Michele Perreault is an associate attorney at the firm's Capitol Square Office. Her practice focuses on family law and civil litigation. In the area of family law, Ms. Perreault concentrates on divorce, domestic partnerships, and adoptions. A successful civil litigator in jury and bench trials, as well as appeals, Ms. Perreault is also experienced in negotiations and mediation. Ms. Perreault is an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
 
Prior to law school, Ms. Perreault worked as a professional counselor for ten years. She uses her counseling skills and experience to engage in effective negotiation and litigation on behalf of her clients. She is trained in the family law process, and can provide collaborative law services in appropriate cases. When necessary, Ms. Perreault litigates cases in both trial and appellate courts.
 
Ms. Perreault has been recognized as one of the leading attorneys in Madison as well as the State of Wisconsin. Based on votes of Madison area attorneys, in 2007 and 2009 (the most recent votes), Ms. Perreault was named a Top Lawyer by Madison Magazine in three categories: Family Law, Adoption, and Juvenile Law. Based on statewide nominations and votes, Ms. Perreault has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine, a status conferred on less than 5% of attorneys state-wide
 
Ms. Perreault graduated magna cum laude in the top 5 percent of her law school class at the University of Wisconsin Law School.   She also has a master’s degree in counseling from the UW-Oshkosh, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lawrence University. While in law school, she received the Andre Salton Award for Academic Achievement, the Catherine Manning Award for outstanding contribution to a clinical program, and the Don Olson Award for academic achievement and leadership. The State Bar of Wisconsin has also recognized Ms. Perreault for academic achievement, and recently honored Ms. Perreault as the 2009 State Bar Attorney Hotline Volunteer of the Year. Before joining DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Ms. Perreault interned with Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.
 
Recently, Ms. Perreault led a successful case that involved three jurisdictions, a jury trial and a bench trial, and the successful return of a child to his family in Egypt. She has also recently secured significant financial victories in the area of non-married couples’ right to reasonable property divisions.
 
When not at work, Ms. Perreault enjoys spending time with her family, especially in outdoor activities such as hiking (a good walk) and golf (a good walk spoiled).