Sam Wayne

Sam Wayne

Attorney Sam Wayne is the owner and founder of Wayne Law S.C., a Madison-based law firm focusing on business, real estate, and probate litigation, business counseling, and estate planning. He has a passion for helping startups and small businesses navigate their most difficult legal challenges, and to win and settle their most complex disputes.

Sam has represented individuals and businesses at small and mid-size Madison firms, helped start and manage an educational games company, and interned for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Unit, and a large law firm in New York City. He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors and its Executive Committee, and the Chair of its Policy Committee.

Originally from New York, Sam is a proud Badger twice over and has called Madison home since 2003. In his spare time, you can find him on his yoga mat, on an airplane, or enjoying time with his wife and two young children.

Admissions

• All Courts of the State of Wisconsin
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
• United States District Court for the Eastern & Western Districts of Wisconsin
• United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern & Western Districts of Wisconsin
• All Courts of the State of Illinois

Education

• JD  // University of Wisconsin Law School
• MPA  // University of Wisconsin
• BS  // Cornell University

Published Articles

• “The Economic Loss Doctrine in Wisconsin.” Business Law Blog, State Bar of Wisconsin Business Law Section, November 21, 2024.
• “How to Negotiate a Commercial Contract for Your Client.” Business Law Blog, State Bar of Wisconsin Business Law Section, September 18, 2024.
• “Update on the Corporate Transparency Act of 2020.” On Balance, Vol. 19, No. 1, January/February 2023. (coauthored with Joseph W. Boucher)
• “Corporate Transparency Act of 2020.” On Balance, Vol. 18, No. 2, March/April 2022. (coauthored with Joseph W. Boucher)
• “How to Add Fair Credit Reporting Act Cases to Your Practice.” Wisconsin Lawyer, Vol. 97, No. 10, January 1, 2016.

Areas of Practice

• Business Litigation
• Real Estate Litigation
• Probate and Trust Litigation
• Professional Liability Litigation
• Outside General Counsel

Distinctions

• 2024 – 2026  // Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation
• 2018 – 2021  // Wisconsin SuperLawyers Rising Stars
• 2018  // Wisconsin Law Foundation Fellow
• 2017 – 2021, 2024 – 2026  // State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors
• 2012  // InBusiness Magazine 40 Under 40
• 2011  // State Bar of Wisconsin Young Lawyers Division Professional Achievement Award
• 2010  // Wisconsin Law School Dean’s Fellow

CLE Presentations

• “The Effects of the Corporate Transparency Act on the Wisconsin Lawyer.” State Bar of Wisconsin Solo/Small Firm Conference, October 17, 2024. (1.5 CLE)
• “Business Lawyer Starter Kit Series: Commercial Contracts.” State Bar of Wisconsin Business Law Section, October 10, 2024. (1.0 CLE)
• “Your Guide to the Corporate Transparency Act 2023.” State Bar of Wisconsin PinnaCLE, November 9, 2023. (1.5 CLE)
• “One Year Later: Effects of the New Uniform LLC Law.” State Bar of Wisconsin Solo/Small Firm Conference, October 19, 2023. (1.0 CLE)
• “Complex Commercial Contracts 2023.” State Bar of Wisconsin PinnaCLE, January 13, 2023. (1.0 CLE)