Janisch, Emilia

Emilia R. Janisch

Associate
Sally Kramer
608.283.6775

About

Attorney Emilia Janisch is an associate at Axley and member of the Litigation Practice Group. She practices in a wide range of litigation matters including general, commercial, employment, intellectual property, and insurance defense matters.

Attorney Janisch regularly represents business owners, insurance companies, employers, municipalities, and individuals in both state and federal courts. She has successfully defended numerous lawsuits against municipalities and counties arising from alleged constitutional and civil rights violations. Attorney Janisch is particularly well-versed in defending law enforcement agencies against allegations of excessive force, illegal searches, seizures, and arrests. She also regularly represents employers in matters relating to employee handbooks, discrimination and harassment claims, and hiring, discipline, and discharge. Attorney Janisch is a regular contributor on employment matters to the Great Lakes Employment Law Letter. In addition to employment, Attorney Janisch assists businesses with contract disputes, personnel matters, and provides updated guidance to businesses as the law continually develops.

A cum laude graduate of Penn State Law, Attorney Janisch rejoined Axley after working as a Summer Associate in 2019. During her time in law school, Attorney Janisch completed concentrations in both Intellectual Property Law and International and Comparative Law. Attorney Janisch also participated in Penn State Law’s Arts, Sports, and Entertainment Law Clinic, working to protect the intellectual property rights of artists, musicians, employers, and authors. In addition, Attorney Janisch worked as a legal extern with MidPenn Legal Services in Central Pennsylvania and as an intern for Hon. Rosemarie Aquilina of the 30th Circuit Court for Ingham County, Michigan.

Prior to joining Axley, Attorney Janisch worked as a teaching assistant in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia where she taught an English legal writing course for Mongolian law students and practitioners. She also served as the Editor-in-Chief for the Penn State Journal of Law and International Affairs. Attorney Janisch utilizes her vast writing experience to strongly and persuasively advocate on behalf of her clients.

When not in the office, Attorney Janisch enjoys coaching and playing softball, reading and serving as an editor for as many books as possible, and watching football on the weekends with her husband and their dogs.

Admitted to practice in the State Courts of Wisconsin, United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Education

J.D., cum laude, The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Law
B.A., Michigan State University

Involvement & Recognition

Involvement:

  • Dane County Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Member
  • Wisconsin Defense Counsel, Member
  • Legal Association of Women, Member
  • Madison Revolution Fastpitch Softball Club, Head Coach
  • Provides free legal advice to individuals with legal problems through the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Hotline Program
  • President, Madison Revolution Fastpitch Softball Club
  • Board Member, Barneveld Community Café

Client Successes

Obtained summary judgment in state court on behalf of employer stemming from former employee’s theft of company property.

Obtained dismissal of lawsuit in federal court on behalf of municipality stemming from claims of various constitutional violations.

Successfully defended a county board of supervisors’ decision which had denied a CUP application.

Litigation

Obtained dismissal of lawsuit in federal court on behalf of police department and officer stemming from claims that officer utilized excessive force.

Litigation

Obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of police department and officer stemming from an arrestee’s claim that the officer utilized excessive force.

Litigation

Successfully defended employer against State Department of Workforce Development claim made by former employee seeking additional wage payments.

Obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of county and deputy stemming from a decedent’s estate’s claim that the deputy utilized excessive force.