My Why

What powers my practice

Working in public accounting prior to attending law school provided me with a strong grounding in analysis and problem-solving, and I was drawn to law as a way to build on that foundation to help people and businesses achieve their goals. I find the most fulfillment in knowing that our work helps clients build businesses that support their families’ futures. I try to make legal advice clear and approachable, and I value being the person colleagues can turn to in both happy times and difficult ones. Outside of work, I enjoy giving back through service with charities and civic

Credentials

  • Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1995, cum laude, Recipient of the American Jurisprudence Awards for Corporate Tax, Estate and Gift Tax, Partnership Tax, Marital Property, and the Joseph I. Swietlik Scholarship for highest achievement in tax classes
  • Marquette University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Accounting, 1989, cum laude, Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

  • Wisconsin
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • United States Tax Court

  • Leading Private Wealth Law Lawyer, Chambers High Net Worth Guide, 2021–Present
  • Top 10 Influential Private Wealth Law Attorneys in Wisconsin, Business Today, 2023
  • “Lawyer of the Year,” The Best Lawyers in America©, 2020
  • Best Lawyers®, Trust and Estates, 2013–present
  • The Midwest’s Best Lawyers©, Trust and Estates, 2021
  • Leaders in the Law, Wisconsin Law Journal, 2017
  •  Selected to Estate Planning & Probate Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, 2014-2025
  • Marquette University Business Administration Alumni Association Service Award, 2012

Engagement

  • Member, Children’s Wisconsin Planned Giving Council
  • Fellow, ACTEC (American College of Trust and Estate Counsel)
  • Member, Milwaukee Estate Planning Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
    • Past Chair, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Member, Milwaukee Bar Association
    • Past Chair, Tax Section
  • Member, Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

  • Board of Trustees, Nativity Jesuit Academy, 2021–Present
  • Board of Directors, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, 2015–Present
  • Board of Directors, Vivent Health, 2014-2020, 2025-Present
  • Board of Directors, Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, 2016–Present
  • Member, Marquette University College of Business Administration Leadership Council, 2018–Present
  • Member, Marquette University Accounting Department Advisory Board, 2008–Present
  • Jesuit Partnership, Midwest Province, 2007–Present
    • Chair, 2017-Present
  • Marquette University Business Administration Alumni Association, 1999–2011
    • National Alumni Board Representative, 2007–2011
    • President, 2005–2006
  • Board of Trustees, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 2015–2020
  • Past President, Planned Giving Council of Eastern Wisconsin

Insights

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