I've been a client of MKE for over six years across multiple legal matters. They're some of the…read moremost strategic and capable attorneys I've come across, with a level of expertise in constitutional law that's hard to find.
They've done what 99% of law firms never do: gone to the U.S. Supreme Court twice (and won both times). That alone speaks volumes.
The atmosphere is very down-to-earth, and the whole firm is easy to work with. Greg Erickson (the "E" in MKE), especially, is a straight shooter with a blunt (but great) sense of humor. I've seen him depose defendants for hours on multiple occasions, and it's honestly like watching boxing and ballet in one breath--he's sharp, controlled, and incredibly quick on his feet. John (main paralegal) is like an encyclopedia of constitutional and municipal law--extremely detail-oriented, and Mary (Office Manager) keeps everything running smoothly.
It's a boutique firm that runs on word-of-mouth reputation, not advertising. They represent everyone from large banks, corporations, and small business owners to cities, law enforcement, and prisoners. They also take on cases against cities and public officials, which says a lot about their depth and versatility.
I want to comment on a recent negative review here from someone using the name "Turbine G." What this person describes does not line up with what I know about the situation. This individual ("Jay") was yelling profanities in the 8th Circuit courthouse that day--I know because I had a hearing there as well. In that context, if Greg advised him to stop acting like "a child," that is more than fair. Lawyers have to maintain professionalism in court--not just for their firm, but for their other clients (I certainly wouldn't want that kind of behavior affecting the judge's view of my case or the court's perception of MKE--would you?).
More broadly, I know and respect the attorneys this reviewer criticizes. Greg is quick-witted, highly skilled, and deeply dedicated to his kids. Erick Kaardal is brilliant, kind, and clearly prioritizes his family. These are genuinely good people.
As for the younger attorney, Elizabeth--who is also unfairly dragged in that review--I want to be clear: she did an outstanding job. In fact, in a separate case, a district court judge (who had previously presided over one of my own hearings) even wrote a letter to MKE commending her work. She's a young attorney with a very bright future.
No law firm wins every case. Outcomes depend heavily on which judge you get and the specific circumstances. That doesn't take away from the quality of the legal work.
And to be fair--I do agree with one thing the reviewer said: sometimes MKE drafts come close to deadlines. That's the reality of a busy, in-demand firm handling complex litigation. But what matters is how they show up when it counts. I've had John stay on the phone with me late into the night to make sure everything was accurate before a strict deadline. That level of commitment is rare.
For further perspective, I'm a lifelong liberal, and the firm is known for having (mostly) conservative attorneys. It's never mattered. I've always gotten along super well with everyone there. There's a mix of political perspectives among both their staff and clients, and there's clearly mutual respect.
It's worth noting that many of the negative reviews on Google don't come from actual clients, but instead appear to be from online trolls reacting to a few controversial cases--something that represents only a tiny fraction of the firm's overall work.
Most satisfied clients don't leave reviews--they get what they need and move on. I only felt the need to write something after stumbling upon this person's review because it didn't match what I know or my experience.
From my (real) experience as a client: if you want serious, high-level legal representation, this is exactly the kind of firm you want in your corner.
