Stephen J. McManus

Steve is an experienced litigator and educator. He earned his BA in Education and Spanish with a minor in Political Science from the University of Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona College of Law, Steve joined the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. He completed Officer Training School, and then had assignments in New Mexico and England. He deployed during Operation Allied Force.

In 2000, Steve relocated to Wisconsin. He initially joined Halling & Cayo, S.C., where his litigation practice included military defense, worker’s compensation, insurance defense, and professional licensing. In 2002, Steve was a founding partner of Nowakowski & McManus, LLP. Then in 2015, Steve created McManus & Associates LLC to carry on his litigation practice. Steve has earned his AV rating and was name “Top Rated Lawyer in Litigation” from Martindale-Hubbell ®.

Also in 2000, Steve continued to serve as a reservist in the JAG Corps. He held numerous assignments at every level, including Headquarters Air Force.  For nine years, he was the Director of the TRIALS Team, where he trained young JAGs from all services about litigation tactics. He served as the lead attorney (Staff Judge Advocate) for both 4^th Air Force in CA and 22d Air Force in Georgia, where he earned the Legion on Merit medal.  He served at two Major Commands, was a recruiter, and ran an inspection program. Steve was promoted to Colonel in 2014 and then retired with 30 years of service in 2024.

Steve is also a board member for the Wisconsin Coalition of Virtual Schools Families and volunteers for Irish Fest.  He is married to Moira (née Dempsey) of Wilmette, Illinois. They live in Elm Grove, WI, where their raised eight children.