Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Mourns the Loss of Robert E. Bellin

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. (Reinhart) mourns the loss of former Chair and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Bellin, who passed away on September 8, 2024, at 81 years of age.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. Bellin earned his B.A. in 1965 from Marquette University, and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1969. He was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin and joined Reinhart that same year. He served as an influential leader of the firm’s Corporate Law Practice until his retirement in 2016.

During his career, Mr. Bellin had a thriving corporate practice, counseling his clients on initial public offerings, complex mergers and acquisitions and important strategic matters, as well as acting as a de facto general counsel for many of his business clients. In 1994, he succeeded Richard Van Deuren as Reinhart’s Chair and CEO. In that role, he helped shape the firm’s culture and drove strategic initiatives focused on enhancing the firm’s ability to serve clients at the highest level. He led the firm for many years before transitioning to Chair Emeritus in 2004.

“Bob was an exceptional lawyer, a good friend and a valued mentor,” said Reinhart CEO Al Orr. “He was a gifted and highly effective attorney who truly embodied the role of trusted adviser. Bob was also well known for his great sense of humor and his unwavering dedication to family, clients and community. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Mr. Bellin was consistently recognized by his peers as one of the nation's top corporate lawyers, ranked highly in both Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. His recognition reflected his outstanding work and commitment to the spirit of the legal profession, his knowledge of the law, professional work ethic and unwavering advocacy on behalf of his clients. He was a member of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Wisconsin, where he served as chair of its Business Law Section, and chair of the Revisions of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law Subcommittee.