Experienced Litigators and Advisors

Litigation

When legal disputes arise, effective representation is paramount to protecting your interests. Bentley Tuffnell Law provides robust and strategic litigation services, guiding clients through complex legal challenges in various forums.

General Civil Litigation

The attorneys at Bentley Tuffnell Law have decades of experience representing both businesses and individuals in a broad spectrum of legal disputes. Whether in federal court, state court, or through alternative dispute resolution methods such as private arbitration or mediation, our firm provides strategic counseling and tenacious advocacy. We are committed to meticulously analyzing the nuances of each case, developing tailored legal strategies, and pursuing efficient resolutions that align with our clients’ objectives. Our general litigation practice encompasses a wide array of civil matters, ensuring that your rights and interests are vigorously protected.

Business and Commercial Litigation

When commercial disagreements escalate into disputes, the stability and future of your business can be significantly impacted. Bentley Tuffnell Law provides sophisticated legal representation to protect your company’s interests, assets, and reputation. The firm assists businesses with a wide range of commercial conflicts, including contract disputes, shareholder disagreements, partnership disputes, and allegations of unfair business practices or commercial torts.

The attorneys at Bentley Tuffnell Law are adept at navigating both negotiation and litigation pathways. The firm’s attorneys meticulously analyze the facts, identify key legal issues, and craft a strategic approach aimed at achieving a favorable and efficient resolution. Whether through skillful settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or tenacious advocacy in state or federal court, the firm strives to minimize disruption to your operations and enable you to maintain your focus on business growth.

Denied Insurance Claims & ERISA Benefits

Facing a denied insurance claim can be a deeply frustrating and financially impactful experience, particularly when battling a powerful insurance company. Bentley Tuffnell Law is dedicated to representing individuals who have been wrongfully denied critical health, life, or disability insurance benefits. The firm understands the intricate processes involved in challenging these denials, from initial administrative appeals to formal litigation.

Furthermore, Bentley Tuffnell Law possesses extensive experience in cases involving the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). This complex federal law governs most employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as pensions and 401(k)s, and employee welfare benefit plans, including health and long-term disability plans. The firm advocates fiercely for individuals seeking to recover rightfully owed benefits or address breaches of fiduciary duty under ERISA, ensuring that plan participants receive the fair treatment and benefits they are legally entitled to receive.

Regulatory
and Compliance Advice

Operating in today’s complex business environment often means navigating a maze of regulatory requirements and administrative oversight. Bentley Tuffnell Law provides strategic counsel and robust representation to help businesses and licensed individuals comply with evolving laws and respond effectively to governmental scrutiny.

Insurance and Regulatory Work

In highly regulated industries, navigating administrative actions and complying with governmental oversight are critical. Bentley Tuffnell Law represents regulated entities and licensed individuals facing investigations, enforcement actions, or licensing issues before state and federal regulators. We understand the unique procedural and substantive demands of administrative law and are adept at defending our clients’ interests in these forums.

Our firm has significant experience interacting with key regulatory bodies, including the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and the U.S. Department of Labor. We provide strategic advice and representation to ensure compliance, respond to agency inquiries, challenge adverse determinations, and resolve administrative disputes efficiently, safeguarding our clients’ licenses and operations.

Consumer Financial Services Law

The consumer financial services industry operates within an exceptionally complex and dynamic regulatory framework that demands specialized legal expertise. Bentley Tuffnell Law provides strategic counsel to finance companies, financial institutions, lenders, servicers, and related businesses, helping them navigate the intricate web of federal and state laws governing consumer credit and financial products. The firm’s objective is to enable clients to operate efficiently while mitigating regulatory and litigation risks.

Bentley Tuffnell Law offers guidance on compliance with key statutes such as the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), as well as state-specific licensing and usury laws. The firm’s services include advising on product development, managing regulatory examinations, defending against individual and class-action litigation, and providing transactional support specific to the consumer finance sector.

Employment Law for Businesses

Compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws is a continuous and complex challenge for businesses. Failure to adhere to these intricate regulations can result in significant penalties, costly litigation, and reputational damage. Bentley Tuffnell Law offers comprehensive legal counsel focused on helping employers navigate the regulatory landscape, ensure compliance, and effectively respond to governmental or agency scrutiny.

The firm advises businesses on compliance with statutes such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), among others. We also provide robust representation in employment-related disputes, agency investigations, and administrative proceedings before bodies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Workforce Development, helping businesses effectively manage and resolve regulatory challenges.

Business
and Corporate Services

Building and maintaining a successful business requires a strong legal foundation and strategic counsel at every stage. Bentley Tuffnell Law offers comprehensive legal services designed to support businesses in their day-to-day operations, growth, and long-term objectives.

Contract Negotiation

Well-drafted and strategically negotiated contracts form the essential framework for successful business operations and relationships. At Bentley Tuffnell Law, the focus is on creating agreements that are not merely legally sound but also clearly articulate your intentions, protect your rights, and proactively mitigate potential future risks and misunderstandings. The firm understands that a robust contract can prevent costly litigation down the line.

Bentley Tuffnell Law assists clients across a diverse range of contractual matters, including complex commercial agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, service agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and purchase or sale agreements for goods and services. The firm’s attorneys meticulously review terms, anticipate potential pitfalls, and work diligently to ensure that every agreement precisely reflects your business objectives and stands up to scrutiny.

Corporate Transactions

Corporate transactions represent pivotal junctures in a business’s lifecycle, from its inception to significant expansion or strategic restructuring. Bentley Tuffnell Law provides comprehensive legal guidance through these complex processes, ensuring that every step is structured for optimal legal soundness, strategic alignment, and long-term success. The firm’s approach is designed to facilitate smooth transitions and achieve our clients’ key business objectives.

The firm’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of corporate transactional matters, including the formation of new business entities, mergers and acquisitions, asset and stock purchase agreements, corporate reorganizations, and various financing arrangements. Bentley Tuffnell Law conducts thorough due diligence, drafts intricate agreements, and addresses all necessary regulatory compliance, enabling businesses to grow confidently and execute their strategic vision.

Employment Law (for Employers)

For employers, managing a workforce efficiently and proactively preventing workplace issues are crucial for business success. Bentley Tuffnell Law provides practical and forward-thinking employment law counsel to help businesses establish sound internal practices, minimize risk, and foster a productive work environment. We assist with developing clear policies, drafting essential employment documents, and providing advice on day-to-day employee relations.

The firm advises employers on a wide array of issues central to workforce management, including best practices for hiring, developing employee handbooks and policies, crafting employment agreements, addressing leave requests, and navigating employee discipline. Bentley Tuffnell Law works collaboratively with businesses to implement strategies that support a harmonious and legally compliant workplace culture, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

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