About Michael D.
Michael D — Rust is a seasoned mediator and attorney based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Licensed to practice law in Wisconsin since 2006, he has built a distinguished career focused on conflict resolution. Rust serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mediation services throughout the state. His commitment to mediation is evident in his leadership role, where he has overseen a roster of nearly 50 volunteer mediators. Rust earned his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 2006, the same year he was admitted to the bar.
Prior to his legal education, he graduated from Carthage College in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Psychology, double majoring while also minoring in Biology and Entrepreneurial Studies. This diverse educational background gave him a unique perspective on human behavior, which is invaluable in mediation settings. In 2013, Rust became the Executive Director of the Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center, where he manages between 300 to 500 mediations annually. His experience includes personally mediating over 2,000 cases that encompass many issues—small claims, civil disputes, landlord-tenant conflicts, divorce, criminal restitution, and special education disputes. This breadth of experience shows his ability to handle complex and sensitive matters effectively.
Rust has also been actively involved in various professional organizations. He served as the President of the Wisconsin Association of Mediators from 2014 to 2016, having been a member since 2006. His leadership extended to the State Bar of Wisconsin, where he served as Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section. These roles reflect his dedication to advancing the field of mediation and ensuring high standards within the profession. In addition to his professional achievements, Rust has made significant contributions to the community.
He has held leadership positions such as Board Chair of the Oshkosh Area United Way, President of the Rotary Club of Oshkosh, and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 6270. In 2016, he founded TEDxOshkosh, an annual event that showcases "Ideas Worth Spreading." His contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the President's Award from the Wisconsin Association of Mediators in 2016 and the You Make A Difference Award from the Oshkosh Collaborations Work Group. Rust's advocacy for mediation is further demonstrated through his involvement in discussions regarding the Rules of Professional Conduct for Attorneys. He submitted a memorandum to the Wisconsin Supreme Court advocating for amendments that would allow lawyer-mediators to draft settlement documents in family cases. His experience and dedication to conflict resolution have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in Wisconsin's mediation community.
