When I learned my disabled son was facing spending the rest of his life in prison I felt helpless. I didn’t know where to begin or who to turn to for help.

I was scared for him because I knew he didn’t understand the seriousness of what he was facing and I had no control over his fate.

I spent a lot of time on the internet looking at law firm websites, reading their reviews and calling.

After talking to many law firms and explaining the charges against my son and his cognitive disability I felt hopeless. I was told things like “Those are some serious charges and usually they don’t have good outcomes”, “These are really tough cases and difficult to prove.” “You’re likely not going to get the outcome you’re hoping for”. They were willing to take on the case but I felt like they thought it was a lost cause.

Then I called Nicholson, Gansner & Otis and spoke with James the office manager who was kind, helpful, and reassuring. 
Attorney Gansner was thought to be a good fit for my son’s case. At our first meeting I felt he heard me and that he could see what I was seeing, that my son did not comprehend. He said he would do his best to get the best possible outcome for my son. After a couple more interactions with Attorney Gansner I was confident he was doing his best and working hard to get the best possible outcome.

Attorney Gansner stayed true to his word. He worked hard and he delivered. He found the best expertise to prove his argument of my son’s case.

The judge ruled my son was unable to be brought to competency for trial and suspended proceedings against him.

I am ever so thankful for Attorney Gansner’s dedication, honesty, and kindness.

Thank you Attorney Gansner!”

I’m not able to hire Tracey but when I reached out they responded to my inquiry ASAP. Ken listened to my story, answered my questions and was beyond helpful. Tracey called me back with a follow up and gave me wonderful references. It seems like it’s a great firm with prompt and professional service.

Vow, what can I say about the firm and especially Nate who has been a tremendous help during the toughest time of my life. My case was complicated and I was really in dire straits with no hope. Luckily, I contacted Nate Otis and that changed everything. He has been extremely patient while explaining the nuances of the case and possible outcomes. I felt that ‘we’ collectively designed the best case scenario and worked towards it. With his thorough grasp on criminal law, ready wit but still a humble personality - he navigated the course with me through ups and downs for more than an year. Never did I feel that I was left alone. Finally, I did achieve the desired outcome and can’t thank him enough for this. Even after the contract ended, he has kept in touch and has helped with letters and other information, whenever requested. Now, that’s called going that extra mile for your client. How many firms will do that today?
I would say if you are stuck in a case and don’t know what to do, just call up this firm. You will get a great service and will end up a thoroughly satisfied client. I would’ve given 10 stars if I could!!

Jessa Nicholson is vile.

Great lawyers who are well respected.

This firm is top notch. Our law firm refers them cases without hesitation. Easy 5 star review!

Top notch representation!

I would recommend Nick or any one of the wonderful lawyers in the office. My experience with Nick was always very positive. I was so surprised when I met Nick. He was not your typical lawyer- many lawyers make me uncomfortable and have a way about them that is less than inviting. Nick lacked nothing in the way of professionalism. When he was with my husband and myself he always broke everything down in way that was easily understood. I could always get a hold of nick when I needed to. He was always available to us for any questions or needs we had. I would highly suggest that one checks these guys out before paying more for less. I thought the cost was very fair and that Nick went over and above what was expected of him. He is a lawyer that cares about his clients as people. He genuinely cares about the people he represents and it makes a huge difference. I am beyond thankful for Nicks hard work and dedication.

Nick Gansner defended my son in a homicide case, we couldn't have asked for a better person to help us. He always kept us informed and explained things in a way that was easily understood. He was always available when we needed him whether in person or by phone. Even after the case was closed he has stayed in close contact with our family. He never made us feel like we were just his clients. I would recommend their firm to anyone who asks. The amount of professionalism from everyone we dealt with at the firm was above and beyond.

I have worked with Nicholas Gansner for almost 3 years now on a pretty intense custody and placement case. I live in the state of Washington so I have solely relied on Mr. Gansner to handle business (my son lives in Madison, WI). Not only has he handled business, he has also delivered excellent results. It is because of the dedication of Mr. Gansner and the entire team at Nicholson, Gansner & Otis that I am able to spend a majority of the year with my son in Washington state. I am forever grateful for what they have accomplished for me.

Nick Gansner is the most helpful lawyer I've had. I would recommend Nick and his colleagues over and over again. There is no reason for someone not to feel confident in the work that this firm is doing. Overall professional and successful group of lawyers.

My experience with this firm was quick, fair, and honest. I had a last minute request that was accomodated within the time frame needed, and the abilities of Atty. Gansner in court exceeded my expectations. Needless to say, I achieved the outcome I had hoped with regard to my case. I would recommend Atty. Gansner, or any of his partners for representation, and would undoubtedly utilize them again in the future if needed.

Working with Jessa Nicholson Goetz and the staff at Nicholson, Gansner, & Otis has been a wonderful experience. Truly professional in every way. Jessa has been a truly remarkable attorney to help us in our time of legal need. She keeps us up to date, answers any and all questions in a timely manner, and she truthfully cares for her clients. I would highly recommend Jessa as a defense attorney to anyone in need of one. She is one of the truly good people working in the court system today.

Jessa Nicholson is simply the best attorney anywhere. She's not only a brilliant strategist, but she puts her heart in everything she does. Whether you case is complex or simple, she's on every legal detail and is emotionally supportive. I am a long-time client and I trust this feisty, kind woman with my life.

I hired the law offices Nicholson, Gasner & Otis to represent my brother in a criminal matter. I'm writing this review with notes I took at the time of my conversations with the law firm. Also in attendance during the speaker phone conversations where my brother and sister.

I was advised by Mr. Otis that the cost for representation was two fold, one cost would cover everything except a jury trial, the second cost would cover any fees that would be incurred and any expert witnesses to testify. I was advised by Mr. Otis that there would be an additional fee if the case went to a jury trial, which was a reasonable expectation. I was quoted a fee which in my opinion was reasonable.

I was advised by both Mr. Otis and Mr. Gasner that their law firm had a great deal of experience with the types of charges my brother was being accused of. Mr. Otis reported that he would not go as far as saying their law firm was experts in the field, but did have numerous similar cases.

Mr. Gasner arrived and represented my brother during the bond hearing, which I would consider a lack luster performance on Mr. Gasner part. During the conversation with Mr. Gasner, my sister and myself, I once again advised Mr. Gasner that any further representation would be the responsibility of my brother, the accused. At no time during the face to face conversation did Mr. Gasner advise that his law firm would need to increase the money required for representation.

The following day, after we bonded our brother out of jail, my brother contacted Mr. Gasner by telephone regarding his case. During that conversation, Mr. Gasner advised my brother that he was increasing the cost of representation due to the complexity of his case, and because the new rate was the going rate for those types of charges. The increased cost was a 50% increase from the verbal agreement I thought we had reached.

When my brother advised me of this information, I was obviously extremely angry at the 50% increase in cost. I advised my brother that I would locate another attorney that he could utilize for the allegations against him. Eventually my brother did contact and retained another attorney to represent him in his criminal matter. An attorney that my brother felt far more comfortable with, and who by the conversation itself with the attorney, appeared to be far more knowledgeable about the charges against my brother.

Prior to my brother retaining another attorney, I attempted to contact Mr. Gasner by telephone in order to see weather or not he would be able to negotiate the cost for representation. My call went to voicemail and I left a message for Mr. Gasner to contact me. Mr. Gasner did not contact me, but had his office manager attempt to contact me on two separate occasions, each call immediately following each other. At no time after that did Mr. Gasner make any attempt to personally contact me. I was hiring Mr. Gasner and I expected him to reach out to me, not his office manager.

Mr. Gasner advised that the case was far more complex then originally anticipated. I have issue with Mr. Gasner making such comments when Mr. Gasner had not received any reports, documents, recordings or videos or the like by the prosecution to reach such a conclusion. It was day 2 for Mr. Gasner and no reasonable person could have reached such a conclusion without any facts to support the belief that the case was going to be any more complex then another case.

In my opionion it was highly unacceptable and highly unethical for Mr. Gasner to attempt to charge my brother an increased cost for representation by FIFTY PERCENT.

It is my opinion that Mr. Gasner should have explained to my brother, that if the case became more complex then anticipated after having received and reviewed discovery from the prosecution, that the cost of representation may increase NOT BEFORE receiving any information as to specifics of the case.