Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C.

As a prominent firm within the "Nearby Lawyers" category, Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. serves the community of Germantown, WI, and extends its reach across Wisconsin with multiple office locations. The Germantown office is situated at W175N11086 Stonewood Dr, Germantown, WI 53022, USA. For direct contact, the firm can be reached by phone at (262) 250-1976 or via mobile at +1 262-250-1976. This objective introduction will detail the firm's environment, services, features, and promotional aspects based on publicly available information and client reviews.

Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. presents itself as a firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal representation across a broad spectrum of practice areas. Their stated philosophy emphasizes guiding clients through challenging life events, from divorce and custody battles to personal injury accidents, criminal defense, and business disputes. The firm, established in 1982, has a long history of serving individuals and businesses throughout Wisconsin, priding itself on "top-quality legal representation" and being "known throughout Wisconsin for its careful and thorough legal work."

The environment at Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. appears to be perceived differently depending on the specific attorney involved. One client review describes Attorney Linda S. Vanden Heuvel as an "incredible, brilliant attorney" who provides "support and concern." This suggests an environment where clients feel genuinely cared for and competently represented. Linda is noted as a "no-nonsense lawyer that sets realistic expectations without over-promising and under-delivering," indicating a straightforward and honest approach, which can foster trust and a clear understanding of the legal process. This positive portrayal points to an office where professionalism and client well-being are prioritized, creating a supportive and effective environment for those dealing with difficult legal matters. Her being AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and having a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo.com further solidifies this impression of a high-caliber legal environment.

However, a contrasting review concerning Attorney Dan Skarie from the same firm paints a significantly different picture. This client's experience describes a "terrible experience" marked by "incompetence, extreme lack of communication and lack of attention" to their OWI case. Allegations include that Mr. Skarie "dropped the ball" regarding critical legal information, missed opportunities to benefit the client, and became "mute after he received funds." This stark contrast suggests that while the firm as a whole aims for high standards, individual attorney performance and client experience may vary. Such feedback would indicate an environment that, for some clients, has fallen short of expectations regarding responsiveness and diligence, leading to profound dissatisfaction.

The services offered by Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. are extensive and cover a wide array of legal needs, demonstrating the firm's versatility. Their practice areas include:

• Family Law: Specializing in divorce, child custody, child placement, paternity, child support, marital agreements, and restraining orders. Attorneys like Linda S. Vanden Heuvel are noted for their ability to negotiate favorable settlements and provide ethical, aggressive representation when litigation is necessary.
• Personal Injury: Representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others, including those seriously injured in vehicle accidents, with experience in cases involving brain injuries. Linda S. Vanden Heuvel is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, indicating success in high-value personal injury cases.
• OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) / DUI Defense: This is a significant focus, with Attorney Nathan J. Dineen, a partner at the firm, being a national leader in this field, having a Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation and being recognized by Milwaukee Magazine as one of the best DUI attorneys. The firm emphasizes aggressive representation and offers 24/7 access to attorneys for these cases.
• Criminal Defense: Providing defense for various criminal charges.
• Real Estate Law: Assisting with transactions, negotiations, documentation, finance issues, and closings for individuals and businesses.
• Business Law: Offering legal support for businesses, with award-winning business lawyers and 40 years of experience serving the business community.
• Elder Law & Guardianships: Providing legal assistance for the elderly, including powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives.
• Wills and Estate Planning: Helping clients with wills, trusts, and probate matters.

This diverse offering makes Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. a comprehensive legal resource for the Germantown community.

Key features of Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. include their multi-office presence across Wisconsin (Germantown, West Bend, Appleton, Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, and Milwaukee), which enhances their accessibility. The firm prides itself on its "AV-rated" status, a peer review by judges and other attorneys that signifies the highest ethical standards and professional ability. They also emphasize that each attorney at the firm practices a specific area of law, suggesting specialization and depth of expertise within each field. The availability of a "free consultation" for new clients is another crucial feature, allowing individuals to assess their legal needs and explore potential solutions without initial financial commitment. Additionally, the firm highlights its "long track record of success fighting for our clients" and its commitment to being "ready to handle whatever legal challenge you face." For OWI cases specifically, they offer 24/7 access to their attorneys, which is a significant feature for clients facing urgent legal situations.

Promotional information for Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C. is largely derived from their professional accolades, their stated commitment to client satisfaction, and, as seen, mixed client testimonials. The firm's website and marketing materials likely highlight the positive aspects, such as Linda S. Vanden Heuvel's "brilliant" and "no-nonsense" approach, her extensive experience (over 30 years), and her memberships in prestigious legal forums like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Nathan J. Dineen's national reputation as a leading DUI attorney, his "Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation," and his "Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer" recognition are powerful promotional points for their OWI defense services. The firm's AV-rating and its history of serving the community since 1982 also serve as strong promotional indicators of reliability and ethical practice. The positive review ("I would definitely hire her again as well as spreading the good word") serves as direct, enthusiastic client endorsement.

However, the extremely negative review regarding Attorney Dan Skarie directly counters these promotional efforts. It provides a stark warning for potential clients, detailing allegations of incompetence, lack of communication, and failure to act diligently. This negative feedback serves as critical "anti-promotional" information, advising potential clients to "DO NOT RECOMMEND ATTORNEY DAN SKARIE FROM THIS LAW FIRM." This highlights the importance of individual attorney reputation within a larger firm and suggests that prospective clients should inquire about the specific attorney who would handle their case and review their individual track record.

In conclusion, Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C., operating within the "Nearby Lawyers" category in Germantown, WI, offers a wide range of legal services with a stated commitment to high-quality representation. While the firm benefits from the strong reputation and positive client experiences associated with attorneys like Linda S. Vanden Heuvel and Nathan J. Dineen, the negative feedback concerning Attorney Dan Skarie underscores the variability of client experiences. Potential clients are encouraged to utilize the firm's free consultation to discuss their specific needs and assess the suitability of the individual attorney who would be assigned to their case, ensuring alignment with their expectations for communication and legal diligence.