Cathleen A. Dettmann

Cathleen is an associate in the firm whose practice is concentrated on business litigation, including franchise disputes, copyright and trademark issues, business break-ups, non-compete and trade secret litigation as well as general contract disputes. She also does a considerable amount of work on transactional matters: Cathleen is experienced in representing clients who are buying and selling businesses, working with business start-ups and in drafting various kinds of contracts including licensing agreements and operating agreements, among others. Additionally, Cathleen focuses on providing estate and succession planning for both businesses and individuals and particularly enjoys working with family farms to resolve the complex planning issues presented by the farming business. She works regularly with individuals and families to help achieve their planning goals, including advanced tax and trust planning for families who need these services. Prior to joining Haley Palmersheim, Cathleen worked for several years as a lobbyist and public policy analyst, representing a variety of clients’ interests before the Wisconsin State Legislature. As a lobbyist and as an attorney, Cathleen has gained a great deal of experience in analyzing complex issues, in resolving multifaceted disputes efficiently, and in advocating for the best interests of her clients and their businesses. Cathleen is adept at analyzing a client’s situation and determining a strategy that can range from forceful advocacy to a delicate balancing of issues requiring a collaborative approach. Cathleen graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School cum laude and achieved Order of the Coif. In law school, she was active on the Moot Court Board and produced the school’s popular annual comedy sketch show, Stuart’s Law Revue. She also obtained her undergraduate degree from UW-Madison, graduating with a bachelor of arts in political science. While in college, Cathleen studied abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, studying Irish poetry and literature. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Cathleen A. Dettmann included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Order of the Coif Dean's Academic Achievement Award, University of Wisconsin Law School Other Sources of Feedback About Cathleen A. Dettmann Included on the 2025Wisconsin Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2024 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2023 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2022 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2021 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2019 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2018 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2017 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list 2016 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list

• State Bar of Wisconsin (Member)
• State Bar of Wisconsin, Young Lawyers Division (Member)
• Legal Association for Women Lawyers (Member)
• Dane County Bar Association (Member)