Justin H. Lessner
About
Justin Lessner is a partner and member of Axley’s Litigation Practice Group with a broad litigation practice, including commercial litigation, construction litigation, product liability, labor and employment disputes, professional liability defense, and insurance coverage. He is also experienced in handling land use disputes and eminent domain matters for several utilities and other clients throughout Wisconsin.
Mr. Lessner has litigated a wide variety of matters from inception through trial or arbitration and appeal in many courts both in and out of Wisconsin, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Georgia and New York. Mr. Lessner has successfully first-chaired jury trials, argued appeals before the Seventh Circuit and obtained favorable results through motion practice in a number of different matters. He uses his breadth of experience to assist clients in developing the most appropriate and efficient strategy to handle complex litigation and business disputes. Mr. Lessner’s business litigation experience also allows him to provide insight to clients in contract drafting, risk management and litigation avoidance.
Mr. Lessner is highly regarded by his peers and has been regularly named a Rising Star in business litigation by Super Lawyers Magazine since 2013. This is a recognition given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state. Prior to joining Axley, Mr. Lessner worked at a well-known litigation firm in Chicago. Justin is still licensed in Illinois and regularly represents Axley’s clients in Illinois litigation and disputes. Justin was born and raised in the Madison area and is proud to call Madison his home. Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters, as well as playing hockey, golf and attending Packers games
Admitted to practice in the State Courts of Wisconsin and Illinois, Federal Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin, for the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, and for the Northern District of Iowa, United States Appeals Courts for the Sixth and Seventh Circuits, and United States Supreme Court.
Education
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law with honors
B.S., University of Colorado-Boulder
Involvement & Recognition
Involvement:
- Member, Madison Area Builders Association
- Member, Wisconsin State Bar Lawyer Referral & Information Service Committee
Recognition:
- Named to the 2016, 2018, and 2019 Wisconsin Rising Stars lists as Top Rated Business Litigation Attorney
- Named to the 2013 and 2014 Illinois Rising Stars lists
Client Successes
Obtained summary judgment in state court on behalf of employer stemming from former employee’s theft of company property.
… for the construction of a 180 mile transmission line from Middleton to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
… for several water and amusement parks in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
… in obtaining total dismissal of Fortune 500 mining company’s lawsuit in Illinois alleging fraud and breach of stock purchase agreement seeking over $10 million in damages.
… in favor of family practice doctor for failure to timely diagnose breast cancer.
… in favor of real estate broker based on seller’s breach of listing contract. Verdict affirmed on appeal- 2015AP2627.
Obtained dismissal of insurer in federal court coverage action involving noise induced hearing loss based on res judicata. Court previously denied motion to dismiss but overturned its prior ruling on a motion to reconsider and entered judgment in favor of insurer.
Obtained dismissal of foreign manufacturer of exercise equipment in product liability lawsuit based on lack of personal jurisdiction.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a construction company in lawsuit alleging fraudulent conduct and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of insurer in Wisconsin bad faith action arising out of the homeowner’s misrepresentations concerning sale of a multi-million dollar property. Dismissal affirmed on appeal.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of structural steel contractor in personal injury lawsuit that occurred at a large condominium building.
Successfully defended limited liability company in action seeking temporary restraining order and other relief arising out of purchase of a downtown Chicago commercial building.