Christopher J. MacGillis

Christopher J. MacGillis is the founder of Wisconsin First Responder Lawyers, a division of MacGillis Law Group, LLC. Chris dedicates his practice to personal injury law and representing first responders, including police and firefighter unions, throughout the State of Wisconsin. He has significant experience advocating for police officers, firefighters, labor unions, and individuals injured by the negligence of others.

Chris earned his law degree, cum laude, from Marquette University Law School. He received his B.A. in Economics from Lawrence University, where he played on the men’s basketball team, serving as team captain and earning both all-academic and all-conference honors. Chris was recently inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Pius XI High School.

Chris has tried cases in both state and federal court and is known for his commitment to protecting his client’s rights and securing the best possible outcomes. One client described his dedication: “Chris worked my case on a very personal level, working extremely hard to overcome what others thought was impossible! Another attorney told me I would not have a successful outcome and that I should just accept that. Chris proved them wrong. They fought for the best possible result. I feel a lasting friendship [with Chris] was developed along the way.”

Chris has successfully represented police officers and firefighters in various matters, including grievances, arbitrations, disciplines, terminations, collective bargaining, officer-involved shootings, duty disability claims, and vehicle accidents involving squad cars and fire engines. A Union President praised Chris’s dedication, stating, “The MacGillis team is excellent. Chris’s law firm has obtained significant results for our members. We have won many cases because of their efforts and legal skills. They are dedicated and unwilling to back down in the face of adversity. The lawyers keep us informed and always return emails and telephone calls in a timely manner. I strongly recommend the lawyers at MacGillis.”

In recognition of his success, Chris has been honored as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, a “Leading Lawyer” by M Magazine, Top 10 Attorney Under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, Inc., a recipient of the Clients’ Choice Award – Personal Injury from Avvo, and named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. Chris has published articles on personal injury, insurance, and issues affecting first responders and frequently presents on these topics to unions and other groups.

Additionally, Chris was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court to serve as a District Committee Member for the Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation (OLR), and he currently serves as the Chair for his OLR District. A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Ann, and their children, Grace, Josephine, and Owen.