John A. Birdsall - Milwaukee, WI
Attorney at Birdsall Muller LLC
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI
1219 N. Cass Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
37
Years
Experience
Milwaukee Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/10/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
Attorney Information
Overview
Having taken 290-plus cases to trial, Mr. Birdsall has attended to a wide range of violations, from minor traffic offenses to charges that may result in lengthy incarceration and hefty fines, if found guilty. They include murder, assault, homicide, driving under the influence (DUI), traffic offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, juvenile offenses, fraud, theft and more.
After graduating with his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Mr. Birdsall earned a doctorate in law from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1989. The same year, he was authorized to practice law in Wisconsin and later in New York (2017).
One of Mr. Birdsall’s noteworthy cases includes a first-degree reckless homicide case, where he was able to secure a not-guilty verdict by cross-questioning the state's witnesses and employing a DNA specialist. Additionally, in 2009, the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers awarded him the Martin Hanson Advocate's Prize, a prestigious honor bestowed upon attorneys who have accomplished the rare and impressive feat of winning a criminal homicide case. He has also had other homicide cases dismissed without trial after lengthy legal battles including a case involving a false confession and a case where he proved through DNA that a different person committed the crime.
Mr. Birdsall comprehends the anguish, fear and pressures his criminally accused clients face, and he utilizes all legal options available to obtain a favorable outcome. He believes that every citizen has the right to a fair and impartial trial, regardless of the accusation they may be facing. For his high ethical standards, professionalism and accomplishments, he is rated AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell and 10 out of 10 on Avvo.
Involved in his legal community, Mr. Birdsall has held several leadership positions in the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the State Bar of Wisconsin and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a part of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission and the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee – to name a few. He also spearheaded efforts over 15 years to raise the rates paid to counsel appointed to represent poor people and is co-counsel for a class action against the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office for their failure to find attorneys for the poor allowing them to languish for months in jail without an attorney.*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ falls into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- "AV" rating in Martindale-Hubbell
Other Sources of Feedback About John A. Birdsall
Included on the 2025 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2024 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Wisconsin Super Lawyers list
Education
-
Legal Education
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University of Wisconsin Law School,
Madison,
Wisconsin, 1989
J.D.
Honors: Dean's List
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University of Wisconsin Law School,
Madison,
Wisconsin, 1989
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Non Legal Education
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1986
B.A.
Honors: With Honors - Trial Lawyer’s College, 2015
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University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1986
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Pro Bono Activities
- Member, Rotary Club
Bar Admissions
- Wisconsin, 1989
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1989
- U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 1989
- New York
- U.S. District Court Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
- Menominee Tribal Court
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit
Other Affiliations
- Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member, Board of Directors)
- Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Past President)
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Criminal Law Section (Board of Directors)
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Criminal Law Section (Past Chairman)
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member, New York City Bar
- Member, New York State Bar
- Governor, Wisconsin State Bar, Board of Governors
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