Three Senior Labor & Employment Partners Leave von Briesen for Amundsen Davis

Amundsen Davis, a leading full-service business law firm, announces the addition of three senior labor and employment attorneys, Ann Hanneman, Craig T. Papka, and Robert J. Simandl, to its Wisconsin footprint. The new additions, all of whom bring extensive labor and employment experience and a proven track record of success, strengthen the firm’s already-significant capabilities in this area of law and enhance its ongoing commitment to serving the legal needs of businesses across Wisconsin and beyond.  

Ann Barry Hanneman, partner, is a trusted advisor who brings over 25 years of experience in state and federal labor, employment, and human resources matters to the firm’s Milwaukee office. She is a seasoned litigator with experience successfully representing employers in variety of forums, including federal jury trials, state court, administrative agencies, and labor arbitration proceedings. Outside of the courtroom, Ann guides companies on key employment compliance issues, including discrimination and harassment, hiring and termination policies, wage and hour violations, and more. Ann received her B.S. from LeMoyne College and her J.D. from Marquette University.

Craig T. Papka, partner, joins the firm’s Brookfield office with extensive experience counseling clients on complex labor and employment issues and a risk mitigation mindset. He helps employers prevent costly litigation by providing strategic counsel on issues ranging from employee terminations to workplace investigations, compliance with the ADA and FMLA, and revising and implementing employee handbooks and other procedure manuals. When disputes escalate, he is a fierce litigator with experience securing favorable outcomes for his clients in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Craig received his B.A. from Carthage College and his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Robert J. Simandl, partner, brings to the Green Bay office more than 30 years in the labor and employment landscape. He not only represents clients before federal district courts and administrative agencies, he also counsels employers on workplace discrimination and accommodations, benefits issues, and compliance strategies for the FMLA, ADA, and workers’ compensation. Robert’s work as a legislative advisor during the drafting of the federal FMLA and an appointee to the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Task Force allows him to bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge to his practice. He received his B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and his J.D. from Marquette University.

"We are thrilled to welcome Ann, Craig, and Bob to our growing labor and employment team,” said Jeff Risch, co-chair of Amundsen Davis’s Labor & Employment Service Group. "Their deep understanding of labor and employment laws and their dedication to the client experience align perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier legal services to employers in a cost effective and timely manner." Risch, also the firm’s Chief Growth Officer, further commented, “These additions should make clear to the legal community that Amundsen Davis is committed to expanding its Midwest presence, and National reach, by attracting and retaining the best and brightest.”