Focusing on client interests, Phil offers creative solutions to resolve controversies and planning issues involving estates, trusts and related property interests.
With more than 40 years’ experience, Phil has helped clients both on the planning side and the dispute resolution side of matters concerning trusts, estates and related property interests. He has represented fiduciaries in managing difficult issues with beneficiaries, claimants and tax authorities. He also has represented beneficiaries in conflict with one another or with fiduciaries and surviving spouses in matters concerning marital property rights. In addition, Phil is a trained mediator, serving as a neutral to assist parties in resolving controversies involving estates and trusts.
On the planning side, Phil represents business owners, executives and professionals with respect to their estate planning needs. He advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries concerning the administration of trusts and estates to facilitate the efficient transfer of wealth. Phil works with nonprofit organizations on various aspects of their operations as tax-exempt entities, as well as needs unrelated to their tax-exempt status.
In addition to his work for clients, Phil has served as a member of the adjunct faculty of Marquette University Law School and as a co-author of the State Bar of Wisconsin three-volume treatise Marital Property Law in Wisconsin. Phil was a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin/Wisconsin Bankers Association committee that proposed legislation resulting in Wisconsin’s enactment of new trust laws based on the Uniform Trust Code.
Phil began his legal career as a law clerk for the Hon. Robert W. Warren, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin. Before joining Husch Blackwell, Phil practiced for more than 30 years with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.
The Hon. Robert W. Warren, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin