The WiLaw Connection: Quarterly Publication–January 2021
Is Your Hotel Website in Compliance with the ADA?
There has been a trend recently in the state of Wisconsin, and elsewhere, for attorneys to file lawsuits against hotel owners alleging that their websites are in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) because they are not accessible to disabled individuals. Specifically, the complaints allege that the hotel websites are in violation of the ADA because they fail to identify accessibility features, do not allow for booking of accessible rooms, and do not provide sufficient information regarding accessible rooms and amenities at the hotel.

Federal Trade Commission and Enforcement of Privacy Law
As we have mentioned previously, there is no overarching federal data privacy law in the United States. By contrast, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regulates data privacy, including consumer data, in all sectors. Although there is no overarching federal data privacy law in the United States, there are a few sector-specific laws. In health care, for example, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) govern many aspects of privacy. Still, there is no federal law specifically regulating the use of consumer data.

The Importance of a Power of Attorney for Health Care
A proper estate plan covers not only what should happen upon your death, but also what should happen if you lose your decision-making skills. While planning for incapacity may be as unpleasant as planning for death, it is an important step in the estate planning process. Planning for incapacity ensures that someone you specifically choose and trust can act on your behalf while you are unable to do so for yourself.

Vaccine Injury Claims and the Federal Vaccine Court
As the development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine continues, so too do questions about the types of vaccines being developed and how they will be administered. Vaccines offer overwhelming public health benefits, but a small number of individuals who receive vaccines are harmed by them. Most claims alleging health problems caused by vaccines must be brought in the “Vaccine Court” of the United States Court of Federal Claims under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986.

Firm News
Pete Faust Elected Managing Shareholder and President of OCHDL

Pete Faust has been elected as the Managing Shareholder and President of O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C.

Faust replaces Dean Laing, who was the firm’s Managing Shareholder and President for six years. Laing will remain a member of the firm’s Board of Directors, along with Faust and Carl Holborn. Laing, one of the top litigators in the state, will continue his litigation practice.

“Dean has been an exceptional leader of the firm and set an extremely high standard for all who follow him,” Faust said. “His commitment to the firm and his work ethic are unparalleled. We are very grateful that he has agreed to remain on the Board of Directors.”

Faust is a corporate attorney who works primarily in mergers and acquisitions and has been the head of the firm’s transactional practice.
In Memoriam: Thomas A. Merkle 1944–2020
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our colleague Attorney Tom Merkle, who served as a lawyer for more than forty-five years at the firm. Tom was one of the founders of the firm and was instrumental to its growth and success.

He served as an Officer and a Director of the firm for many years. Tom was a friend, advisor, and confidant to his clients. He was a friend, mentor, and tremendous partner to all the lawyers and staff at the firm.

Tom was not only a talented attorney, he was highly respected by his peers. In 2007, he was appointed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to serve on the Office of Lawyer Regulation’s District Two Committee, and was selected as one of the Best Lawyers in America® for many years.

Tom will be fondly remembered and missed by all of us at OCHDL. 
21 Firm Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
Each year, Super Lawyers surveys the State of Wisconsin’s 15,000 attorneys and judges, seeking the State’s top attorneys.

In November 2020, Super Lawyers published its lists for 2020, which include the Top 10 Attorneys in Wisconsin, Top 50 Attorneys in Wisconsin, Top 25 Attorneys in Milwaukee, Super Lawyers (consisting of the top 5% of attorneys in Wisconsin), and Rising Stars (consisting of attorneys who are 40 years old or younger or who have been in practice for 10 years or less).

We are proud to be one of the few firms in Wisconsin that had over 50% of its attorneys receive recognition by Super Lawyers.

Twenty-one of our attorneys were recognized by Super Lawyers, which has referred to the firm as “the Milwaukee mid-sized powerhouse.”

Super Lawyers
Jean M. Ansay
Douglas P. Dehler
James G. DeJong
Seth E. Dizard
Peter J. Faust
John G. Gehringer
Joseph E. Gumina
Carl D. Holborn
Dean P. Laing
Gregory W. Lyons
Patrick G. McBride
Joseph D. Newbold
Chad J. Richter
John R. Schreiber
Jason R. Scoby
Steven J. Slawinski

Rising Stars
J.B. Koenings
Laura J. Lavey
Trevor C. Lippman
Erica N. Reib
Christa D. Wittenberg

Firms included in the 2021 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
Proud to be a Member of Meritas

Our firm is a proud member of Meritas, a global alliance of 7,485 experienced lawyers in 191 full-service law firms serving 258 markets. Through Meritas, clients seeking legal services can
easily connect with pre-qualified legal expertise worldwide.
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