wisconsin.
William Ryan
(1876-1954)
William Ryan spent a nearly decade battling Jones, Schubring & Petersen in court as Madison’s city attorney before joining forces with the firm in 1922 to form Jones, Schubring, Petersen & Ryan. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1904 and joined the office of Burr W. Jones for a year before he became the city attorney.
After becoming partner in the firm, Ryan practiced law primarily in the areas of public utilities and municipal issues, serving as the attorney for the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District and the Wisconsin Power and Light Company.
Arnold Petersen
(1887-1976)
Arnold R. Petersen graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1914 and began practicing law mainly in probate and tax matters. He was hired as an associate at Jones & Schubring in 1922 and was made a partner the following year, forming the firm Jones, Schubring & Petersen.
Following in the footsteps of firm founder Burr Jones, Petersen was elected Dane County Bar Association President in 1943, and also served as the Wisconsin State Bar President. Petersen is most recognized for his instrumental role in starting Wisconsin’s First Federal Savings and Loan, today known as Associated Bank. Petersen’s financial expertise endures today with Axley Brynelson’s Banking Law Team and its representation of Wisconsin’s financial institutions.
Ralph Axley
(1902-1995)
Beginning his law career as a clerk at the very office that would one day bear his name, Ralph Emerson Axley joined the firm Schubring, Ryan & Petersen as an associate in 1928. Axley served as counsel and did patent work for Rayovac Company, including the protection of the "Leak Proof" trademark, which had great value in marketing the first leak proof "sealed in steel" dry cell battery. He was best known for his analysis on collective bargaining in the field of labor law and handled a number of appeals to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Axley retired in 1975 and served as counsel to the firm until his death in 1995.
Floyd Brynelson
(1914-1998)
After graduating in 1939 from the University of Wisconsin Law School, Floyd A. Brynelson joined the firm Schubring, Ryan, Petersen & Sutherland for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He was discharged from the navy as Lieutenant Commander in 1946 after serving in World War II. When he returned to the firm, Brynelson practiced mainly public utilities law, specifically telephone matters. He served as General Counsel for more than 20 independent phone companies, and was the Director and General Counsel for General Telephone and Electronics Company for 16 years, from 1965 to 1981. Later, he was elected President of Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1989. Brynelson retired from the practice of law in 1992.
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