Baker Sterchi and Wisconsin-Based Corneille Law Group Announce Merger

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC is pleased to announce its merger with Wisconsin-based Corneille Law Group, LLC, led by Mark Budzinski, effective Oct. 1, 2025. The merger reinforces Baker Sterchi’s position as a premier civil defense litigation firm with expanded reach and even greater trial depth.

The combined firm will operate under the Baker Sterchi name and add offices in Madison and Green Bay, Wisconsin, to its existing locations in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Washington and Oregon. Mark Budzinski will join Baker Sterchi as an equity Member, along with six additional attorneys.

With more than 25 years of experience, Budzinski has tried more than 70 jury cases to verdict and litigated hundreds of matters in state and federal courts across Wisconsin. His practice includes catastrophic injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, contract disputes and other high-exposure claims. He is board certified in trial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

"Both of our firms have built reputations on strong trial skills, thorough preparation and unwavering dedication to our clients,” said Scott Kreamer, Managing Member of Baker Sterchi. “This merger strengthens our ability to provide clients with seasoned trial lawyers in more jurisdictions and across a wider range of practice areas. Together, we are stronger, and our clients will be the greatest beneficiaries.”

The merger expands Baker Sterchi’s presence in the Midwest and allows the Wisconsin attorneys to offer clients broader services supported by the infrastructure and collaborative environment of a larger firm.

“This merger brings new opportunities for our attorneys and clients,” said Budzinski. “Baker Sterchi’s strong litigation platform, shared culture and broader geographic reach will allow us to deepen client relationships while continuing to deliver the high-quality service they expect. We’re proud to be part of a firm that values both excellence and collegiality.”

With the addition of the Wisconsin office locations, Baker Sterchi will have nearly 100 attorneys and more than 200 total professionals across nine offices, continuing its focus on civil litigation defense and trial advocacy in areas including commercial litigation, insurance, product liability, construction, employment, transportation and professional liability.

About Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC

Founded in 1982, Baker Sterchi is a civil defense litigation and trial law firm with offices in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Washington and Oregon. The firm provides comprehensive legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including commercial and business litigation, construction, employment and labor, insurance coverage and defense, law enforcement and civil rights, government liability, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, professional and management liability, trial practice and consulting, and transportation litigation. With a team of attorneys who bring decades of courtroom experience, Baker Sterchi is widely recognized for its trial skills and commitment to client service. For more information, visit www.bakersterchi.com.

About Corneille Law Group, LLC

Corneille Law Group is a Wisconsin-based civil litigation defense firm with offices in Madison and Green Bay. The firm represents clients in matters involving medical malpractice, professional liability, personal injury, product liability, employment, commercial disputes and insurance defense. With a strong focus on trial advocacy, Corneille Law Group is known for its strategic preparation, courtroom experience and client-centered approach. The firm is also a certified Wisconsin veteran-owned business. For more information, visit www.corneillelaw.com.