Steven M. DeVougas

Steven M. DeVougas focuses his practice in the areas of commercial real estate, transactional business law and business litigation.

Steven has spent over a decade representing clients in disputes involving business and contract matters, pre- and post-judgment collections, construction defect, employment, insurance coverage, medical malpractice, legal malpractice, personal injury and toxic torts.

Given Mr. DeVougas’ unique and broad range of experience, he is regularly called upon to provide risk management counsel to business owners, nonprofits and entrepreneurs, often serving as outside general counsel.

Prior to forming the DeVougas Law Group, Mr. DeVougas was an attorney with Quarles & Brady, LLP, as well as Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP.

Representative Experience

Commercial Real Estate: Represented developer in the purchase of a multi-million dollar catalytic project.

Litigation: Defended developer in breach of contract matter. Defended and obtained dismissal of subcontractor in construction design defect case.

General Counsel: Handles day-to-day legal issues for commercial real estate and investment company.

Lease Negotiation: Represented and negotiated commercial leases for small business owners.

Entity Formation: Worked with entrepreneurs in new venture formation, drafting of operating agreements and entity structure.

Contract Drafting: Prepare service contracts and memoranda of understanding for joint venture agreements.

Professional Background

Prior to his legal career, Mr. DeVougas worked in the financial services industry. He started with Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (now BMO Harris Bank), as a retail sales banker and ultimately a retail investment sales associate.

In 2017, the Milwaukee Business Journal recognized Mr. DeVougas as a Milwaukee-area leader under 40, as part of its “40 under 40” awards.

Education

Marquette University Law School (J.D. 2007)

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (B.A. 2004)

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin
Eastern District of Wisconsin
Western District of Wisconsin

Professional and Civic Activities

Wisconsin African American Lawyers (2007-2018; President 2010, 2015-2017)

City of Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission (2013-Present; Chair, 2015-2018)

Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association (Director, 2013-2015)

Milwaukee Justice Center (Volunteer, 2009-Present)

PRISM Economic Development Corporation (Director, 2015-Present)

Assetbuilders (Director, 2015-Present)

Professional Recognition

Milwaukee Business Journal, “40 Under 40” (2017)

Wisconsin Super Lawyers-Rising Stars (2015-2016)

State Bar of Wisconsin-Pro Bono Honor Society (2015)

Lawyers of Color, “Hot List” (2013, 2014)

Wisconsin Law Journal “Up and Coming Lawyer” (2011)