Attorneys
Kate Murtaugh
“My goal is to solve problems, whether by way of dispute resolution outside the courtroom or protecting my client’s rights by Judge and Jury.”
-Kate Murtaugh
Attorney Kate Murtaugh obtained her Bachelor’s (2001) and Master’s (2003) degrees at American University in Washington, D.C. and her Juris Doctor from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2007. Ms. Murtaugh has been serving people in several counties throughout western Wisconsin since she began practicing law.
Criminal Defense – Dedication to solving problems in and out of the courtroom is her expertise. She is certified by the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office. When defending people in criminal matters, Kate works with clients from the first appearance to the resolution, whether resolution is by agreement or trial.
In family law matters, she possesses considerable experience working with couples going through divorce. In addition to the legal ending of marriages, she assists with related aspects such as parental rights and custody.
When not working, Kate enjoys volunteering her time and financial resources for the United Methodist Church.
Kathleen M. Gionis
“My goal is to zealously represent my clients’ interests and to protect their legal rights both in and out of the courtroom.”
– Kathleen M. Gionis
Kathleen M. Gionis has represented thousands of clients and has extensive experience in Western Wisconsin Circuit Courts in a variety of legal areas with emphasis on Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and other areas including assisting clients with Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption.
Being the first woman attorney in Polk County, WI, she began practicing law with the James Erickson Law Office in St. Croix Falls. Earning her Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN in 1980, she took over the practice when James Erickson became Polk County Circuit Court Judge in 1984.
Kathleen M. Gionis represents clients facing criminal charges. She is also certified in Estate Planning, including Guardianships which has become an important area of practice for her. Other areas are Wills, Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney.
Renee Landgraf
Attorney Renee Landgraf obtained her bachelor’s at Central Washington University (Mar 2009), master’s at Central Michigan University (Dec 2010), and her Juris Doctorate from Mitchell Hamline in St. Paul (Jan 2017). After graduation, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Dunn County for a few years before becoming a solo practitioner for almost five years while primarily practicing in rural northwest Wisconsin. She joined Gionis & Murtaugh in July 2024.
Focusing on children in need of protection or services (CHiPS), criminal defense, and guardian ad litem (GAL) cases, she thrives on representing her clients through their toughest situations. She accepts several state public defender and court appointments to help serve the indigent population. She is looking forward to expanding her practice areas at Gionis & Murtaugh.
When Renee is not servicing her clients or learning about the law, she enjoys watching the Packers, playing cards, site-seeing, and spending time with her dogs and husband. As a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, she’s also an active member of the Milltown VFW Post 6856
