John A Herbers

John A. Herbers

Shareholder

Milwaukee
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John Herbers has spent decades helping families navigate the relational and legal matters associated with estate planning. As a shareholder and former chair of Reinhart's Trust and Estates Practice, and a member of its Tax and Corporate Law practices, he has worked with hundreds of families and family-owned businesses in Wisconsin and Florida to address the legal, financial, tax and emotional issues that come into play.

His work includes retirement planning, marital and prenuptial agreements, probate and trust administration, fiduciary litigation and charitable giving. John's clients are owners and operators of family businesses, professionals and executives of large companies, and high-net-worth individuals.

He understands that clients have concerns deeper than just who gets what, they also want to ensure their personal values are carried on to their children and grandchildren. John's ability to emotionally connect with clients, understand family dynamics and discern their dreams for the future helps him move beyond the transactional to become a trusted adviser. He measures success by helping families work better together and takes pride in the fact that he has frequently assisted two, three and in some cases, four generations of the same family.

As the son of a business owner, John knows first-hand the challenges associated with family-owned businesses. He excels in explaining complex issues in understandable language. His approachable, straightforward style puts clients at ease as he works to help them achieve their goals.

John is especially passionate about supporting his community, staying active in parish-related philanthropy, supporting local schools and hospitals, and serving on the executive board of the local Boy Scouts of America Council.

In his free time, John enjoys cycling, reading and spending time with family, especially since welcoming his first grandchild.

Education

  • J.D., with honors, Boston College Law School
  • B.S., Georgetown University (Foreign Service)

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin | Florida

Court Admissions

  • United States Tax Court

Languages

Russian

Practices
Services

Matters

  • John practices extensively throughout southeastern Wisconsin and Florida, advising clients in their estate planning, family business succession planning and probate and trust administration process.
  • John has guided many families through contentious family litigation (will contests, trust contests, guardianships, etc.) to successful outcomes.
  • John has also represented many families in successful audits of gift, estate and fiduciary income tax matters before the IRS and state departments of revenue.

Honors & Affiliations

Honors

  • Chambers' High Net Worth recognition as a leader in his field for Private Wealth Law (since the inception of the list in 2017)
  • Best Lawyers in America, Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Tax Law; Trusts and Estates (2003-present)
  • Best Lawyers in America, "Lawyer of the Year" - Litigation, Trusts and Estates (2017, 2021)
  • Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
  • Five-Star Professional (2009-2021)
  • Five-Star Professional Estate Planning Lawyer of the Year (2014, 2016-2017)
  • Five-Star Professional Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager Manager™ (2009)
  • Selected for inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers (since 2005)
Affiliations
  • Board Member, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin (2018)
  • Archdiocese of Milwaukee Catholic Community Foundation (Past Board member)
  • Chairman of the Board, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (2017-present)
  • Chair, Board of Trustees, Milwaukee Boy Scout Fund
  • Member, Executive Board, Three Harbors Council, Boy Scouts of America
  • Member, Planned Giving Council, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
  • Member, Planned Giving Council, Marquette U. High School
  • Chair, Probate Practice and Procedure Section, Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Member, Planning Committee, Milwaukee Mid-Winter Estate Planning Clinic
  • President, Milwaukee Estate Counselors’ Forum
  • Member, Jesuit Partnership Council, Midwest Jesuits
  • Member, Investment Committee, St. Monica Congregation, Whitefish Bay, WI
  • Member, Finance Council, St. Monica Congregation, Whitefish Bay, WI
  • Member, Milwaukee Bar Association

News & Insights

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Presentations

  • "A Primer on How Bankruptcy Affects Trusts," Milwaukee Mid-Winter Estate Planning Clinic (February 2016)

Publications