Margaret “Peggy” has worked extensively in the area of family law for over 30 years during which time she has litigated hundreds of complicated issues including custody, placement, child support, maintenance/spousal support, and division issues. In addition to her private practice, Peggy serves as a Supplemental Court Commissioner for La Crosse County.

Peggy has been named fourteen times as a Family Law Super Lawyer by Milwaukee Magazine, has been selected by her peers as a Best Lawyer in Family Law each year since 2013 and was named Lawyer of the Year in Family Law in 2016, 2018, and 2021 by Best Lawyers.

In addition to her law practice, Peggy takes an active role in the Coulee Region and state as evidenced by the many professional associations and community groups with which she has been affiliated. In recognition of her community involvement, Peggy was chosen to receive the State of Wisconsin’s Business and Professional Women’s “Woman of Inspiration” award at its state convention. She was also recognized locally by the YWCA of the Coulee Region as an “Outstanding Woman” in the area of Business/Professional and was honored with the title of “Mrs. Oktoberfest” in 2015.

Peggy is proud to currently serve as President for the Wisconsin Law Foundation Board of Directors and on the Aptiv (formerly Riverfront) Foundation Board of Directors.

Colleagues say:

  • “Atty. Herlitzka is an extremely knowledgeable and respected attorney in the La Crosse area. She vigorously and effectively represents her clients and is a fellow attorney I look to for advice when I am not sure where to turn.”
  • “Ms. Herlitzka is an excellent lawyer with good judgment. I have no feedback for her other than to do what she has been doing.”
  • “She is a great advocate for her clients. She is thoughtful, conscientious and possesses a high level of integrity when working for her clients. She is very well thought of in the community.”
  • “She serves her clients very well. She receives a number of referrals from the professionals in the community that have worked with her.”

Clients say:

  • “Peggy is a great attorney. She ie very detailed and explains everything throughout the process. She always answers questions and emails in a timely fashion.”
  • “Margaret (Peggy) represented me during my divorce. My ex-husband and I were going to try to do a pro-se divorce on our own. The paperwork was very difficult to navigate. There are huge tax implications if done incorrectly. We had met Peggy prior to our divorce and we both know she is a wonderful person. She was kind, listened, and very talented. She is extremely knowledgeable and does not waste any time.”
  • “Atty. Herlitzka represented me during my divorce. She was very thorough and professional throughout the entire process. I could count on her to always be upfront and also have the needed sensitivity to the issues at hand.”
  • “Attorney Herlitzka is a fantastic communicator who has a passion for her clients and the law. She offers wonderful service while keeping her client’s best interests at heart. Attorney Herlitzka always took time to listen to my concerns and respected me as a client.”
  • “I was looking for a highly knowledgable, professional and personable attorney who would take the time to understand my situation, and that is what I found with Margaret (Peggy) Herlitzka. I performed my due diligence and met with three other attorneys in the La Crosse area prior to retaining Peggy for my situation.”
  • “I knew from the beginning that my case was not going to be easy, yet I knew I had a great partner in Attorney Herlitzka. She was not only a great professional, but emotionally supportive, and remained focused on the end result. I will always be grateful I had her to help me through.”

Classes/Seminars Taught

Families First Presenter, 1995 – 2019

Speaker, Gundersen Lutheran Steppin’ Out in Pink Committee, 2008 – 2016

 

Professional & Community Affiliations

State Bar of Wisconsin, 1989–Present

Local Bar Relations Committee Member, 2012 to 2017, Chairperson, 2013–2017; Member Relations Committee, 1995–2009, Chairperson, 1997–2003; Law Related Education Committee, 1992–2003; Family Law Section, 1995–Present; General Litigation Section, 1995–Present

La Crosse County Bar Association, 1989–Present

President, 2011-2012; President-Elect, 2010-2011; Secretary, 2009–2010

Wisconsin Association of Family Court Commissioners, 2008–Present

Women’s Alliance of La Crosse, 2010–2021

Wisconsin Law Foundation, Life Fellow, 2009–Present

Board of Directors, 2013-Present (Executive Committee Vice-President 2017–2020; President 2020-2022); Grants Committee, 2012–2020(Chairperson); Past President, 2022-2023;

Golden Key International Honor Society

Honorary Member, 1999–Present

Business and Professional Women – La Crosse, 1998–2010

Executive Comm., 2008–2009; President, 2007–2008; Program Chair, 2006–2007

Women’s Fund, Impact Committee Member 2018–2021

Aptiv Foundation, Board of Directors, 2018–Present

Parish Council of Catholic Women, Secretary 2017–2021

Oktoberfest USA, Mrs. Oktoberfest 2015-2016

Norma J. Vinger Center for Breast Care’s Paula J. Tower Memorial Award Recipient 2019.

Pro Bono Activities

Gundersen Health Medical Foundation, Steppin’ Out in Pink Committee, 2008–2017; Survivor Tent Chair, 2009–2017

WAFER Food Pantry; Board of Directors, 2003-2011; President 2006-2010; Personnel Committee, 2010–2014

La Crosse County Law Information Center

Gundersen Lutheran Advisory Board, Member, 2007–2013

Cathedral Relief Program Member, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 1998–2000

YWCA of the Coulee Region, Women Mentor Program, 2010-2012; Tribute to Outstanding Women Chairperson, 1995–2000; Board of Directors, 1997–1999, 1995–2000

Education

  • J.D., Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (1989)
  • B.A. History Major, Political Science Minor, University of Dallas, Irving, Texas, (1986), With Honors

Admissions

Wisconsin, 1989

U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1989

U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 1989