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Odalo J. Ohiku: A Guiding Voice in Family Law

For Attorney Odalo J. Ohiku, founder of OHIKU LAW OFFICE in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, practicing family law is about far more than litigation and court appearances; it’s about listening, healing and guiding individuals and families through one of the most emotionally turbulent chapters of their lives. With certifications as a divorce coach, mediator, arbitrator, parenting coordinator, and custody and placement evaluator, Ohiku brings a comprehensive, human-centered approach to family law—one that’s deeply informed by both personal experience and professional dedication.

A Path Forged Through Life Experience

Ohiku didn’t always envision a future in the legal field. “I always thought I’d become a surgeon,” he says. As an adolescent, he was hit by a taxi and suffered a compound tibia fracture. The care he received in the aftermath of that injury first sparked an interest in medicine. But fate had a different plan.

“My brother ran into legal trouble, and that changed everything,” Ohiku says. “I saw firsthand how complex and intimidating the legal system could be—and how vital it is to have someone on your side who truly understands how it works.”

Still, it wasn’t until his parents’ separation that family law began to bud as a specific calling. “That experience gave me a personal understanding of the emotional toll separation and divorce can have, especially on children,” he says. “I realized that I wanted to help people navigate this difficult process with knowledge, compassion and fairness.”

Odalo Ohiku
OHIKU SPEAKING AT ONE OF THE DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUND EVENTS

A Defining Moment

No one doubted that Ohiku was destined for success, no matter the career path he ultimately chose. A naturally gifted and engaged student, his educational journey gained momentum when he was awarded the prestigious Daniel Murphy Scholarship, opening the door to attend a highly regarded college-preparatory high school in Chicago.

Even then, Ohiku demonstrated a rare drive and maturity beyond his years. While excelling academically, he also clerked in the Dean’s Office at Marquette University Law School, where he had the coveted position of being exposed to the late Dean Howard Eisenberg.

“I had the opportunity of working in close quarters with Dean Eisenberg,” Ohiku recalls. “It wasn’t just a job that aligned with my interests, it became a formative experience. Initially, Dean Eisenberg and I bonded over being Chicago Cubs fans, although through the years, he became an invaluable mentor to me during undergrad and law school.”

One moment from that time still stands out vividly in his memory.

“I remember thinking he was about to ask me to make copies,” Ohiku says with a smile. “Instead, he silently handed me a slip of paper and walked away. I looked down and saw it was official notification that I’d received a full-ride academic scholarship to Marquette University Law School. I was stunned. My mother was a schoolteacher, brilliant and dedicated, but we couldn’t have afforded that kind of tuition. That moment changed my life.”

Ohiku credits the Daniel Murphy Scholarship as the launchpad for his future success and has remained deeply committed to the program ever since. He frequently donates his time and energy to the organization, is a member of its board of directors, has served as keynote speaker at scholarship events, and continues to mentor and advise recipients of the scholarship—ensuring the same kind of support and encouragement that once made all the difference for him.

A Practice Built on Purpose

OHIKU AND HIS TEAM. L-R: MATTHEW TORRES, SUE TOWNES, OHIKU AND GIANCARLO MORA

At OHIKU LAW OFFICE, family law isn’t merely about resolving disputes—it’s about protecting individuals and families and reducing stress and anxiety, particularly when children or substantial assets are in-volved. “What keeps me passionate is knowing the system isn’t always fair,” he says. “If I can help someone be treated more fairly and equitably, that’s meaningful work.”

Early in his career, cases involving children left a lasting impression. “Divorces with kids are particularly tough. There’s already so much emotional turmoil, and when custody and placement become battlegrounds, the children are the ones who suffer most,” Ohiku says. “It made me want to step in and help de-escalate that conflict, to refocus pa-rents on what’s truly in their children’s best interest.”

That desire led him to mediation. As a trained and certified mediator, Ohiku often works with parents at the outset of their legal journey to help them reach mutually acceptable agreements without resorting to courtroom showdowns.

“Mediation puts the power back in the hands of the people involved,” he explains. “When they create an agreement together, they’re more likely to follow it. It’s less adversarial, and the outcomes tend to be better for the whole family.”

As a divorce coach, he draws on these same skills in supporting, motivating, and guiding an individual in crystallizing their goals and priming their mindset for best outcomes during the divorce process. “The right mindset makes all the difference,” Ohiku says.

Mediation puts the power back in the hands of the people involved.”

Listening First: A Philosophy of Empathy

Ohiku’s guiding philosophy in practice is simple yet powerful – make sure clients feel heard.

“In family law, emotions run high. People are scared, angry, overwhelmed. If they don’t feel truly heard, it only heightens the tension,” he says. “But when you listen—really listen—you start to see the whole picture. And they begin to calm down. That’s the starting point for effective problem-solving.”

His multifaceted training supports this approach. As a parenting coordinator and custody and placement evaluator, Ohiku is uniquely equipped to view family law issues through a holistic lens, one that considers not only legal rights but also emotional and developmental needs.

“Every decision affects more than just the two people in court,” he notes. “It impacts kids, extended family, even future relationships. My goal is to help clients understand that wider impact—and to act accordingly.”

Experience Matters

Asked what separates an effective family law attorney from the rest, Ohiku doesn’t hesitate – experience.

“Of course, there are talented young attorneys out there,” he says, “but with experience comes a broader perspective. You’ve seen more scenarios, more outcomes. You learn what to expect from different judges. You develop a sense of how things may unfold, and that helps you better guide your clients.”

His work as a mediator reinforces this balanced perspective. “It keeps me grounded,” he says. “It reminds me to consider all sides and look for compromise.”

OHIKU AND HIS TEAM. L-R: SUE TOWNES, ASIA PATTERSON, OHIKU AND JENNIFER MARTINEZ

Trends, Challenges and the Road Ahead

Ohiku has also observed key shifts in the landscape of family law—some encouraging, others troubling.

“One major trend I see is the increase in self-represented litigants. More people are going to court without attorneys, which suggests that access to justice isn’t improving—it’s getting worse,” he says. “That’s deeply concerning.”

On a more positive note, he points to the growing use of mediation in Wisconsin courts, especially in cases involving custody and placement. “That’s a move in the right direction. Mediation helps reduce conflict, saves time and money, and keeps families out of long, contentious court battles.”

But challenges remain. Chief among them, he says, is helping clients who can’t see beyond their own perspective.

“Divorce and custody disputes often bring out tunnel vision. Each side is so emotionally entrenched, they can’t see the other’s point of view,” Ohiku explains. “Part of my job is helping them take a step back and consider alternatives. That’s not easy, but it’s essential.”

You’re not just fighting for a win—you’re building a new structure for the future.”

Setting Expectations, Offering Guidance

When it comes to addressing common misconceptions, Ohiku finds that many clients enter the divorce process with unrealistic expectations.

“People often think they’re going to get everything they want. That’s just not how it works,” he says. “There will be compromise, especially when children are involved. At the end of the day, both parents will likely remain involved in raising their children. The focus has to be on cooperation, not conquest.”

To clients just beginning the divorce or separation process, his advice is equally grounded and reflective.

“Slow down,” he urges. “Ask yourself why do I want a divorce? What do I hope to achieve? What do I think the other side wants? Is there anything—anything at all—we can agree on? Start there. Build on that.”

A Collaborative Mindset

True to his belief in cooperation over conflict, Ohiku is a proponent of collaborative divorce, which brings together attorneys, financial professionals, therapists and other trained experts to support families during the legal process.

“It works because everyone involved is focused on finding the best possible outcome,” he says. “You’re not just fighting for a win—you’re building a new structure for the future.”

For Ohiku, that mindset is central to the future of family law. “The more professionals you have working together, the better the chances are for a peaceful resolution that truly benefits everyone involved.”

The Human Side of Law

At its core, Ohiku’s practice is about human connection—about guiding people through painful transitions with dignity, compassion, and respect.

“The legal system is complex. It can be cold. But the people going through it? They’re not. They’re vulnerable, emotional, and often scared,” he says. “My role is to be a steady hand. To help them understand their rights, make thoughtful decisions, and emerge from this process with optimism and zest for their future.”

For Attorney Odalo J. Ohiku, that’s the true meaning of justice. And for the clients and families he serves, it’s a difference that lasts long after the final ruling is issued.

At a Glance

OHIKU LAW OFFICE
1037 W. McKinley Ave. Suite 300 Milwaukee, WI 53205
414-287-0088
ohiku.com

Practice Areas

  • Divorce
  • Family Law
  • Criminal Defense

Education

  • Master of Arts, Public Service, Marquette University, 2004
  • Juris Doctorate, Marquette University Law School, 2002
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Marquette University, 1999
  • Divorce and Family Mediation Training, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2013
  • Arbitration Training, American Bar Association, 2016

Select Professional Memberships

  • African-American Chamber of Commerce
  • American Bar Association
  • American Bar Foundation, Wisconsin Fellow
  • Association for Conflict Resolution
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Divorce Cooperation Institute
  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Milwaukee Urban League
  • National Bar Association
  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Board of Governors, Chair, 2018-2019
  • Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers
  • Wisconsin State Bar Association
  • Wisconsin Law Foundation, Wisconsin Fellow

Community

  • Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, Board Member
  • Gov. Evers’ Judicial Selection Advisory Committee, 2019-2024
  • Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society 2015-Present
  • Backpack to School (school backpack giveaway)
  • Granville Bird Sanctuary at LUMIN Schools
  • State Bar of Wisconsin Diversity Clerkship Program, Participating Employer, 2016-Present

Select Accomplishments

  • President’s Award, State Bar of Wisconsin, 2019
  • Attorney of the Year, WAAL, 2019
  • Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
  • Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • Super Lawyers
  • Authored Staying Safe in the Office Chapter in "Reduce Your Risk: A Guide to Personal Safety and Security for the Legal Community"

Hobbies

  • Spending time with my family, traveling, and reading books of all genres.

Favorite Quote

  • Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation. - Michael Jordan

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