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About Us

Firm Statistics

  • Year founded: 1943
  • Office locations: Milwaukee and Madison, Wis.
  • Attorneys: 136
  • Paralegals: 23
  • Chief Executive: Paul J. Eberle
  • WHD ranks sixth among "Largest Milwaukee-Area Law Firms" (2011 Business Journal of Milwaukee Book of Lists)
  • Number of practice areas and industry teams: 52

Firm Recognitions

Practice Group and Team Recognitions

Corporate/M&A

  • World Finance named WHD Best M&A Law Firm in USA for 2012. The award was received as a result of the nomination of Richard W. Silverthorn in recognition of his national M&A experience, and the outstanding work performed by WHD’s Corporate Transactions Team. The Finance Monthly Legal Awards identify industry leaders, individuals, teams and organizations that represent the benchmark of achievement and best practice in the financial and business world.
  • Lawyer Monthly Magazine named Sverre David Roang Deal Maker of the Year for 2011. The Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards highlight outstanding achievement within the legal profession across key practice areas and sectors, and recognizes achievement both at the firm and partner level, and the recent achievements of the leading law firms.
  • Corporate INTL named WHD Clients' Choice–Wisconsin M&A Law Firm of the Year for 2011. The publication received more than 11,500 nominations from law firms, in-house counsel teams, business directors and private individuals from around the globe, and advisers from more than 100 countries were awarded.
  • Finance Monthly Magazine selected WHD as M&A Law Firm of the Year (USA) and Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year (USA) for its 2011 Finance Monthly Law Awards. The firm received the M&A Law Firm of the Year Award through the nomination of Richard W. Silverthorn in recognition of his national M&A experience, and the Corporate Governance Law Firm of the Year Award through the recognition of the work performed by Sverre David Roang.
  • Chambers USA 2011 – Chambers stated that WHD’s Corporate/M&A practice "is a sophisticated practice with experts in every area." Richard Silverthorn "has an impressive command of corporate legal issues and is a master of negotiation strategy." Sverre David Roang impresses with his "forward-thinking counseling and ability to get results," while John Emanuel is "a smart and considered lawyer with a strong negotiating presence."

Intellectual Property

  • Chambers USA 2011 – Chambers praises WHD’s Intellectual Property practice for its litigation expertise and its group of talented patent prosecutors. Gina Carter is "a very hands-on lawyer." Grady Frenchick is viewed as a highly regarded patent prosecutor who is also known for his expertise in licensing for collaborations between companies and inventors in the medical and chemical sectors, while John Pienkos is recommended for his experience with electrical and mechanical patents, as well as his expertise in the fields of wireless communications, automotive systems and computer sciences. According to Chambers, sources say that "the lawyers always make us feel as if we are their most important client."

Litigation (Intellectual Property & General Commercial)

  • WHD is recognized by Goodrich Corporation as a 2012 Go-To Law Firm for litigation, according to ALM, an integrated media company. WHD is one of an elite group of firms that delivers exceptional work for the in-house legal departments at the Fortune 500.
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers® named WHD the 2011 Top Large Law Firm for Litigation in Wisconsin.
  • Chambers USA 2011 – "The team," according to Chambers, "has an unbelievable client service ethos." Chambers specifically recognized Ann Maher for her recent involvement in numerous real estate disputes and for acting as trial counsel for a client in a breach of warranty claim worth $10 million.

Natural Resources & Environment

  • Corporate INTL named WHD Clients' Choice–Wisconsin Natural Resources Law Firm of the Year for 2011. The publication received more than 11,500 nominations from law firms, in-house counsel teams, business directors and private individuals from around the globe, and advisers from more than 100 countries were awarded.
  • Chambers USA 2011 – Chambers notes WHD’s diverse environmental practice, and praises Jennifer Buzecky for being "extremely detail-oriented, thorough and knowledgeable in regulatory matters." Richard Lewandowski, says Chambers, "excels in environmental permitting matters such as water rights, waste disposal and wetland regulation, as well as hazardous waste matters and cleanups."

Real Estate

  • Lawyer Monthly Magazine named WHD Real Estate, Finance & Construction Law Firm of the Year for 2011, due to the work performed by Brad Dallet and the firm's Real Estate, Finance and Construction teams. The Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards highlight outstanding achievement within the legal profession across key practice areas and sectors, and recognizes achievement both at the firm and partner level, and the recent achievements of the leading law firms.
  • Chambers USA 2011 – Chambers noted that WHD’s Real Estate Team "has a fine reputation and is a go-to firm on a range of local real estate issues." Brad Dallet is described as "an extremely practical and business-minded attorney, who cuts straight to the point." Hal Karas and Nathaniel Hoffman are touted for their expertise in alternative financing such as New Markets Tax Credits, and leasing, respectively.

Individual Recognitions

  • Sverre David Roang has been awarded the Family Firm Institute’s Certificate in Family Wealth Advising. Roang is the only professional in Wisconsin to receive the certificate, which is presented to individuals who have achieved comprehensive professional knowledge and gained significant expertise and insight into professional best practices that will be valued by family business owners and family wealth clients.
  • Lawyer Monthly Magazine named Sverre David Roang Deal Maker of the Year for 2011. The Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards highlight outstanding achievement within the legal profession across key practice areas and sectors, and recognizes achievement both at the firm and partner level, and the recent achievements of the leading law firms.
  • Best Lawyers named Jeffrey P. Aiken as "Milwaukee Best Lawyers Litigation – Construction Lawyer of the Year" and Philip J. Halley as "Milwaukee Best Lawyers Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year" for 2012. Only a single lawyer in each designated area of practice in each community is honored as "Lawyer of the Year."
  • The Wisconsin Law Journal named Sarah Thomas Pagels and Barbara Zabawa 2011 Up and Coming Lawyers, which recognizes lawyers who have been practicing eight years or less, have successfully achieved legal outcomes early in their career, have significantly contributed to their communities, and have demonstrated exceptional leadership.
  • The Wisconsin Law Journal named Lynda Templen and Kim Wynn 2011 Women in the Law, which recognizes outstanding women in the Wisconsin legal community.
  • The Wisconsin Law Journal selected Jack Laffey as a 2011 recipient of its Leaders in the Law Award. The award recognizes lawyers and judges who give their time and talent to improve the practice of law, the justice system and the communities in which they live.
  • The Wisconsin Law Journal selected Lydia Chartre as an Up and Coming Lawyer for 2010.
  • The Wisconsin Law Journal selected Bruce Arnold as a 2010 recipient of its Leaders in the Law Award. The award recognizes lawyers and judges who give their time and talent to improve the practice of law, the justice system and the communities in which they live.
  • The Wisconsin Law Journal named Ann Maher and Rebecca Bradley 2010 Women in the Law. Women in the Law honorees are recognized for their outstanding achievement in the practice of law.