Christina M. Tenuta, J.D.
Attorney
Madison,WI
Summary
Accomplished attorney offering ten-year record of supporting clients in legal matters. Strong legal research and writing skills with extensive experience conducting legal and policy analysis.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Legal Advisor
Wisconsin Children's Court Improvement Program
04.2024 - Current
- Provide complex legal analysis and recommendations on state and federal child welfare law: abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, guardianships, and adoptions
- Wrote and received grant for five-year study on parents' legal and judicial experiences with Wisconsin's child welfare system
- Draft legal research documents and policy communications to judge and attorneys on juvenile court matters
- Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess compliance with federal and state laws
- Monitor and review state and federal legislation, case law, and regulations to provide guidance on new policies and practices
Associate Attorney
Schuster Family Law, LLC
08.2016 - 03.2024
- Represented clients in family actions under Chapter 767: divorce, paternity, custody, placement, child support, grandparent visitation, stepparent adoption, post-judgment disputes
- Represented parents in Chapter 48 (CHIPS) cases alleging abuse or neglect
- Filed motions, litigated, interviewed clients, conducted discovery, argued against emergency removals, and conducted divorce trials
- Focused on families experiencing domestic violence with high case load
- Served as a mediator, and court appointed guardian ad litem
Attorney
Community Justice Inc.
01.2015 - 08.2016
- Provided high-quality affordable legal services to low-income clients to secure injunctions, divorce and paternity actions and post-judgment modifications
- Developed strong client interviewing and advocacy skills by working with diverse a client base experiencing marginalization
Legislative Aide
Wisconsin State Assembly
01.2013 - 01.2015
- As a legislative aide, I researched and reviewed legislation, studied relevant statutory and case law
- I wrote co-sponsorship memos, prepared amendments, speeches, and news articles
- Attended Committee meetings and tracked legislation through the Criminal Justice and Children and Families Committees
Assistant Corporation Counsel
Vilas County
07.2012 - 11.2012
- Prepared and tried civil cases for county government in the areas of guardianship, civil commitments, child support, paternity, juvenile law, protective placement, and zoning
- Worked with Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to uphold ICWA protections
Law Clerk, Honorable Bryanne Hamill
Brooklyn Family Court
06.2009 - 07.2009
- Performed legal research and writing, wrote legal memos on questions of law pertaining to emergency removal abuse and neglect petitions
- Researched the role of the judiciary in reducing racial disparity within the foster care system
- Observed emergency removal hearings and judicial decision making; attended settlement conferences
Education
J.D. - Law
City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law
Queens, NY 08.2007 - 05.2010
Publications and Legal Trainings
- Publications: Can You Really Be a Good Role Model to Your Child if you Can’t Braid Her Hair? The Unconstitutionality of Factoring Gender and Sexuality into Custody Determinations, 14 N. Y. City Law Rev. (Summer 2012); Ten Things My Clients Taught Me About Domestic Violence, WI Journal of Family Law, Vol. 40, Page 44 (July 2023)
- CLE Presentation: Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Conference, October 2024; Judicare Legal Aid’s Fall CLE Training, Representing Domestic Violence Survivors, October 2023
- Memberships: State Bar of Wisconsin; Legal Association for Women, Dane County Bar Association (Board Member 2014 – 2016); Wisconsin Journal of Family Law (Editorial Board Member 2022 – current), Madison College Legal Clinic Attorney Volunteer (2022 – current); Pregnancy Justice Volunteer Attorney (2020 – 2024)
Timeline
Legal Advisor
Wisconsin Children's Court Improvement Program
04.2024 - Current
Associate Attorney
Schuster Family Law, LLC
08.2016 - 03.2024
Attorney
Community Justice Inc.
01.2015 - 08.2016
Legislative Aide
Wisconsin State Assembly
01.2013 - 01.2015
Assistant Corporation Counsel
Vilas County
07.2012 - 11.2012
Law Clerk, Honorable Bryanne Hamill
Brooklyn Family Court
06.2009 - 07.2009
J.D. - Law
City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law
08.2007 - 05.2010
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