Ann Ustad Smith, Agriculture Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMichael Best & Friedrich LLP
Madison, WI
Practicing agriculture in Madison since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Ann Ustad Smith?
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Quick answer
Ann Ustad Smith is a partner based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Business. Ann has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Madison, WI
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Agriculture · Bankruptcy · Business
- Handles Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Business matters from Madison, WI.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Ann Ustad Smith: Ann Ustad Smith is a partner based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Business. Ann has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Ann's practice areas in Madison
Ann concentrates on agriculture, bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ann handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Agriculture
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Bankruptcy
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Business
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Chapter 11
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Agriculture cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Ann takes agriculture matters in Madison, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ann agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Ann takes bankruptcy matters in Madison, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ann agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Ann takes business matters in Madison, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ann agrees to represent you.
Chapter 11 cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Ann takes chapter 11 matters in Madison, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ann agrees to represent you.
General cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Ann takes general matters in Madison, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ann agrees to represent you.
Biography
Ann Ustad Smith, agriculture attorney serving Madison
Ann Ustad Smith is a partner based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Agriculture, Bankruptcy, and Business. Ann has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Ann works from Madison, Wisconsin and takes on agriculture matters across the region.
Atty. Ann Ustad Smith is a lawyer practicing chapter 11 bankruptcy, ethics & professional responsibility, litigation and 10 other areas of law. Ann received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Ann practices at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Madison, WI.
Ann's approach to agriculture cases
Atty. Ann Ustad Smith is a lawyer practicing chapter 11 bankruptcy, ethics & professional responsibility, litigation and 10 other areas of law. Ann received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Ann practices at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Madison, WI.
The kind of cases Ann takes
Ann reviews new inquiries case-by-case for agriculture, bankruptcy, and business matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ann studied and practices
Northwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1984
University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Ann's state bar admissions
Wisconsin U.S. Distr
1984 · ACTIVE
Ann studied at J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Law school and academic background
Ann completed J.D. in Northwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of Wisconsin-Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ann runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Ann's legal honors and published work
Ann has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Ann Ustad Smith's office in Madison
Ann's primary office is at One South Pinckney Street, Suite 700, Madison, WI, 53703. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
One South Pinckney Street, Suite 700
Madison, WI 53703
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Ann Ustad Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Ann. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing agriculture attorneys in Madison.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ann Ustad Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ann Ustad Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new agriculture attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ann usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ann charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ann's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ann will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a agriculture attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many agriculture matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ann
Ann discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in agriculture practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every agriculture matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ann confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ann's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many agriculture practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ann Ustad Smith
How much does it cost to hire Ann for a agriculture case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ann walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ann offer a free consultation?
Ann charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ann's office. Some agriculture attorneys offer free consults — check Ann's current terms during booking.
How long do agriculture cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple agriculture matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ann gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ann take my case if I'm outside Madison?
Ann is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ann will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ann?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ann will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ann accepting new agriculture clients right now?
Ann's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Agriculture attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin
Ann handles agriculture matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified agriculture attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated agriculture attorneys in Wisconsin
If Ann's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these agriculture attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





