Overview
Luke understands that the hallmark of a top flight litigator is the ability to develop and execute a tailored litigation strategy without compromising the flexibility to adapt to continuously evolving case conditions.
As a member of the General Liability, Product Liability and Professional Liability Service Groups, Luke represents clients in all phases of litigation, from initial claim and fact investigation to discovery, trial and appeal. His clients trust him to efficiently and capably handle various legal matters involving personal injury, property damage, product liability, premises liability, professional liability, negligence, eviction, subrogation, warranty and contract claims. He works with clients from a number of different industries, including aerospace, automotive, banking and finance, beverage services, construction, health care, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.
In one of Luke’s more memorable matters, he was lead counsel for a global soft drink producer and third-party administrator in a claim that arose out of a dispute allegedly involving a handgun between two employees on the employer’s premises. The facts were not favorable for the employer, and potential exposure was significant. Armed with a simple yet clever defense strategy, Luke found ways to win for the employer at every level, ultimately arguing and winning before the Illinois Appellate Court.
Because Luke believes that commitment to public service is a civic duty that produces stronger communities, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Weyenberg Public Library Foundation and is a member of the City of Mequon Ethics Board. He also volunteers as a youth baseball and basketball coach.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
Member: American Bar Association; Defense Research Institute (DRI); State Bar of Wisconsin; Wisconsin Defense Counsel; Illinois State Bar Association; City of Mequon Ethics Board; Weyenberg Public Library Foundation; Milwaukee Compliance Roundtable
Honors
- Selected to Wisconsin Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" list: 2021
Resources & Insights
Firm News
- SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included in the 2021 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars ListSmithAmundsen Attorneys Included in the 2021 Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
SmithAmundsen is pleased to announce the inclusion of Pat Lubenow on the 2021 Wisconsin Super Lawyers® list and Joe Trevino and Luke Behnke on the 2021 Wisconsin Rising Stars list.
- SmithAmundsen Promotes Nine Attorneys to PartnerSmithAmundsen Promotes Nine Attorneys to Partner
Congratulations to Luke Behnke, Amber Bishop, John Hayes, Matthew Kees, Elizabeth Lum, Paul Mackowski, Britta Sahlstrom, Jack Sanker & Justin Welply!
Education
Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
University of Wisconsin - Madison, B.A.
Admissions
- Illinois
- Wisconsin