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Shareholder Jess Hutson Polakowski helps clients successfully navigate the world of complex litigation. Jess is active in both administrative and regulatory matters and has helped clients obtain (and retain) permits from agencies such as Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission and Department of Natural Resources. She also advises and assists clients in protecting their intellectual property rights and pursuing issues regarding unfair competition. She litigates and advises on issues such as trademark disputes, false advertising, copyright issues and more.

Her clients include electrical and mechanical designers and manufacturers, biotech and health care technology companies, software and website developers, real estate owners and developers, service firms and product distributors.

Jess is a creative, results-oriented partner who works to understand the full scope of an issue, its larger business ramifications and critically, her clients’ goals, before developing and implementing strategies. She excels in distilling complex technical information into language juries can easily understand. Her clients appreciate her responsiveness and commitment to make the litigation experience streamlined and efficient.

Jess serves on Reinhart’s Board of Directors and as co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. She is also knowledgeable about cannabis law and advises clients in this developing industry.

Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, biking and running, as well as traveling.

Education

  • J.D., magna cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School
  • B.A., with honors, University of Wisconsin-Madison (History and Political Science)

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Matters

  • Represents client in enforcing a patent portfolio related to electronic technology against multiple industry infringers
  • Represents clients in enforcing licensing agreements
  • Advises on trade secrets, nondisclosure and false advertising
  • Successfully represented a client in a major property tax case decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court

Honors & Affiliations

Honors

  • Benchmark Litigation: "Future Star" and named to "40 & Under Hot List"
  • Best Lawyers in America - Litigation: Real Estate
  • Named to Madison’s InBusiness “40 Under 40” Class of 2019
  • Selected for inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers - Rising Star Edition 2010 to 2022
Affiliations
  • Madison Women in IP (MadWIP) (Member of Steering Committee)
  • Wisconsin Intellectual Property Lawyers Association (WIPLA)
  • Legal Association for Women (LAW)
  • Dane County Bar Association
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • American Bar Association
  • James E. Doyle Inns of Court
  • Institute of Professionals in Taxation
  • Focused Interruption (Board Member)
  • Involved in community and pro bono work, notably with children

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