Zellner helps clients avoid falling victim to ‘domino effect’

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Zachary Zellner’s path to becoming a lawyer started with seeing the difference his parents had made as teachers. As a personal-injury attorney at Hupy and Abraham in Madison, he advocates for victims seeking compensation.

Zellner said people often don’t understand the “domino effect” that can happen when someone gets into an accident. Besides the pain and suffering associated with physical injury, victims sometimes aren’t able to work for months after an accident, which can lead to financial hardships.

The stress and anxiety can be magnified if a victim is the family’s sole provider. “In such a situation, my client may be forced to choose between getting the treatment he or she needs to properly heal, or paying the bills,” Zellner said.

“Advocating in court ensures that my clients have access to our justice system as a means to obtain just results,” he said, adding that being able to effectively represent clients requires their trust.

Zellner’s desire to help others — on top of his work habit and strong legal mind — has contributed greatly to his progression as a lawyer.

His clients “can see the passion he has for helping them and his willingness to work hard to obtain the compensation they deserve,” said Brandon Derry, a shareholder at Hupy and Abraham.

“His work product has always been top-notch.”

Zellner, who attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, also handles general civil litigation, including employment law and contract disputes. He joined Hupy and Abraham as a law clerk in March 2017. By November, he had been promoted to associate attorney.

Derry credits Zellner’s quick career advancement to his analytical and negotiation abilities, as well as his ability to argue like a seasoned lawyer.

Zellner’s desire to make a difference in the lives of others has led to his volunteering at a local food pantry and for child reading programs. He also is involved in his firm’s Watch for Motorcycles campaign, which aims to make Wisconsin’s roads safer for motorists, particularly bikers.