Service Areas:
Education:
- J.D., Hamline University School of Law
- B.A., University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Admissions:
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- U.S. District for the Western District of Wisconsin
In order to advise people, one needs to understand the problems they face and what they are going through. In 1986, Phil graduated from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, MN. After interviewing for jobs in different parts of the country, with both large and small law firms, Phil realized his thoughts of what lawyers should be did not match reality. The overriding discussion in every interview and every job offer was how to generate the most money from a client. He returned to his hometown, disillusioned about the practice of law, and went to work for a small two-person law firm.
One of the attorneys in that firm, Terry McArdle, gave Phil the greatest lesson about the practice of law. Terry was never the wealthiest of attorneys, but he had a fiercely loyal client base of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Terry taught Phil that being a lawyer cannot be just about the money. It is about the relationships that and the trust one earns.
Most people don’t know what they need when they come to see a lawyer. What they do know is that they need someone to talk to, who listens to them, understands what they are going through and can help. They need an advisor they can count on whose sole focus is not on money, but on how to help them reach their goals.
Though Phil practiced in many different areas of law throughout his career, Phil's main focus is helping businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. Over the years he has owned and operated a restaurant and bar, a retail store, a messenger business, a real estate development company, an escrow company, a title company, and a basket business. Personally he and his wife have purchased, developed and restored millions of dollars' worth of property, ranging from single-family homes to mixed-use historic structures.
On behalf of his clients, Phil has handled tens of millions of dollars in development projects ranging from waterfront condominiums, mixed-use developments, brownfield sites, subdivisions, senior housing, tax credit housing, commercial office buildings, hotels, restaurants and many more. Phil has also represented both buyers and sellers throughout the country ranging in transactions ranging from the sale of a Mom and Pop Restaurant to mergers with billion dollar companies.
During the past 30 years, Phil has also represented various units of government on Development Agreements, Land Use Plans, Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) and many other areas.
Affiliations
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- State Bar of Minnesota
- Iowa State Bar Association
- Member, Downtown Main Street, Inc.
- City of La Crosse Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors
- City of La Crosse Convention Center
- Former member – City Council of the City of La Crosse
- Former Chairperson and Member La Crosse Redevelopment Authority
- Former Chairperson and Member La Crosse Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Former Chairperson City of La Crosse Finance and Personnel Committee
- Former President and Board Member of La Crosse Festivals, Inc. – Oktoberfest USA
Articles & Presentations
- "The 2024 Election: How Your Business Can Navigate the Uncertainty (With a License to Thrill)"- DeWitt Business News
- "The Top Five Things People 'LOVE' About Lawyers" - DeWitt Business News
- "Does Your Company Need a Love Contract?" - DeWitt Business News
- "New Year’s Resolutions For Business Success (or Not)" - DeWitt Business News
- "Beware of the IRS Scrooge During the Holiday Season" - DeWitt Business News
- Presented on the obtaining and enforcement of Construction Lien Law
- Presented on the Drafting and Enforcement of Municipal Development Agreements
- Presented on the Evolving Law of Evictions and Squatter’s rights
- Presented on Compliance with Fair Debt Collection Act
- Presented on the use and enforcement of Community Development Funds for Housing and Commercial Development
- Prepared articles on Overtime Rule Changes; Employee Fraternization; the COVID Stimulus Packages; PPP Loans; Independent Contractor agreements; End of the Year Business Planning, The Use of Christmas Bonuses
Clients
Phil’s clients include community banks, credit unions, construction companies, real estate developers, businesses large and small, and governmental entities.Feature Articles
- "Trick or Treat? More Like Trespass, Blackmail, and Extortion!" – Entrepreneur News Update, October 2024
- "September National Days (Part 1): Why Celebrate and How to Create Your Own" – Entrepreneur News Update, September 2024
Service Areas Subspecialties
- Business Law
- Creditors Rights & Collections
- Municipal Law