Authors

Steven Streck is a partner and member of Axley’s Litigation and Construction & Transportation Practice Groups. Mr. Streck concentrates his practice in condemnation and eminent domain, property value litigation and construction litigation. He has vast experience representing both condemning authorities and property owners in condemnation proceedings. His recent projects include work with three regional electric transmission utilities to acquire land rights to construct major new transmission lines in southern, northwestern and central Wisconsin. He is currently working with airports across the state to acquire the land rights necessary for various airport improvement projects.

Mr. Streck has given numerous presentations relating to condemnation, litigation and insurance coverage issues. Through his representation of public utilities over the last two decades, he has gained a thorough understanding of property valuation methodologies. He has particular expertise in the legal issues involved when condemning authorities require pre-condemnation access to property for testing purposes, and he has given presentations to engineers, real estate appraisers, airport owners and right-of-way professionals on the subject.

Mr. Streck also has particular expertise in commercial litigation, construction defect litigation and insurance coverage for construction defect damages. He has assisted owners, general contractors and subcontractors in a variety of construction-related disputes. He is a member of the Construction and Public Contract Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin and he authors all case law updates for the section’s newsletter.

Admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Wisconsin and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Michelle Martin is a partner and member of Axley’s Waukesha office, practicing primarily in the areas of real estate and business. She has extensive real estate experience in condemnation and eminent domain, land use and zoning, easements, tax assessments, development, leasing, and commercial and industrial transactions. Ms. Martin represents clients in condemnation matters relating to electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, highways, and other development. She also assists clients in developing, acquiring, and managing commercial and industrial properties.

Ms. Martin’s business practice involves the formation and structuring of businesses, the sale and acquisition of businesses and their assets, general contract drafting and negotiations. Ms. Martin’s practice in estate planning encompasses the preparation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney; probate proceedings; and probate litigation.

Admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Wisconsin.

Mitchell Olson is a partner and member of Axley’s Litigation Practice Group. His practice focuses on general civil litigation, with an emphasis on commercial, real estate and land use litigation. Mr. Olson regularly tries cases to both courts and juries throughout Wisconsin. He works out of Axley’s Madison and Waukesha offices.

Mr. Olson represents individuals and businesses with respect to commercial disputes, including collections, contract disputes, construction and real estate. He also litigates condemnation and eminent domain matters on behalf of both condemnors and landowners. He has significant experience litigating probate and insurance matters, as well.

Mr. Olson frequently represents a range of clients from non-profits to private landowners and developers of all sizes in matters pertaining to land development, zoning and permitting – including litigation that may arise with local governments or state agencies. He holds a master’s degree in Land Use Planning and Zoning, and has experience appearing and presenting before local zoning committees and municipal boards. He and the Axley Frac Sand Group have handled numerous permitting matters for frac sand developers seeking assistance with all aspects of permitting and regulation.

A Madison area native, Mr. Olson has practiced in various legal settings, from a small firm in Northern Wisconsin to a large firm in Madison. He has also appeared in courts in over half the counties across the state. His successes demonstrate that he is an experienced and effective attorney, representing clients before town boards, large cities and all Wisconsin courts.

Mitch and his wife, Sara, have two young children. He is passionate about fly-fishing for trout in Wisconsin’s streams, attending as many Badger Basketball and Football games as possible, and enjoying time with his family.

Admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Wisconsin.

Sara Beachy is a partner and member Axley’s Litigation and Construction & Transportation Practice Groups. Ms. Beachy concentrates her practice in the areas of condemnation and eminent domain, municipal law, and commercial litigation. She presents regularly to appraisers, engineers, real estate professionals, other lawyers, and acquiring authorities on eminent domain, appraisal, and acquisition issues.

Before joining Axley Brynelson, Ms. Beachy served as an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, where she represented State agencies in eminent domain, transportation, and land use litigation. Her case load included valuation litigation, inverse condemnation actions, billboards, relocation claims, NEPA/APA environmental reviews, writs of assistance, and administrative law.

Ms. Beachy is also experienced in constitutional, environmental, and open records law.

Ms. Beachy graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School. As a law student, she co-taught a course on the First Amendment, earned multiple academic achievement awards, and coached mock trial.  She has been named an Up and Coming Lawyer by the Wisconsin Law Journal and a Rising Star in eminent domain in Super Lawyers Magazine.

In her free time, Ms. Beachy enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on the Packers, and backcountry camping. She also teaches Sunday school and serves as the President of the First Congregational United Church of Christ Foundation.

Admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Wisconsin and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Justin Lessner is a partner and member of Axley’s Litigation Practice Group with a broad litigation practice, including commercial litigation, construction litigation, product liability, labor and employment disputes, professional liability defense, and insurance coverage. He is also experienced in handling land use disputes and eminent domain matters for several utilities and other clients throughout Wisconsin.

Mr. Lessner has litigated a wide variety of matters from inception through trial or arbitration and appeal in many courts both in and out of Wisconsin, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Georgia and New York. Mr. Lessner has successfully first-chaired jury trials, argued appeals before the Seventh Circuit and obtained favorable results through motion practice in a number of different matters. He uses his breadth of experience to assist clients in developing the most appropriate and efficient strategy to handle complex litigation and business disputes. Mr. Lessner’s business litigation experience also allows him to provide insight to clients in contract drafting, risk management and litigation avoidance.

Mr. Lessner is highly regarded by his peers and was named to the 2016 Wisconsin Rising Stars list in the area of business litigation and the 2013 and 2014 Illinois Rising Stars lists.  This is a recognition given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state. Prior to joining Axley, Mr. Lessner worked at a well-known litigation firm in Chicago. Justin is still licensed in Illinois and regularly represents Axley’s clients in Illinois litigation and disputes. Justin was born and raised in the Madison area and is proud to call Madison his home. Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and two young daughters, as well as playing hockey, golf and attending Packers games

Admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Wisconsin and Illinois and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth and Seventh Circuits.