Steven DeVougas is a litigator who assists mid-market manufacturers, law firms, nonprofits and entrepreneurs resolve business and commercial litigation. He has experience representing clients in disputes involving business and contract matters, collections, construction defect, employment, insurance coverage, medical malpractice, personal injuries and toxic torts. Mr. DeVougas also regularly provides risk management counsel to business owners and entrepreneurs to preemptively address potential liability issues.

Prior to his legal career, Mr. DeVougas held positions with M&I, a member of BMO Financial Group, in the areas of dealer finance, financial advising and retail banking. This background provided him with knowledge and experience as to a variety of businesses and banking regulations. Mr. DeVougas joined Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in January 2008.

Prior to his legal career, Mr. DeVougas worked in the financial services industry. He started with M&I Bank as a retail sales banker and moved into M&I’s Dealer Finance Company where he was an accounting associate. Finally, from 2004 to 2005, Mr. DeVougas was a retail investment sales associate with M&I Financial Advisors.

During law school, Mr. DeVougas worked for Marquette University’s Information Technology Help Desk.

The Wisconsin Law Journal named Mr. DeVougas to its 2011 list of “Up and Coming Lawyers.” This recognition is for lawyers who have been practicing eight years or less, and who have demonstrated leadership, contributed to their community and successful achieved legal outcomes early in their career.

Mr. DeVougas was elected to serve on the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers’ Board of Directors for 2009-2010. He is the President-Elect for 2010-2011. Mr. DeVougas was also appointed as their liaison to the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors for 2009–2010.

His professional memberships also include the American Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Division of the Wisconsin State Bar Association. Mr. DeVougas’ presentations include:

• “Fair Debt Collection Practices Action and the Tools Available,” Lorman Education Services, Brookfield, Wisconsin, April 2010.
• “Personal Bankruptcy and You: Part Overview, Part Cautionary Tale,” Milwaukee Public Library System, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 2009.

Mr. DeVougas is active in his community and involved with a number of organizations, including:

• Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic Steering Committee (2010-Present)
• Milwaukee Justice Center: Volunteer Coordinator (2009-Present)
• Wisconsin Better Business Bureau: Director (2011-Present)
• ACTS Community Development Corporation: Secretary (2008-2011)
• YMCA Sponsor-A-Scholar Mentor
• Make-A-Difference: Volunteer/Presenter (2010-Present)