Lawton & Cates, SC

John A. Lawton and Richard L. Cates formed a partnership in 1958. John Lawton was actively involved with labor law and union work. Dick Cates established a successful litigation practice.
Our Beginnings...

Photo of John Lawton

Lawton & Cates was born out of a partnership between John A. Lawton and Richard L. Cates. Lawton was a premier labor lawyer in Wisconsin and is best known for his role in authoring Wisconsin's public employee bargaining laws. Cates developed the firm's litigation practice and established a national reputation when he served as Special Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings.

Cates History SectionTogether, Lawton and Cates built a tradition of excellence and integrity at the firm that continues to this day. The firm is included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers and has been AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Its lawyers have handled many precedent setting cases. Through the years, lawyers at Lawton & Cates have tried nearly every conceivable type of dispute in nearly every forum. Injuries caused by automobiles or defective products, toxic chemical exposures, environmental litigation, insurance coverage issues, criminal proceedings, business, tax, family law and employment disputes are just some of the firm's practice areas. In addition, lawyers at Lawton & Cates, manage large, complex cases including class actions other law firms may not have the experience or resources to handle efficiently.

The Future...

In addition to the firm's cadre of experienced litigators, its roster includes a number of up and coming lawyers who have already distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of the law. Senior lawyers who have earned distinctions, such as Best Lawyers and SuperLawyers make a point of mentoring the firm's newer attorneys in the same tradition that Lawton and Cates established years before them.

Lawton & Cates sign


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When you need an attorney, trust the voice of experience.
Who are our clients?

Many are referred by other attorneys who recognize our skill and versatility in handling litigation. Our clients include everyday citizens and businesses who choose us as their legal representative. Whoever the client, whatever the need our attorneys will manage your legal matter in the highest professional, responsible, ethical and personal manner.
Experienced & Versatile

Through the years we've tried disputes in courts and other forums. Our expertise includes most areas of substantive law. In short, we understand what needs to be done in the courtroom, from either a plaintiff or defense perspective.

Unlike other law practices that specialize in one particular area of law, Lawton & Cates is qualified in many areas of legal dispute from injury cases to business and general litigation. Our experience includes injuries caused by automobiles or defective products, toxic exposure, construction and business litigation, insurance coverage issues, criminal proceedings, family law and employment disputes. We manage large complex cases including class actions other law firms may not have the experience or resources to handle effectively

Locations	No. of Attorneys
Jefferson, WI	1
Madison, WI	12

Practice Areas	No. of Attorneys
Construction	2
Environmental and Land Use	2
Family Law	3
Immigration	2
Insurance Coverage	2
Labor & Employment	3
Litigation	1
Litigation - General (consumer)	5
Litigation - Mass Torts	2
Real Estate	1
Workers Compensation	3