
Michael B. Van Sicklen, Appellate Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Retired PartneratFoley & Lardner LLP
Madison, WI
Practicing appellate in Madison since 1979.
- 47+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael B. Van Sicklen?
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Quick answer
Michael B. Van Sicklen is a retired partner based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Madison, WI
- Experience
- over 47 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Business
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business matters from Madison, WI.
- Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael B. Van Sicklen: Michael B. Van Sicklen is a retired partner based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Madison
Michael concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, business, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Bankruptcy
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Business
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael takes appellate 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Bankruptcy cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael takes insurance 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael B. Van Sicklen, appellate attorney serving Madison
Michael B. Van Sicklen is a retired partner based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Business. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Foley & Lardner LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Michael works from Madison, Wisconsin and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Atty. Michael B. Van Sicklen is a lawyer practicing commercial, insurance & reinsurance, appellate and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Foley & Lardner LLP in Madison, WI.
How Michael handles appellate matters
Atty. Michael B. Van Sicklen is a lawyer practicing commercial, insurance & reinsurance, appellate and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Foley & Lardner LLP in Madison, WI.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and business matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Wisconsin - Madison
J.D. · 1979
University of Colorado B.A. summa cum laude University of Colorado B.A. Phi Beta Kappa
—
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1980 · ACTIVE
Wisconsin
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin - Madison and — in University of Colorado B.A. summa cum laude University of Colorado B.A. Phi Beta Kappa.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin - Madison and — in University of Colorado B.A. summa cum laude University of Colorado B.A. Phi Beta Kappa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael B. Van Sicklen's office in Madison
Michael's primary office is at Suite 5000, 150 East Gilman Street, Madison, WI, 53703-1482. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Foley & Lardner LLP
Suite 5000, 150 East Gilman Street
Madison, WI 53703-1482
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael B. Van Sicklen — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Madison.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael B. Van Sicklen claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael B. Van Sicklen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael B. Van Sicklen
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Madison?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new appellate clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin
Michael handles appellate matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Wisconsin
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





