How much does it cost to hire David for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does David offer a free consultation?

David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Wisconsin typically take?

Simple general 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can David take my case if I'm outside Madison?

David 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 — David 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 David?

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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is David accepting new general clients right now?

David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David M. Stegall, General Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin

Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews

Shareholder and AttorneyatLawton Cates, S.C.

Madison, WI

Practicing general in Madison since 2006.

20+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 13 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Litigation Personal Injury Workers Comp Wrongful Death

Are you David M. Stegall?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

David M. Stegall is a shareholder and attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Personal Injury. David has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawton Cates, S.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.

Based in: Madison, WI
Experience: over 20 years
Known for: General · Litigation · Personal Injury

Handles General, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Madison, WI.
Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on general, litigation, personal injury, workers comp, and wrongful death. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Madison, Wisconsin

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Madison, Wisconsin

David takes litigation 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 David agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Madison, Wisconsin

David takes personal injury 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 David agrees to represent you.

Workers Comp cases in Madison, Wisconsin

David takes workers comp 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 David agrees to represent you.

Wrongful Death cases in Madison, Wisconsin

David takes wrongful death 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 David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David M. Stegall — general lawyer in Madison

Wisconsin’s interstate system — I-90, I-94, I-39 — moves some of the heaviest commercial freight in the Midwest. When an 80,000-pound carrier collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are catastrophic and the legal fight is technically complex. David focuses specifically on these cases: commercial trucking wrongful death, catastrophic traumatic brain injury, and serious occupational injury. He knows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations that govern carriers, how to obtain and use electronic logging device data, and how to build the kind of evidence framework that drives full accountability — not just a check.

David is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Cavalry Officer before attending Marquette University Law School, where he graduated cum laude. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County, where he served as lead prosecutor in more than 40 jury trials. That trial experience — knowing how to build a case, read a room, and fight when it counts — is what David’s clients call on when the stakes are highest.

David has been recognized by Super Lawyers from 2023 through 2025 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review designation available. He is also a published co-author of Traffic Law and Practice in Wisconsin, the State Bar’s definitive guide relied upon by judges and attorneys statewide — a credential that reflects the same depth of preparation he brings to every trucking case.

He is a member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice. David serves on the Veterans’ Advisory Board and volunteers at the Veterans’ Law Center.

When a family calls David after a trucking crash, the first thing he says is: tell me what happened. He wants to understand what the family has been through before anything else. That is where the case begins.

David's approach to general cases

David Stegall is a trial attorney who represents Wisconsin families when commercial trucks kill or catastrophically injure someone they love. He is the attorney other attorneys call when the case matters most. Wisconsin’s interstate system — I-90, I-94, I-39 — moves some of the heaviest commercial freight in the Midwest. When an 80,000-pound carrier collides with a passenger vehicle, the results…

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and personal injury matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Marquette University Law School
J.D. · 2006

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

Wisconsin
2006 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Marquette University Law School.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Marquette University Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of Wisconsin
membership

Locations

David M. Stegall's office in Madison

David's primary office is at 1050 East Washington Ave., Suite 330, Madison, WI, 53701-2965. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lawton Cates, S.C.

1050 East Washington Ave., Suite 330

Madison, WI 53701-2965

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David M. Stegall — 5.0/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Madison.

5.0

13 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David M. Stegall claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David M. Stegall — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Madison, Wisconsin

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David M. Stegall

How much does it cost to hire David for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple general 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Madison?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new general clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin

David handles general matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.