Bill’s practice is focused on water law, conservation, land use, local government, and nonprofit organization matters. Bill has over 40 years of experience and has represented a broad range of clients in these areas, including the Wisconsin Association of Lakes, Gathering Waters Conservancy, the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors, numerous lake districts, other local units of government, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. He is particularly experienced in representing Land Trusts and Public Inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Districts. He is also a regular presenter on water law, land use, land conservation and nonprofit organization matters. 

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Admitted to Practice

  • Wisconsin State Courts
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Land Use and Zoning Law, 2015-Present
  • Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts, Harold "Bud" Jordahl Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by Center for Public Representation, 1995
  • Lake Stewardship Award, 2001

See our disclaimer regarding third-party awards.

Presentations, Publications, & Contributions

  • Co-author, “Rock-Koshkonong Lake District v. DNR: Public Trust and Agency Discretion Principles Intact,” Wisconsin Lawyer, 2014

Community Involvement & Board Memberships

  • Wisconsin Historical Society, Member of the Board of Curators
  • Wisconsin Waterways Commission, Member
  • Wisconsin Legislative Council, Member of Special Committees

Education

  • J.D., cum laude, University of Wisconsin Law School, 1979
  • M.S., Water Resources Management, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 1977
  • B.A., The Colorado College, 1973