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“Hal has provided exceptional service, taking time to understand client interests, relationships, timelines and priorities.”

Client Feedback, Chambers USA, 2021

Overview

Borrowers and lenders alike rely on Hal as a sounding board for complex tax advantaged transactions as well as debt and equity financing.

With 40 years of experience in transactions, Hal approaches each development deal from every angle and provides clients with legal advice that fits their business needs. He counsels them on potential zoning and real estate issues as well as their financing, tax and business concerns.

Clients turn to Hal for guidance on the spectrum of major tax credit programs – affordable, historic, energy, new markets, Opportunity Zones, TIF and PACE financing. He is particularly active in the development and redevelopment of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects, as well as thousands of residential and commercial condominium and rental units in urban and suburban settings.

Hal also is a frequent presenter on economic development and business topics. His recent speaking engagements have focused on the federal Opportunity Zones program.

“Hal has provided exceptional service, taking time to understand client interests, relationships, timelines and priorities.”

Client Feedback, Chambers USA, 2021

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2009-2023
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers, 2010-2013
  • Chambers USA, Real Estate, 2008-2019; Senior Statesman, 2020-2022
  • State's Electronic Recording Council, appointed by Governor Doyle, 2006-2010

Education

  • J.D., Northeastern University School of Law
  • B.A., Ohio State University

Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • Massachusetts

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Wisconsin Bar Association
  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Wisconsin, past Chair of the Real Property Probate and Trust Section


*Contact Hal to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the Milwaukee office.
Experience
  • Represented banks in all stages of securing and deploying millions in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) allocations for construction projects, including developments as diverse as a public library, a grocery store, residential lofts and equipment for a manufacturer.
  • Advised commercial real estate company on complex capital stack for office development, including tenants in common (TIC) interests and tax increment financing (TIF).
  • Represented community development entities, qualified active low-income businesses, senior lenders and tax credit investors in leverage and direct models of NMTC transactions.
  • Represented sponsors and lenders in LIHTC and HTC transactions.
  • Advised senior housing developers through the equity, siting, construction and financing process.
  • Represented developers in securitized financing pools, including opinions regarding non-consolidation.
  • Advised many banks on real estate and working capital credit facilities.
  • Negotiated acquisition, entitlements and public incentives package for $30+ million redevelopment of historic department store into 80-unit boutique hotel, utilizing historic tax credits (HTC), property assessed clean energy (PACE) financing and opportunity zone equity.
  • Advised Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) in implementing the State Small Business Credit Initiative in Wisconsin.
  • Represented a manufacturer of green technology building projects and a developer of waste-to-energy projects.
  • Developed golf courses with adjacent single-family lots and condominiums.
  • Handled construction lending for downtown Milwaukee high-rise office and residential buildings.
  • Developed downtown Milwaukee high-rise residential rental projects.
  • Developed vacant land mixed-use projects, primarily in Wisconsin and Illinois.
  • Developed thousands of residential and commercial condominium units in urban and suburban settings.
  • Handled purchase, sale and financing in transactions in multiple states, including 1031 exchange transactions, ground leases and public-component financing projects.
  • Represented a Wisconsin county in the development of the bus rapid transit component of a 44-story multiuse building. The project involved federal grant money, coordination with streetcar service to be offered by the city, and the needs of all residents in the new housing units.
  • Represented a county in the sale of a 202-acre medical campus to the health institutions located there. The sale was a monumental achievement for the county, freeing it from landlord responsibilities that were impeding development in the area.
  • Represented a historic theater in attracting and closing on financing using historic tax credits to restore a 1929 art deco masterpiece.
Media Mentions | October 2020
Best Lawyers® 2021: The Midwest Issue
News Releases | August 15, 2019
Husch Blackwell Places 143 Lawyers in 2020 BL Rankings' Best Lawyers in America®

The firm has eight "Lawyers of the Year" and 11 attorneys appearing on the list for the first time.

News Releases | April 29, 2019
Chambers USA 2019 Ranks Husch Blackwell in 10 Areas of Law; 33 Attorneys Recognized

Attorneys in 10 offices across the firm's footprint are recognized in the 2019 edition of Chambers USA

News Releases | August 15, 2018
Husch Blackwell Places 143 Lawyers in 2019 BL Rankings' Best Lawyers in America®

The Best Lawyers in America® has listed 143 Husch Blackwell attorneys in its 2019 directory. The firm has eight "Lawyers of the Year" and five attorneys appearing on the list for the first time.

Outside the Office

Hal and his wife enjoy hiking, biking and paddling. They combine their hobbies with their travels to visit their children in Ohio, California and Israel.

Community Leadership
  • Mid-West Energy Research Consortium, Treasurer, Executive Committee
  • Northwest Side Community Development Corporation, Board of Directors