Fearless. Confident.
Champions for the Underdogs.

We have an outstanding reputation for giving a voice to the voiceless and getting results in the courtroom.

Fearless. Confident.
Champions for the Underdogs.

We have an outstanding reputation for giving a voice to the voiceless and getting results in the courtroom.

Exceptional trial attorneys. Exceptional experience. Exceptional results.

Not every lawyer has the experience or expertise needed to guide you through serious legal matters. A law license doesn’t always mean a case will be handled with skill and care. Choosing the right Wisconsin attorney is an important step toward protecting your future. At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., each attorney brings significant courtroom experience to help you navigate your case with confidence.

- Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

Choosing an attorney with a record of success in cases similar to yours is the best way to ensure that he or she has the experience and in-depth knowledge to achieve the best possible results for you.

Honoring Attorney Jessa Nicholson Goetz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our founding partner, Jessa Nicholson Goetz. She was a brilliant attorney, devoted mother, and someone who fought injustice wherever it was found. She won more of those fights than she lost. Jessa passed away too soon, leaving a legacy that will live on in all those whose lives she affected.

An overachiever, Jessa graduated from the University of Michigan at the ripe-old-age of 20 and was practicing law by 23. As a criminal defense attorney in Madison, Wisconsin, she quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the best trial attorneys in the state, if not the nation. Her courtroom prowess was unrivaled; she was a mixture of technical precision and swashbuckling style, all perched atop a pair of six-inch heels. Often imitated, she was never duplicated. Truth be told, no one came close.

Jessa was passionate about indigent defense, taking difficult and complex cases that others wouldn’t. She often represented clients with severe mental illness, showing them dignity and respect when the broader world did not. She was a voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast champion for those who had nowhere else to turn. She also relished mentoring other lawyers, and was determined that everyone should know this craft and do it right. For Jessa, the law wasn’t just a job, it was a calling that demanded and deserved nothing less than fearless, zealous advocacy.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jessa had a personality that lit up a room. She was incredibly funny, generous to a fault, and fiercely loyal. She never once found herself in a situation that couldn’t be perfectly summarized by a Taylor Swift or Ani DiFranco lyric. Everything she needed to know she learned from watching The West Wing. And if you disagreed, God help you.

Jessa loved the law. But her greatest joy was her family. After facing significant challenges with infertility, she was blessed with two young children through surrogacy—the lights of her life. She was an extraordinary mother who loved her children above all else. Her dedication to them was absolute, and her love will continue to guide and protect them.

Jessa Nicholson Goetz will be remembered as a trailblazer in the legal community, a loyal friend, and as a loving wife and mother. Her memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched and improved through her unwavering commitment to justice.

- Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.
- Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

Honoring Attorney Jessa Nicholson Goetz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our founding partner, Jessa Nicholson Goetz. She was a brilliant attorney, devoted mother, and someone who fought injustice wherever it was found. She won more of those fights than she lost. Jessa passed away too soon, leaving a legacy that will live on in all those whose lives she affected.

An overachiever, Jessa graduated from the University of Michigan at the ripe-old-age of 20 and was practicing law by 23. As a criminal defense attorney in Madison, Wisconsin, she quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the best trial attorneys in the state, if not the nation. Her courtroom prowess was unrivaled; she was a mixture of technical precision and swashbuckling style, all perched atop a pair of six-inch heels. Often imitated, she was never duplicated. Truth be told, no one came close.

Jessa was passionate about indigent defense, taking difficult and complex cases that others wouldn’t. She often represented clients with severe mental illness, showing them dignity and respect when the broader world did not. She was a voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast champion for those who had nowhere else to turn. She also relished mentoring other lawyers, and was determined that everyone should know this craft and do it right. For Jessa, the law wasn’t just a job, it was a calling that demanded and deserved nothing less than fearless, zealous advocacy.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jessa had a personality that lit up a room. She was incredibly funny, generous to a fault, and fiercely loyal. She never once found herself in a situation that couldn’t be perfectly summarized by a Taylor Swift or Ani DiFranco lyric. Everything she needed to know she learned from watching The West Wing. And if you disagreed, God help you.

Jessa loved the law. But her greatest joy was her family. After facing significant challenges with infertility, she was blessed with two young children through surrogacy—the lights of her life. She was an extraordinary mother who loved her children above all else. Her dedication to them was absolute, and her love will continue to guide and protect them.

Jessa Nicholson Goetz will be remembered as a trailblazer in the legal community, a loyal friend, and as a loving wife and mother. Her memory will be cherished by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched and improved through her unwavering commitment to justice.

Exceptional trial attorneys. Exceptional experience. Exceptional knowledge. Exceptional results.

Not every lawyer has the experience or expertise needed to guide you through serious legal matters. A law license doesn’t always mean a case will be handled with skill and care. Choosing the right Wisconsin attorney is an important step toward protecting your future. At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., each attorney brings significant courtroom experience to help you navigate your case with confidence.

- Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

Choosing an attorney with a record of success in cases similar to yours is the best way to ensure that he or she has the experience and in-depth knowledge to achieve the best possible results for you.

Practice Areas

Seasoned Legal Judgment You Need To Protect Your Rights

Who we are.

Why Choose Us to Represent You?

Our attorneys do not simply pay lip service to trial skills. Each attorney at Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., has significant courtroom experience. Our office has handled thousands of cases, and our attorneys are in Wisconsin courtrooms every day.

We are lawyers in the trenches, devoting our working hours to mastering the rules of evidence, case law knowledge, and written and oral communication skills that set our representation apart from other firms because of the level of preparation and quality put into each case and client we handle. And, perhaps most importantly, our pretrial and trial records reflect winning results for our clients.

- Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.
Court room in Madison Wisconsin - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

A Boutique Law Firm Focusing on Success in the Courtroom

At Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C., in Madison, we bring together attorneys and staff members with valuable backgrounds and experience throughout the legal system. Our entire team shares one goal: to provide aggressive, prepared trial litigation in Wisconsin state and federal courts.
We proudly identify ourselves as a boutique litigation and trial firm. We provide exceptional legal representation and prioritize clear and open communication with clients in all our practice areas, including:

Criminal defense, including OWI charges, traffic violations, drug charges, homicide, sex crimes and other felony and misdemeanor charges

Family law litigation , including divorce, child support, paternity and restraining order matters

Temporary restraining orders and injunctions, including harassment, domestic abuse and child abuse

Quotation Marks - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

Why Choose Us to Represent You?

man with handcuffs - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

Case Results

Not Guilty Verdict

Attorney Hoffman secured an acquittal at trial for two counts of First Degree Sexual Assault of a Child.

Lawyer taking statement of a client - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C. - Nicholson Goetz & Otis, S.C.

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