Hogan injects reason into family law

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For families in the midst of divorce or custody trials, John Hogan is the voice of reason.

“I think I provide a service to them to help take out some of the emotion,” Hogan said, “so they can see past the problems of today and think about how things are going to be better in the future.”

Admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin in 1977, Hogan served as the Oneida County District Attorney from 1978 to 1986 before working in private practice. For the past 20 years, the trial and family law attorney has served Rhinelander and the surrounding areas as a principal at Hogan & Melms LLP. According to his peers, Hogan is well known in the area for his formidable legal mind and for the outcomes he achieves for his clients.

He is acknowledged for the widespread influence of his contributions. Those have ranged from his adjudication of administrative appeals to his work with the Wisconsin Public Defender Board, for which he deliberated biennial budgets and assisted in the selection of the state public defender.

“No matter what he does, he’s extremely passionate. He’s passionate about his practice, his family, his golf game… I’m certainly proud to be his business partner and his friend,” said Tim Melms, who is also a partner at Hogan & Melms LLP.

Hogan, now 63, has had a long career, but said he has no plans to retire.

“I just like coming to work everyday. I enjoy the people I work with,” Hogan said. “There’s always going to be something different… and I like that freshness that the practice gives me.”

But, in his extensive involvement in trial law, Hogan said the defining moment in his career was his first argument in front of a jury. With his client’s future resting in his hands and in his ability to put up a good defense, he understood his responsibility. Whereas the art of public speaking and persuasion may intimidate some, Hogan enjoys that part of practicing law — a sentiment he now shares with his daughter.

“It takes a different personality,” Hogan said. “My daughter is a public defender and she inherited the gene, apparently. We kind of tease one another that nobody else in the world would think this is fun to do, but we think it’s fun.”