Brian R. Smigelski Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Construction Law
MADISON | MILWAUKEE, Wis. and MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — September 24, 2026 – DeWitt LLP is proud to announce that 27 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, including Brian R. Smigelski, who has also been named the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Construction Law in Milwaukee.
Best Lawyers recognition is based on confidential peer review. For the 2027 edition, more than 32,000 lawyers participated in 3.8 million evaluations, with 81,620 lawyers recognized nationwide across 151 practice areas. Approximately 5% of practicing attorneys in the market received recognition.
“Having 27 DeWitt attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers is a tremendous honor and reflects the depth of talent and experience across our firm,” said Timothy L. Stewart, President and Managing Partner of DeWitt LLP. “We are especially proud to see Brian Smigelski recognized as the 2027 Lawyer of the Year for Construction Law in Milwaukee. This distinction is a meaningful recognition of Brian’s experience, dedication to his clients and leadership in the construction law community. We congratulate Brian and all of our attorneys recognized this year for this well-deserved recognition.”
Smigelski, a partner in DeWitt’s Greater Milwaukee office in Brookfield, focuses his practice on business, construction and employment litigation. He represents individuals, corporations, business owners, contractors and design professionals in matters ranging from breach of contract disputes to complex construction arbitrations and multimillion-dollar litigation. The Lawyer of the Year designation is awarded to a single attorney in each practice area and metropolitan area for each edition of Best Lawyers and is based on the highest overall peer feedback received for that designation.
The 27 DeWitt attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 are:
Madison
- Anna Loess
- Brian Anderson
- Bryan Esch
- Eric Farnsworth
- Frederic Brouner
- Jeff Goldman
- Jon P. Axelrod
- Joseph Leone
- Michele Perreault
- Ronald Ragatz
- Stephen DiTullio
- Stuart Herro
- Theresa Roetter
- Timm Speerschneider
- Troy Mayne
- William McCardell
- Wrede Smith
Minneapolis
- Bradley Thorson
- Matthew Drewes
- Rachel Dahl
- Robert Due
- Eric Chadwick
Brookfield
- Brian R. Smigelski
- Douglas Frazer
- Jeffrey Liotta
- Olivia Kelley
Green Bay
- Phillip Maples
“These honors reflect the trust our clients place in our attorneys and the relationships they build over the course of their work,” Stewart said. “Whether handling a complex business matter, navigating a construction dispute, or advising clients through significant legal challenges, our attorneys bring deep knowledge of their practice areas along with a practical, client-focused approach. We are proud to see that commitment recognized by their peers.
About DeWitt
Founded in 1903, DeWitt LLP provides sophisticated legal counsel for businesses, organizations, families, and individuals throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond. With more than 130 attorneys, the firm helps clients solve complex legal challenges with practical judgment, responsive service, and a commitment to results.
Whether advising companies on critical business decisions or guiding individuals through life’s important transitions, DeWitt brings together the right legal experience while maintaining the personal relationships and accountability clients value. It’s a smarter approach to legal counsel – one built on trust, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
When it matters, DeWitt. Learn more at dewittllp.com.
