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James K. Ruhly, Education Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin

Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Education, Employment, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AttorneyatBoardman & Clark LLP

Madison, WI

Practicing education in Madison since 1968.

58+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James K. Ruhly is an attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Family Law. James has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Boardman & Clark LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Madison, WI
Experience
over 58 years
Known for
Education · Employment · Family Law
  • Handles Education, Employment, and Family Law matters from Madison, WI.
  • Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James K. Ruhly: James K. Ruhly is an attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Family Law. James has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Boardman & Clark LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on education, employment, family law, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Education cases in Madison, Wisconsin

James takes education 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 James agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Madison, Wisconsin

James takes employment 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 James agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Madison, Wisconsin

James takes family law 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 James agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Madison, Wisconsin

James takes real estate 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 James agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet James K. Ruhly — education lawyer in Madison

James K. Ruhly is an attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Family Law. James has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Boardman & Clark LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Atty. James K. Ruhly is a lawyer practicing fair employment law, municipal employment law, school law and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. James practices at Boardman & Clark LLP in Madison, WI.

James's approach to education cases

Atty. James K. Ruhly is a lawyer practicing fair employment law, municipal employment law, school law and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. James practices at Boardman & Clark LLP in Madison, WI.

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for education, employment, and family law matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Wisconsin

    J.D. · 1968

  • Michigan State University

    B.A. · 1965

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1983 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1975 · ACTIVE

  • Wisconsin

    1968 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin and B.A. in Michigan State University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Dane County Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin

    Director, Labor Law Section, 1985-1987 Member, Labor and Employment Law Section, Board of Directors, 2012-present · membership

Locations

James K. Ruhly's office in Madison

James's primary office is at One South Pinckney Street, Fourth Floor, Madison, WI, 53701-0927. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Boardman & Clark LLP

One South Pinckney Street, Fourth Floor

Madison, WI 53701-0927

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James K. Ruhly — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing education 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 James K. Ruhly claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James K. Ruhly — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a education attorney in Madison, Wisconsin

A short list to run through before you commit: How many education 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 James

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every education 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James K. Ruhly

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a education case?

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

  • Does James offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do education cases in Wisconsin typically take?

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

  • Can James take my case if I'm outside Madison?

    James 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 — James 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 James?

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

  • Is James accepting new education clients right now?

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

Areas served

Education attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin

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

More counsel

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