We believe that every person is unique and we are here to provide individualized guidance and legal assistance through all of life's chapters.

Of Experienced Female Attorneys

meet the team

And experienced in estate planning, Medicaid, probate, trust administration, and special needs trusts. 

We are all members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, along with the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin.

All Attorneys
are Partners

Brenda R. Haskins has been practicing law since June 1999. In February 2010, she opened her own practice on Madison’s east side. The firm has grown to five (5) partners and ten (10) staff.

Brenda focuses her practice on estate planning, elder law, probate, and guardianships. As a certified Veterans Administration attorney, Brenda counsels and prepares benefit applications for wartime veterans pro bono.
Brenda is a Madison native and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (BA and MS) and University of Wisconsin Law School. She is a member of the Dane County Bar Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin. She is a frequent speaker on topics such as long-term care planning, estate planning, powers of attorney, and trusts. Brenda serves on the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) as past president.

Brenda is married to Todd Borcherding. They have two sons, Grant and Carter, living in Madison.  

Brenda R. Haskins

Julie A. Short is an estate and special needs planner and elder law attorney who assists clients plan their legacy as well as advocates for them as they navigate our complex long-term care system. She began her career in general practice working alongside her father in Fort Atkinson but soon decided estate planning and elder law was her true passion. She then transitioned to public legal services. She was the Legal Director for the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups and the Director of the Aging and Disability legal Services with Easter Seals before returning to private practice with Haskins, Short, and Brindley.

Throughout her career Julie has been involved in many committees of the State Bar (Lawyer Referral, Legal Services, Alternative Dispute Resolution) and has been a frequent presenter. She is a past editor of the Elder and Law and Special Needs Journal. Julie currently serves on an Advisory /Committee for Wispact Inc., a Pooled and Community Special Needs Trust. She is the treasurer of the Dane County Pro Bono Trust fund, and she is a volunteer Mediator with the Dane County Bar Association Case Mediation Program. She also volunteers for Wills for Heroes, a cause close to her heart as her son-in-law is active duty with the Air Force.

Julie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UW Madison and a 1992 graduate of the UW Wisconsin Law School. She comes from a long line of Badgers and that family tradition has continued with the graduation of her eldest daughter, Annika, from UW Madison.


Her practice areas include but are not limited to Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Medicaid, Special Needs Trusts, Guardianships, Probate and Trust Administration; she consults with clients in all matters related to the above practices including but not limited caregiving contracts, long-term care insurance issues and real estate transactions. Her goal is to find creative, client centered solutions to complex problems.

Julie resides in Fitchburg with her partner, Jeffrey Gaie. Together they are blessed with four daughters, Jeffrey’s two daughters who are entering their teens and Julie’s daughters who are successful, independent young adults.

Julie A. Short

Anne grew up in southeast Minnesota on a small, fifth-generation farm next door to her grandparents. At an early age, they instilled in her an appreciation of Polka music, lutefisk and lefse, and family. Working with the elderly and families seemed a natural progression from where it all began and has proven to be where Anne feels most at home.

Anne earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her law degree from North Carolina Central University. Anne is licensed to practice in Wisconsin and Colorado. She serves on the Board of Directors for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, and in her free time enjoys live music and spending time in the Driftless. Anne lives in Monona with her husband. 

Anne M. H. Brindley

Anna practices in the areas of estate planning, trust and estate administration, and elder law and special needs planning. She also advises clients in the areas of divorce and legal separation, family law, and guardian ad litem work.

Anna obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. Anna is a native of lower Michigan and practiced in the Madison area before joining Haskins Short & Brindley, LLC.

Anna has taught as an adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin Law School and is a member of Madison Business Partners. She also volunteers with the Dane County Basic Estate Planning Clinic.

Anna, her husband, and daughter currently reside in McFarland with their dog, Stella.

Anna M. Main

Amy is an attorney committed to helping individuals and families navigate difficult decisions and plan for the future. She grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, daughter of a farmer/polka musician and owner of a local restaurant. Amy received her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Madison and her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law. She also earned a Master’s in Social Work and Certificate in Applied Gerontology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Amy is licensed to practice law in New York and Wisconsin.

Amy previously worked at MFJ Legal Services in New York City as a senior staff attorney and pro bono coordinator in the Kinship Caregiver Law Project where she worked with grandparents raising grandchildren. She has also worked as the public policy coordinator and lobbyist for Disability Rights Wisconsin.

Amy has taught as an adjunct professor at University of Wisconsin Law School and is on the Board of Directors for New Bridge Madison. She also volunteers with the Dane County Basic Estate Planning Clinic. She currently resides in Monona with her husband and two young daughters.

Amy Roehl Devine

Our Staff

Sarah Chadwick, Paralegal
Donna Crossman, Receptionist
Eric Deml, Medicaid Program Specialist
Diane Easley, Paralegal
Leslie Gallagher, Paralegal
Linda Haskins, Legal Assistant
Jeannie Majorowicz, Paralegal
Amanda Pausa, Controller