Atty. Thomas E. Hayes
Accomplished Litigator and Appellate Attorney with more than 30 years of proven management and ownership experience, running a successful general legal practice focusing in personal injury, civil rights, family law, employment law and criminal/traffic defense. Extensive experience in all levels of state, federal and administrative courts.
Family Law & More Attorney · Serving Milwaukee, WI · 43+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Thomas E. Hayes at a Glance
Thomas E. Hayes is a Member based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, practicing at Law Offices of Thomas E. Hayes. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, divorce, car accidents, child custody, and discrimination. Admitted to practice in Wisconsin (1983) and U.S. Supreme Court Illinois (1993). Educated at Seattle University (J.D., 1983) and Utah State University (B.S., 1979). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of State Bar of Wisconsin. Serves clients in Milwaukee, WI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Thomas E. Hayes
- Accomplished Litigator and Appellate Attorney with more than 30 years of proven management and ownership experience, running a successful general legal practice focusing in personal injury, civil rights, family law, employment law and criminal/traffic defense
- Extensive experience in all levels of state, federal and administrative courts
- Settled cases in excess of $500K and fostered a broad based and consistent tradition of success with a commitment to winning
- Excel in litigation, developing, refining and executing the best-possible winning strategy to meet the clients’ demands of each case
- Possess a detailed and nuanced understanding of laws and practices, and exceptional analytical skills
- Excel under pressure, and diverse background provides great strategic versatility in litigation
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- positive interaction with clients, staff, opposing counsel, judges, and court administration personnel
- Able to work independently, or in team environments
- Diligent, innovative, organized and tenacious
- Recognized for dependability, accessibility and professionalism
- Focused on delivering positive results
- Core competencies include: Expert Litigator in General Civil, Criminal and Traffic law cases, Appellate Attorney in general civil and criminal
- Experienced in prosecuting Discrimination and Personal Injury mediation and litigation
- Employment Law — private and public sector EEOC and MSPB litigation
- Professional Experience Law Office of Thomas E. Hayes, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sept. 1983 — Present Attorney Concentration in general civil, family law, personal injury, criminal/traffic defense, real estate and represent employers and employees in employment-related disputes
- Oversee all operations of general law practice
- Litigate trials and appeals, with extensive experience in federal, state, municipal courts, and administrative agencies
- Develop litigation strategy that leverages positive facts, and builds strong, affirmative arguments, and effectively addressing the application of pertinent law, evidence, and anticipating opposing arguments
- Educate clients on general nature of litigation, specific case-details, strategy, and court demeanor
- Trial preparation
- develop strategic motions, develop/acquire admissible evidence, and subpoena/prepare witnesses Representative Accomplishments Successfully represented estate of deceased in wrongful death action, settling medical malpractice case for $450,000
- Filed successful habeas corpus petition and won acquittal for defendant serving life sentence in prison, convicted of murder and armed bank robbery
- Initiated 5 civil rights actions, on behalf of state prisoners, with cumulative settlement in excess of $500K
- Won numerous contested charges of gender and racial discrimination and retaliation in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with damage awards ranging from $50,000 to $150,000
- Represented client in trial involving federal drug distribution conspiracy and related gun charges that ended 3 times in mistrial on my motions
- Following the government's attempt to re-try my client, my successful 7th Circuit appeal resulted in the government dismissing the entire case
- Represented 7 individuals post-Indictment in federal criminal cases and won dismissal of 5 of the cases and probation with no jail ordered in other 2 cases. 2018-2021 Represented an individual in federal court charged with 8 counts Armed Robbery – negotiated amendment of Indictment to 1 count Armed Robbery. 2020 Represented individual in federal court and won the civil case, alleging police officers' violation of federal law (DPPA)
- Represented multiple business owners and won cases alleging wrongful termination, retaliation and breach of contract
- Defended 42 U.S.C. 1983 claim alleging client sexually harassed Ph.D. student at University of Minnesota
- Following 2 week jury trial plaintiff requested $1.6M and jury awarded plaintiff $1.00
- Secured reversals on appeal of: Denial of Petition For Conditional Release in a triple homicide, Criminal convictions of 2 clients convicted of felony - drug trafficking, Criminal conviction of client convicted of felony - growing marijuana, Adverse civil jury verdict where the trial judge failed to fully apprise the jury of the applicable law of self-defense
- Have written numerous appeals in State and Federal courts
- Have argued numerous times before the 7th and 8th U.S
- Federal Circuit Court of Appeals and the State Supreme Court
- Have filed Petitions for Writs of Certiorari before U.S
- Supreme Court Pro Bono Provide free legal services to United States Armed Services veterans Perform pro bono work for litigants in United States Federal District Court in employment discrimination cases
Practice Areas Explained
Thomas E. Hayes's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas E. Hayes handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Milwaukee.
DUI / DWI Defense in Milwaukee
Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.
Thomas E. Hayes is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Wisconsin →
Divorce in Milwaukee
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
Thomas E. Hayes is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Wisconsin →
Car Accidents in Milwaukee
Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.
Thomas E. Hayes is one of 36,434 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in Wisconsin →
Child Custody & Visitation in Milwaukee
Thomas E. Hayes is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Wisconsin →
Workplace Discrimination in Milwaukee
Thomas E. Hayes is one of 7,049 discrimination attorneys indexed nationally. Browse discrimination attorneys in Wisconsin →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Milwaukee
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 Milwaukee 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 venue, 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.
Milwaukee Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Milwaukee-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Wisconsin attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Milwaukee or all attorneys in Wisconsin.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Milwaukee Choose Thomas E. Hayes
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas E. Hayes's practice in the field of dui/dwi, divorce, car accidents, child custody, and discrimination.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Thomas E. Hayes brings 43+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Wisconsin and U.S. Supreme Court Illinois, Thomas E. Hayes can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi, divorce, and car accidents, Thomas E. Hayes can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Milwaukee
A Milwaukee-based practice means Thomas E. Hayes attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Thomas E. Hayes's Practice Areas & Specializations
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