Practice areas: Business & Corporate, Business Litigation, Employment Litigation; view more
Licensed in Wisconsin since: 1998
Education: University of Wisconsin Law School
Selected to Rising Stars: 2006 Call today:
262-888-5093
Bentley Tuffnell Law
933 N Mayfair RdSuite 325B
Milwaukee, WI 53226 Visit website
Details
As a partner at Bentley Tuffnell Law, Amy Bentley provides strategic legal counsel to business owners throughout the Milwaukee region. Her practice is focused on helping clients navigate complex transactions and litigation to achieve their business objectives with security and confidence.
Primary Practice Areas
Ms. Bentley advises clients on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, including:
- Business acquisitions and sales
- Consumer finance law and compliance
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Buy-sell agreements and shareholder disputes
- Business and commercial litigation
Professional Background and Approach
Ms. Bentley is recognized for her practical and thorough approach to resolving legal challenges. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School, where she was a member of the Environmental Law Journal and clerked for the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. This background provides her with distinct insight into regulatory and transactional matters.
Her commitment to service is reflected in her induction into the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Pro Bono Honor Society and her receipt of the Champions of Change Emerging Leader Award from the Volunteer Center of Washington County.
Admissions
- State of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
Practice areas
Business/Corporate, Business Litigation, Employment Litigation: Defense, Mergers & Acquisitions, Franchise/DealershipFocus areas
Business Formation and Planning, Business Organizations, Contracts, Employment Law - Employer, Limited Liability Companies, Partnership, Sub-chapter S Corporations
- 30% Business/Corporate
- 20% Business Litigation
- 20% Employment Litigation: Defense
- 20% Mergers & Acquisitions
- 10% Franchise/Dealership
First Admitted: 1998, Wisconsin
Professional Webpage: https://www.tuff-law.com/amy-bentley/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Secretary, State Bar of Wisconsin Solo/Small Firm & General Practice SectionElected as an officer to the board of one of the State Bar’s largest sections, which provides resources and advocacy for thousands of solo and small-firm attorneys statewide. As Secretary, plays a central role in the section’s governance, official proceedings, and strategic initiatives. Her contributions include:Board Secretary: Elected as Secretary in 2026, Ms. Bentley is entrusted with maintaining the official records of the board, preparing minutes of its proceedings, and ensuring continuity in the section’s governance., 2026
- Member, Conference on Consumer Finance Law, since 2001. Served as Assistant Secretary of the Conference for 10 years. , 2026
- Member, Milwaukee Bar Association. 2025-present., 2026
- American Bar Association - Business Law Section Member since 2000. Member of Consumer Financial Services Committee since 2000, with leadership role on the committee for 6 years. , 2026
- State Bar of Wisconsin Member since 1998. Member of Solo, Small Firm, and General Practice Section since 2012; Secretary of Section Board since 2026. , 2026
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Represented a data analytics and contract management firm in a high-stakes federal lawsuit against a large international company. Strategic litigation strategy led to a highly favorable pre-trial settlement for our client. Our proactive strategy led to a highly favorable pre-trial settlement for the client that protected its interests and resulted in a significant monetary recovery., 2026
- Represented a major construction subcontractor in federal litigation against the general contractor to recover substantial unpaid invoices in an action with substantial counterclaims. Through targeted litigation strategy and complex e-discovery, we were able to secure a favorable resolution for the client. , 2025
- Represented a local company in a commercial contract dispute with a global corporation arising under a multi-year Master Service Agreement. Successfully negotiated a pre-litigation settlement that provided the client with a full and final resolution, avoiding the cost and uncertainty of formal litigation. , 2024
- Represented a regional recycling and waste management company in the defense of a commercial business dispute filed in Wisconsin state court. Successfully negotiated a favorable and cost-effective settlement, eliminating the expense and operational disruption of a protracted trial., 2024
- Represented a finance company in the defense of consumer protection claims that included substantial potential damages. Successfully negotiated a comprehensive and cost-effective settlement, avoiding the expense and business disruption of a protracted trial. , 2024
- Represented the plaintiff in a commercial breach of contract action against a national firm relating to an employment agreement. Successfully negotiated a highly favorable monetary settlement for the client in the context of a resolution that secured a recovery for the client while avoiding the significant expense and uncertainty of a protracted trial. , 2023
- Represented the founder and principal of an engineering services company in a commercial dispute initiated against his former multinational employer relating to unenforceable restrictive covenants. Successfully negotiated a global settlement that resolved all litigation and strategically replaced adverse terms in the disputed employment-related agreement with narrowly tailored provisions that provided the client with definitive clarity and the freedom to operate., 2023
Representative Clients
- Major Regional Automotive Dealership Group – Outside General Counsel & Lead Consumer Litigation Counsel, 2007-present., 2026
- Regional Industrial Manufacturer – Outside General Counsel & Lead Business Litigation Counsel, 2015- present., 2026
- Multi-Location Automotive Retailer & Affiliated Finance Company – Serves as Outside General Counsel and Lead Counsel for Consumer Law Litigation, 2007-present., 2026
- National Data Analytics and Managed Services Provider - General Counsel and Business Litigation, 2018-present., 2026
- Regional Franchisee for National Tool Manufacturer – Outside General Counsel & Lead Business Litigation Counsel., 2026
Transactions
- Served as lead counsel to the sellers in a complex, multi-million dollar asset purchase transaction involving a wholesale distributor and retailer. The representation included negotiating and drafting all principal transaction documents, including the asset purchase agreement, seller promissory note, real property lease, and post-closing consulting and non-competition agreements. Successfully managed the intricate transfer of business assets, allocation of liabilities, and negotiation of indemnification terms to facilitate the sale of a legacy Wisconsin business., 2026
- Served as lead counsel for the seller in the $3.5 million sale of a commercial property and its operating business. Navigated a complex financing structure to protect the seller’s interests. Drafted and negotiated the definitive purchase agreement and all ancillary documents, including multiple promissory notes, personal guarantees, a non-competition agreement, and a consulting agreement., 2025
- Represented the purchaser in the multi-stage, seven-figure acquisition of a behavioral health practice, negotiating critical deal terms and ancillary employment agreements to overcome seller-imposed obstacles and protect the buyer’s interests., 2025
- Represented the buyer in the complex acquisition of a significant minority interest in a multi-entity enterprise operating in the automotive space. This multifaceted transaction involved structuring the purchase across three legal entities. Amy's representation was instrumental in navigating the extensive approval process required from Wisconsin state regulatory bodies, a related third party, and multiple institutional lenders, leading to the successful completion of the deal., 2025
- Directed the corporate formation and successful application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for a significant new medical research foundation. The representation involved navigating the complex IRS approval process, allowing the organization to launch with substantial projected revenues and begin its scientific mission., 2024
- Represented the purchaser in the acquisition of a digital media and software-as-a-service (SaaS) company. The representation involved structuring the transaction and negotiating the definitive Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, which included a complex purchase price allocation involving cash payments, seller financing via a promissory note, and the satisfaction of pre-existing member obligations. The engagement also included drafting and negotiating all ancillary documents necessary to close the transaction and govern the post-closing entity. This work included a comprehensive new operating agreement establishing an S-Corp tax structure, a non-compete agreement binding the seller, and a transitional consulting agreement. , 2023
- Represented a national manufacturer in the negotiation and drafting of a five-year Master Purchase Agreement governing a high-volume supply relationship with a multinational conglomerate. The work focused on structuring critical risk-allocation and intellectual property provisions, including comprehensive warranty disclaimers, limitations on liability, and indemnification. The representation also secured an exclusive manufacturing right and a sophisticated IP regime that preserved the client’s ownership of proprietary methods while assigning tooling design rights to the customer., 2023
- Represented the founding members in the sale of 100% of the equity in a prominent regional education company. The engagement involved negotiating the definitive Membership Interest Purchase Agreement for the all-cash acquisition. A central component of the representation involved structuring the transaction to manage the transfer of significant pre-paid customer service obligations. The work also included advising on the allocation of pre- and post-closing tax liabilities and negotiating the scope and duration of the sellers’ indemnification obligations., 2022
- Represented the purchasers in the acquisition of an HVAC mechanical contractor business. The engagement involved structuring the transaction as a comprehensive asset purchase and negotiating the definitive agreement, which included a complex purchase price structure involving cash at closing, significant seller financing, and a post-closing escrow holdback to secure seller obligations. The representation also included drafting all ancillary documents necessary to close, including a multi-year promissory note, a security agreement granting the seller a subordinated interest in the acquired assets, and a restrictive five-year non-compete and non-solicitation agreement binding the seller and its principal to protect the business’s goodwill., 2022
- Represented the purchaser in the multi-state acquisition of several restaurant locations operating under a national franchise. The engagement involved structuring the transaction as a complex, multi-store asset purchase and negotiating the definitive agreements for locations across both Wisconsin and an adjacent state. The representation included managing the intricate franchise transfer process to secure franchisor approval and negotiating the assignment of all commercial real estate leases. A critical component of the work was drafting restrictive non-compete and non-solicitation agreements to protect the significant business goodwill acquired in the transaction., 2021
- Represented the purchaser in the acquisition of a residential and commercial construction business. The engagement involved structuring the transaction as an asset purchase financed entirely through a multi-year seller promissory note. The representation included drafting and negotiating all ancillary documents, including the seller-financed Promissory Note, which was secured by a personal guaranty from the purchaser’s principal. A key component of the deal involved drafting a transitional employment agreement to retain the seller’s principal post-closing, ensuring a smooth transfer of customer relationships and goodwill, which was further protected by an integrated non-compete agreement., 2021
- Represented the purchaser in the acquisition of a regional property maintenance and services business. The engagement involved structuring the transaction as a comprehensive asset purchase and negotiating a complex purchase price structure that combined a cash payment for equipment with the strategic assumption of the seller’s significant third-party debt. The work also included drafting all ancillary documents, including the Assignment and Assumption Agreement for the seller debt, a multi-layered personal guaranty, and a post-closing employment agreement to retain the seller’s principal as a key executive, which was secured by a corresponding non-compete agreement., 2021
- Represented the purchaser in the acquisition of a regional pest control business. The engagement involved structuring the transaction as an all-cash asset purchase and negotiating the definitive agreement to acquire all operating assets, including the company’s trade name, goodwill, customer lists, and intellectual property. A key component of the representation involved ensuring the assets were transferred free and clear of seller liabilities and drafting a restrictive non-compete and non-solicitation agreement to bind the seller and its principal, protecting the value of the acquired business goodwill., 2022
Pro bono / Community Service
- United Way Campaign Chair - Member of Campaign Chair Team, Volunteer, 2020
- The Threshold Incorporated, Board of Directors - President from 2024-2025; Secretary from 2016-2024; Board Member from 2014-2026., 2025
- Rotary Club of West Bend - President, 2018
- Wellspring Organic Farm and Education Center, Board of Directors - Secretary
- Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, Pro Bono Attorney
Educational Background
- University of Wisconsin School of Law, 1995-1998
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., Psychology, Political Science, 1990-1994
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Amy’s training and performance as a competitive ballroom dancer instilled a deep appreciation for the meticulous preparation, discipline, and partnership essential to achieving excellence., 2022
- Drawn to the outdoors, Amy embraces challenging treks like those she and her husband have taken on Isle Royale, a remote Lake Superior island known for its difficult terrain and lack of vehicle access., 2025
Honors
- Champions of Change Emerging Leader Award, The Volunteer Center of Washington County, 2015
- Pro Bono Honor Society, State Bar of Wisconsin, 2012
- Rising Star, Wisconsin Super Lawyers
Industry Groups
- Automotive
- Consumer Financial Services
- Health Care
- Manufacturing
- Trades
Selections
1 Year Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2006
