Howard Schoenfeld's litigation practice has taken him into the areas of employment law, business and corporate law, construction litigation, real estate, civil rights, legal malpractice, and an extensive number of personal injury matters. With tenacity and a "knock 'em dead" sense of humor, Mr. Schoenfeld has been successful in several highly 
publicized cases for clients large and small, commercial and individual. As a result, Mr. Schoenfeld was named to the inaugural list of Wisconsin Super Lawyers published by the national magazine Law & Politics. He was included in The Best Lawyers in America. He is also a member of The American Trial Lawyers Association and was included in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers for the state of Wisconsin from 2008 to 2010.
Mr. Schoenfeld began his law practice at a highly regarded and politically connected Milwaukee law firm, Peregrine Marcuvitz & Peltin. In 1978, he became the firm's first and only lawyer to join as an associate and achieve partner status. After the firm dissolved in 1987, Mr. Schoenfeld established his own law firm.
An interesting period of his practice was his tenure as personal counsel to former Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier. Mr. Schoenfeld notes, "Mayor Maier was a very unique and colorful public figure, and I learned a good deal about how a truly effective politician operates." Mr. Schoenfeld's specialty was libel and slander, and he effectively worked to keep the local media "honest."
When not in the court of public opinion or in court litigating contentious matters, Mr. Schoenfeld may be found on the tennis court walloping opponents.
Matters that have benefitted from Mr. Schoenfeld's litigating skills include:
- Representing a real estate developer in a suit against the City of Sturgeon Bay for violation of constitutional rights. Mr. Schoenfeld obtained a federal court jury verdict in excess of $800,000 for his client. For more information about this significant case, contact Mr. Schoenfeld at 262-754-2847 or hbs@dewittross.com. An article about the importance of this case is available here.
- Serving as lawyer and Guardian ad Litem in the landmark case of Mindy Linda Panitch v. the State of Wisconsin. A three-judge federal panel directed the Wisconsin state legislature to provide an education to children with exceptional educational needs. Chapter 115 resulted from the federal mandate, and Mr. Schoenfeld later represented families with children who met the qualifications of Chapter 115.
- Representing a developer client sued by Milwaukee County after a pre-cast concrete fin fell from the courthouse annex onto the freeway. Mr. Schoenfeld successfully proved that Milwaukee County knew, or should have known, through its inspections, that there were problems with several of the fins developing cracks.
- Litigating a real estate transaction gone awry. Mr. Schoenfeld's client intended to sell a choice parcel of real estate to the legendary Green Bay Packer great, Reggie White. In a highly publicized case, Mr. Schoenfeld prevailed against a mammoth law firm. Although Mr. White lost interest in the property during litigation, Mr. Schoenfeld assisted his client in selling the property to a third-party for almost $500,000 more than the initial price.
- Served as lawyer to his synagogue during a major expansion and renovation, reviewing the construction contracts and overseeing the entire project, all on a pro bono basis.