Atty. John L. Cates

Atty. John L. Cates

Atty. John L.

Madison Madison 46 yrs experience 46 year
Call (608) 817-3204 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John L. Cates at a glance

John L. Cates is a Partner based in Madison, Wisconsin, practicing at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs Lawyers. They have 46+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1980. Their practice focuses on medical malpractice, personal injury, criminal defense, business, and class action. Educated at University of Wisconsin-Madison (J.D., 1980) and University of Rochester (B.A. University, 1976). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Dane County Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin (Member, Board of Governors) Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers (Past Member, Board of Directors) Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Serands clients in Madison, WI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Atty. John L. Cates is a lawyer practicing personal injury, medical malpractice, legal malpractice and 9 other areas of law
  • John received a B.A. degree from University of Rochester in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years
  • John practices at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs Lawyers in Madison, WI

Practice Areas Explained

John L. Cates's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John L. Cates handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice lawyers represent patients harmed by negligent doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Free case review, no fee unless you win.

John L. Cates is one of 49,086 medical malpractice attorneys indexed nationally. Browse medical malpractice attorneys in Wisconsin →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

John L. Cates is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Wisconsin →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

John L. Cates is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Wisconsin →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

John L. Cates is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Wisconsin →

Class Action

John L. Cates is one of 26,424 class action attorneys indexed nationally. Browse class action 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 Madison 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 Madison or all attorneys in Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John L. Cates

Where is John L. Cates's law office located?
John L. Cates's law practice is located in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm is Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs Lawyers. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John L. Cates handle?
John L. Cates focuses on medical malpractice, personal injury, criminal defense, business, class action. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Wisconsin.
How long has John L. Cates practiced law?
John L. Cates has 46+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1980.
Where did John L. Cates go to law school?
John L. Cates earned their education at (J.D., 1980); (B.A. University, 1976).
How can I contact John L. Cates for a consultation?
You can contact John L. Cates 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 John L. Cates received?
John L. Cates's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1980
B.A. University
University of Rochester
- 1976

Awards

BV Distinguished

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