Mr. Edwards began his law career as a criminal defense attorney representing indigent clients in a busy Arizona courthouse. This prepared him well for a career as a litigator – but left him convinced that effective client representation requires more than the ability to simply grind through dozens of cases each day.

Mr. Edwards’ interest in teaching led him to return to law school, where he earned two advanced degrees in law, including a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) and a Doctorate in Law (S.J.D.). His academic preparation and extensive practical experience allows him to approach legal problems from many angles. In weighing solutions and choosing the best one, Mr. Edwards keeps a sharp eye on efficiency. He understands that one of his clients’ biggest challenges is the cost of litigation, and he works hard to keep costs in check while assertively protecting each client’s best interests. Email: tedwards@axley.com

Mr. Modl's litigation practice focuses on federal court litigation, primarily in the areas of employment, insurance defense, defense of municipalities and schools, and defense of civil rights and constitutional claims. He has represented municipalities, including counties, cities and villages, as well as municipal officials and employees in state and federal court civil rights actions. Mr. Modl has successfully defended law enforcement officers and municipalities in claims arising out of police conduct, including claims of use of excessive force, claims arising out of high speed chases and claims alleging illegal searches, seizures and arrests.

Mr. Modl has successfully represented municipalities and municipal officials in employment related claims, including claims of employment discrimination, claims of workplace harassment, First Amendment speech and association claims, and claims alleging adverse employment actions without due process of law. Mr. Modl has also represented public and private sector employers in claims alleging employment discrimination, workplace harassment and retaliation before federal, state and local agencies, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division and the Madison Equal Opportunities Commission.

Mr. Modl's litigation practice includes an active federal court practice. He has appeared in over 100 cases before federal court judges in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. Mr. Modl has tried more than 20 cases to the federal court, including patent and trademark infringement cases, federal constitutional and civil rights cases, federal employment discrimination cases, including cases under the ADA, ADEA, and Title VII, defense of prisoner litigation, and defense of financial institutions in claims alleging discrimination in making loans.

Mr. Modl's practice also focuses on advising employers on employment and personnel matters, as well as public and private sector management labor law. He assists clients in reviewing and drafting personnel policies and employee handbooks. He provides training, seminars and legal updates to clients on developments in the law, including the area of workplace harassment prevention and investigation of complaints. He also advises clients on FMLA and ADA compliance. Mr. Modl has appeared on behalf of employers before federal, state and local agencies. Email: mmodl@axley.com