David S. Burleson

We specialize exclusively in debt relief! Our dedication lies in advocating for debtors, not creditors. With a grounded approach and extensive experience, we meticulously tailor our services to each individual case, aiming for a renewed financial beginning.

You'll collaborate directly with a seasoned bankruptcy attorney throughout the entire process, ensuring clarity and minimizing misunderstandings. Our virtual meetings enable constant client accessibility, round the clock, eliminating the hassle, costs, and time away from work associated with travel.

Contact us today for a free, no obligation, consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We handle Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 128 (non-bankruptcy) cases throughout Wisconsin.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

J.D. (1990) | Law

1987 - 1990

Owner/Managing Attorney

Burleson Legal Group, LLC

2012 - Current

Owner/Managing Attorney

Fresh Start Legal Group, Inc.

2006 - 2012

Started this bankruptcy practice with 6 employees in Madison WI. By 2009 we were a multi-state consumer bankruptcy practice with a dozen attorneys and 60+ staff covering the whole State of Wisconsin, most of Michigan, Northern Illinois and Western Minnesota. The height of this practice was in 2010, when we had 24 area offices in 4 states, main offices in Madison WI and Grand Rapids MI and small staffed offices in Detroit and Milwaukee. Unfortunately, personal family needs and an economic downturn caused this corporation to close it's doors in 2012.

Owner/Managing Attorney

Vantage Disability Lawyers, LLC

2006 - 2012

Founded a successful Social Security Disability law firm. This multi-state law firm grew along side Fresh Start Legal Group and successfully prevailed on cases that other attorneys wouldn't take.

Founding Partner

Buss & Burleson, SC

1998 - 2006

Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, and Sexual Abuse Litigation & Bankruptcy. Was the first attorney in Minnesota to successfully argue a repressed memory sexual abuse case. In 1999 began transitioning to solely practicing bankruptcy law. Created the bankruptcy law practice for the firm.

Associate Attorney

Reinhardt & Anderson

1992 - 1997

Litigated sexual abuse claims nationally against clergy and other perpetrators who were in a position of power. Co-authored an article in the California Trial Lawyers magazine in the sexual abuse issue specifically addressing sexual abuse by priests and the claims against the church. Also, was responsible for acquiring a 30 million dollar case against Father Oliver O'Grady and the Diocese which also implicated Cardinal Mahoney for transferring O'Grady while serving as the Bishop of Stockton.

Nacba

Member

Current

Wisconsin State Bar  # 1032677

Member

1998 - Current

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Court System

Eastern District of Wisconsin - United States District Court

Western District of Michigan - United States District Court

Western District of Wisconsin - United States District Court

• Free Consultation
  Easy Flexible Payment Plans
• Credit Cards Accepted
  Please note that bankruptcy clients are limited to using their debit cards for payment of pre-petition fees and costs. Outside of that limited exception, credit card payments are accepted.
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Debit and Credit Card Payments Accepted

• Chapter 128 (Debt Amoritization); Debt Settlement

Q. Will I lose my land or car in WI Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing?

April 25, 2025

A: Although a Chapter 7 is technically referred to as a liquidation bankruptcy, consultation with a seasoned bankruptcy attorney typically results in there being no liquidation at all. In Wisconsin we get to choose between using the State of Wisconsin or the Federal Bankruptcy Law exemptions to protect your assets. There are many factors to consider when making the choice on which set of exemptions to use. While I can't give you legal advice on this platform, I can say that once you consult with a bankruptcy attorney, you will most likely experience a positive outcome in protecting your land and your vehicle.

Q. chapter 7 bankruptcy a year ago and they haven’t retrieved the vehicle from the dealership. Is that abandonment of debt?

January 27, 2025

A: It sounds like you complied with your Statement of Intention by surrendering the vehicle back to the creditor. As long as you listed the location of the vehicle in your schedules then your Order of Discharge would have discharged your legal obligation on this debt. You should not have to worry about it anymore.

Q. I received a $250 deposit from golf clubs on Facebook marketplace but the buyer backed out. Am I required to refund it?

January 7, 2025

A: It is never a good idea to put a deposit down on something purchased through Facebook's Marketplace. That being said, if the item being sold is as described and the communications make it clear that the deposit is non-refundable then I'm guessing that Facebook, through its dispute process, will side with the seller. Best to simply let the buyer inspect the items in person and accept the money thereafter.