Atty. James A. Pelish

Atty. James A. Pelish

In 1997, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a membership by an invitation only organization of lawyers practicing primarily in the litigation field, and has served on its State Committee. He has been named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer by Milwaukee Magazine.

Rice Lake Rice Lake 54 yrs experience 54 year
Call (715) 999-6471 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James A. Pelish at a glance

James A. Pelish is a Partner based in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, practicing at Thrasher, Pelish & Heaney Ltd.. They have 54+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1972. Their practice focuses on workers comp, slip & fall, and insurance. Admitted to practice in Wisconsin (1972). Educated at University of Illinois J.D. (—) and Tulane University B.A. (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of State Bar of Wisconsin the Wisconsin Defense Council the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys the Defense Research Institute Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin and the Barron County Bar. Serands clients in Rice Lake, WI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • In 1997, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a membership by an invitation only organization of lawyers practicing primarily in the litigation field, and has served on its State Committee
  • He has been named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer by Milwaukee Magazine
  • Past service to the professional includes a term as district attorney and an 8-year stint on a District Committee of the Wisconsin Supreme Court's Professional Responsibility Committee
  • He also serves as the Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Eau Claire
  • Outside interests include amateur theater, the American Civil War, travel and trying to keep up with his wife on hiking treks and bicycle trips
  • Asked to briefly summarize his career and accomplishments, Jim states, "At the University of Illinois, a great trial lawyer and federal Jurist Prentice Marshall taught me the basics of trying lawsuits
  • I tried my first jury trial less than one year out of law school and have never looked back
  • Trial work is the most exciting part of the profession, and the most challenging
  • While proud to have been made a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and having been named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer, what pleases me most is when I receive a nice note or call from a happy client
  • This business is, after all, about real people with real problems, and I will never forget that."

Practice Areas Explained

James A. Pelish's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James A. Pelish handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

James A. Pelish is one of 55,389 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Wisconsin →

Slip & Fall / Premises Liability

James A. Pelish is one of 29,473 slip & fall attorneys indexed nationally. Browse slip & fall attorneys in Wisconsin →

Insurance Law

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

James A. Pelish is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Wisconsin →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Wisconsin

Practicing law in Wisconsin. Legal matters in Wisconsin are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Rice Lake are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Wisconsin state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Wisconsin brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Wisconsin courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Wisconsin attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Rice Lake or all attorneys in Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James A. Pelish

Where is James A. Pelish's law office located?
James A. Pelish's law practice is located in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The firm is Thrasher, Pelish & Heaney Ltd.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James A. Pelish handle?
James A. Pelish focuses on workers comp, slip & fall, insurance. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Wisconsin.
How long has James A. Pelish practiced law?
James A. Pelish has 54+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1972.
Where did James A. Pelish go to law school?
James A. Pelish earned their education at (—); (—).
How can I contact James A. Pelish for a consultation?
You can contact James A. Pelish directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James A. Pelish received?
James A. Pelish's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

University of Illinois J.D.
- In Progress
Tulane University B.A.
- In Progress

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin
Admitted: 1972

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