About

Since 1991, I have been advising and representing clients in all types of business, commercial law, and real estate matters. I advise and represent banks and financial institutions in all aspects of secured lending, financing, collateralization, and intercreditor transactions. I work with clients on new entity and start-up formations (e.g. LLCs and corporations); real estate purchase, sale, and leasing transactions; contract review and preparation; merger and acquisition deals; and employment issues (employee handbooks, termination/disciplinary actions, restrictive covenants, separation agreements, and severance packages). I also advise and represent financial institutions, businesses, and individuals in areas concerning debt collection, collateral recovery, lien law, breach of contract matters, damage claims, and bankruptcy issues. I utilize my legal experience and knowledge, together with my business administration background, for the benefit of my clients.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I strongly believe in giving back to my community. Throughout my entire legal career, I have committed my time, treasure, and talents to organizations, endeavors, and activities which make the Fox Cities a unique and wonderful place to live, work, and play.

“Business negotiations and transactions, contract review, risk analysis, and working through legal processes, procedures, and systems can be complex, confusing, unpredictable, and difficult to navigate for individuals, entities, and organizations. I use and apply my decades of practical experiences and gained knowledge, together with my legal expertise, to assist clients in understanding and evaluating complicated issues and to guide clients in making informed decisions.”

Services

• Commercial Lender Representation
• Condominiums
• Contracts
• Corporate and Limited Liability Company Law
• Employment and HR Guidance
• Entity Formation and Organizational Planning
• Family LLC's to Hold Vacation Property
• Leases
• Real Estate Development Projects
• Sales by Owner (FSBO)
• Transactions

Experience

Professional Organizations/Court Admissions

• State of Wisconsin
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
• State Bar of Wisconsin
• Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors’ Rights Section
• Construction and Public Law Section
• Outagamie County Bar Association

Activities & Achievements

Boards, Organizations, Clubs, Etc. (past and present)

• Appleton Education Foundation, Inc.
• Board Development Committee of Appleton Education Foundation
• Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
• Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Council
• Appleton West High School
• Appleton Area School District
• Appleton West – Addition to Tradition
• Winagamie, Inc. Board of Directors
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley
• Fox Valley Young Life
• Appleton Boychoir, Inc.
• The Salvation Army – Appleton
• American Players Theatre
• Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
• Lawrence Academy of Music (nka Lawrence Community Music School)
• Lawrence Christian Fellowship
• Covenant Christian Reformed Church Council
• Covenant Church Youth Group leader
• New Hope Christian School
• Grace Christian School
• Covenant Church Cadet Boys’ Club Head Counselor
• Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc.
• The Community Blood Center
• Patrons of Appleton West Stage (P.A.W.S.)
• Fox Cities YMCA
• Appleton Park & Recreation Department 
• Fox Cities Greenways
• Appleton Soccer Club, Inc.
• Outagamie County Adopt-A-Highway
• Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity
• Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha
• Homeless Connections (nka Pillars)
• Fox Valley Mother and Unborn Baby Care, Inc. (nka Vida, Inc.)
• The Appleton ABC Program, Inc.
• CASA of the Fox Cities
• Harbor House
• Appleton West Youth Basketball Association, Inc.
• Appleton West Terror Backers, Inc.
• University of Wisconsin Law School
• Calvin University

Awards/Recognitions

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating: Highest possible rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards (2010-Present) 
• Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers (2014-Present)

Testimonials

Representative Clients

• Xperience Fitness and
• Marchant-Schmidt, Inc.