Learn More About Our Attorneys
Our Team of Attorneys
Brandt Swardenski
Brandt Swardenski graduated from the University Colorado-Boulder School of Law in 2006. Shortly thereafter he returned to the Fox Valley and joined the State Public Defender's Office. There are few people more vulnerable in society than those without resources who have been accused of a crime. In the first 12 years of his legal career, Brandt Swardenski represented the indigent accused. He not only addressed the current criminal charges in front of his clients, but also guided them to get out of addiction, poverty, domestic violence, or just start the process of living a productive life. His role of helping the needy positioned him in a courtroom on a daily basis, fighting against superior powers of the state to ensure his clients are treated equally and with understanding.
He uses those same finely honed skills to advocate for clients in all family law matters, working to assure that they come through the process with their interests protected and their voices heard. There is nothing more important than the welfare of your children or grandchildren and Mr. Swardenski works tirelessly to assure that their interest are foremost in the Court's mind.
In the early part of his life, Mr. Swardenski learned that the world is often run by whoever shows up at the meeting. As a result, he makes sure he shows up for that meeting whenever possible. He has been a member of the board for non-profit organizations, collaborative justice initiatives, and statewide efforts to eliminate racial differences in the juvenile justice system.
Outside of the office, you will find him trying to be a cyclist, seeking solace on his kayak, over enthusiastically discussing Packer football, or just watching his two children grow. Contact him today to get the services of an experienced and compassionate counselor who will consider the whole of your life as he guides you through your current legal problem.
Nicholas Pasquale
Nicholas Pasquale moved to Wisconsin in 2008, and opened law offices in Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay and Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He joined Stillings, Buchinger and Swardenski in 2022 bringing his years of experience to the firm. Nicholas is recognized by his peers and judges as an expert lawyer in family law, consumer protection, and bankruptcy. Particularly in family law matters, people from all over Wisconsin seek out Attorney Pasquale’s specialized expertise to help them with their case, whether it is in the initial case or post-judgment. Attorney Pasquale is a skilled litigator, handling divorce actions ranging from minimal to multi-million dollar estates with business interests.
By having a thorough understanding of Family Law, Bankruptcy Law, and the interplay between those two areas, Attorney Pasquale distinguishes himself from most other lawyers practicing in those fields. He is frequently consulted by other attorneys on how bankruptcy can impact divorce actions and provided continuing legal education presentations to judges and attorneys on the subject. He believes that understanding family law alone would provide the bare minimum in legal services to his clients. Nicholas has developed a significant knowledge base on how various areas of law impact family law cases, including, but not limited to: federal and state tax law, collections law, bankruptcy law, immigration law, estate planning and probate law, and real estate law. Because of his broad and substantial understanding of law and how they impact family cases, he can provide higher quality legal representation to his clients than the general family law practitioner.
Melody Buchinger - of counsel
In 1986, Melody Buchinger graduated from U.W. Platteville, Magna cum laude, and in 1989, she graduated from Marquette Law school. She has successfully practiced law in a number of settings including as Child Support Director, Family Court Commissioner for Manitowoc County, Corporation Counsel (civil law attorney) for Calumet County, Supplemental Court Commissioner for Calumet County, and in private practice over the last 30 years. Attorney Buchinger is no longer actively practicing but remains a resource for our office regarding both the nuances of her previous clients as well as consultations on new clients.
She is an experienced family law attorney with experience in divorce, paternity, adoption, guardianship, custody cases, grandparent visitation cases, child support and maintenance cases, and surrogacy matters. She always worked very hard to assist her clients through all aspects of the variations that come with divorces and other legal activities.
Melody has been a Legal Counsel for Loaves and Fishes. She is a diligent volunteer for community serving as past board members for Big Brothers / Big Sisters, Family Services Association, Kaukauna Catholic School System, and the Mead Public Library. Presently, she is an energetic member of her church, Holy Spirit of Kimberly and Darboy.
