About John
John C. Mitby: Experienced Legal Counsel for Complex Business Matters
John C. Mitby is a highly respected and accomplished attorney offering comprehensive legal counsel to a diverse range of clients, including businesses, engineering firms, insurance companies, financial institutions, and healthcare and elder care facilities. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Mr. Mitby possesses a proven track record of resolving complex legal disputes and providing strategic guidance across a multitude of business and litigation matters. His expertise encompasses commercial litigation, mediation, arbitration, and a deep understanding of real estate, financing, and business transactions.
Since January 1, 2015, Mr. Mitby has served as a senior partner at Hurley, Burish & Stanton, S.C., leveraging his extensive experience and leadership to guide the firm and its clients. Prior to this role, he was managing partner at Axley Brynelson, LLP from 2009 to 2014, demonstrating his commitment to strategic leadership and client service.
Mr. Mitby’s practice is built on a foundation of meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to problem-solving. He excels at navigating intricate legal challenges and consistently delivers favorable outcomes for his clients. He is frequently sought after for his expertise when complex legal issues arise, and his ability to act as an expert witness further solidifies his standing in the legal community.
Key Areas of Practice:
- Commercial Litigation: Mr. Mitby specializes in resolving disputes related to contracts, real estate, employment, financing, and insurance matters. His litigation experience extends to a wide variety of complex business disputes, providing clients with robust defense and strategic counsel.
- Mediation & Arbitration: Recognized for his exceptional mediation and arbitration skills, Mr. Mitby offers effective and efficient dispute resolution services, minimizing litigation costs and maximizing client satisfaction.
- Real Estate Transactions: Mr. Mitby provides expert legal guidance on a broad spectrum of real estate transactions, including acquisitions, sales, and complex property matters.
- Business & Corporate Law: He advises businesses on legal matters related to formation, governance, contracts, intellectual property, and other critical business operations.
- Insurance Coverage Litigation: Mr. Mitby's experience in insurance coverage issues provides his clients with astute strategic advice and effective representation.
Significant Transactions & Litigation Experience:
- Complex Business Acquisitions: Mr. Mitby has advised on numerous acquisitions, including those involving professional and technical businesses, consistently ensuring favorable terms and protecting client interests.
- Large-Scale Transactions: He played a key role in several high-profile transactions, such as the reorganization of a cooperative, the sale of America’s largest water park, the sale of a bank, and the sale of the House on the Rock – a testament to his ability to handle complex and high-stakes deals.
- Contract Disputes & Litigation: Mr. Mitby has a strong record of success in defending clients against contract disputes, providing strategic counsel and aggressive representation in court.
- Insurance Coverage Disputes: He has effectively navigated complex insurance coverage issues, securing favorable outcomes for his clients in a variety of circumstances.
Credentials & Recognition:
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated: Consistently recognized by Martindale-Hubbell® for his outstanding legal abilities and ethical standards (10/10).
- Super Lawyers® Recognition: Recognized as a Top 25 Super Lawyer Attorney.
- ABOTA President: Formerly President of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).
- State Bar Leadership: Chairperson of the Litigation Section of the State Bar.
- Pro Bono Service: Extensive recognition for numerous pro bono projects through the Dane County and State Bar.
- Madison Soccer Hall of Fame: Elected to the Madison Soccer Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the development of Reddan Soccer Park.
- Van Wie & Olson Foundations: President of the Van Wie and Olson Foundations.
- Legal Expertise: Admitted to practice in Wisconsin state and federal courts, Colorado, and the United States Supreme Court.
Awards & Accolades: Throughout his career, Mr. Mitby has been repeatedly recognized for his exceptional legal expertise and service. He has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Municipal, Litigation – Construction, and Litigation – Municipal by Madison (2019, 2014, 2013 respectively), and recognized as Best Lawyers© 2015 Litigation – Municipal “Lawyer of the Year” in Madison, and 2016 Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation - Construction, Madison (2016). He has also been named one of Madison’s top Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediation attorneys by Madison Magazine and has been listed in “Ten Who Made a Difference,” 2004, and “Know Your Madisonian,” 1988. He is listed in Best Attorney USA since 1993.
Mr. Mitby is dedicated to providing his clients with the highest level of legal representation and service. His extensive experience, strategic thinking, and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes make him an invaluable asset to any legal matter.
Practice Areas
Education
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Municipal, Madison (2019)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Municipal, Madison (2014)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Madison (2013)
- Recognized: Commercial Litigation
- Recognized: Mediation
- Practice Area: Environmental Law
- Practice Area: Litigation - Construction
- Practice Area: Litigation - Municipal
- Practice Area: Personal Injury Litigation
- Practice Area: Professional Malpractice Law
- Practice Area: Real Estate Law
- Special Focus: Arbitration
- Special Focus: Architects and Engineers
- Special Focus: Business
- Special Focus: Civil Litigation
- Special Focus: Class Actions
- Special Focus: Commercial
- Special Focus: Complex Litigation
- Special Focus: Construction
- Special Focus: COVID-19
- Special Focus: Mediation
- Special Focus: Nursing Homes
- Named the Best Lawyers© 2015 Litigation – Municipal “Lawyer of the Year” in Madison
- Named 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Healthcare Law on behalf of American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell
- Named a 2013 Leaders in Law by the Wisconsin Law Journal
- Named the Best Lawyers 2016 Litigation – Construction “Lawyer of the Year” in Madison
- 2012 Inductee to the Madison Soccer Hall of Fame for major contributions to Reddan Soccer Park in Verona, WI
- Named to the 2008 – 2016 Wisconsin Super Lawyers Lists (Primary Area of Practice: Business Litigation Law)
- Recognized for Business Litigation Law by Wisconsin Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition and Business Edition
- Recognized for Litigation Law in Wisconsin Super Lawyers Business Edition
- Named one of Madison’s top Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediation attorneys by Madison Magazine
- Named in The Best Lawyers in America for over 16 years for commercial litigation, litigation – construction, litigation – municipal, mediation, professional malpractice law – defendants, professional malpractice law – plaintiffs
- Listed in “Ten Who Made a Difference,” 2004
- Listed in “Know Your Madisonian,” 1988
- AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
- Recognized by Dane County Bar Association for Pro Bono Service - 2015
- Member of 2013-2016 Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society
- Recognized by Supporting Active Independent Lives (SAIL) for 10 years of Pro Bono Service - 2015
- The Best Lawyers in America; Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Municipal Litlgation and Alternative Dispute Resolution 2016
- Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year - Municipal, Madison 2016
- Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation - Construction, Madison, 2016