John Payette grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin and attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sociology with an emphasis on law and criminology.

Mr. Payette received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1995.  While attending UW Law School, Mr. Payette served as a Managing Editor of the Wisconsin Law Review.  He was also a member of the Moot Court Board, participating in the Pace University School of Law Environmental Law Competition as a Competitor in 1993-94 and a Coach in 1994-95.  Mr. Payette was one of only eight students, out of a class of 275, to qualify to participate in both Wisconsin Law Review and Moot Court.

Mr. Payette was admitted to practice in Wisconsin in 1995.  He is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Dane County Bar Association.  He is admitted to practice in all Wisconsin State Courts as well as the Federal District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin.  He is also admitted to practice before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, where he successfully argued the case of Malacara v. City of Madison, 224 F.3d 727 (7th Cir. 2000).  Mr. Payette is also proud to be admitted to practice before the highest court in the country -- the United States Supreme Court.  In addition, he has been admitted pro hac vice to try cases in California and Illinois.

John is an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  He also enjoys playing hockey and coaches the Madison Lightning, an adult women’s hockey team.  When the ice melts, John can be found boating on the lakes in and around Madison.