1. Home
  2. Our People
  3. Shawn E. Lovell

As a shareholder in Reinhart’s Litigation Practice, Shawn Lovell excels at planning for the unexpected, nimble thinking and finding creative ways to tackle new challenges for his clients.

Shawn is a member of the firm’s property tax litigation team – the largest property tax litigation practice in Wisconsin. He primarily handles property tax disputes but is also experienced in litigating real estate issues involving commercial leasing, evictions and contractual disputes. Shawn is tenacious in helping clients resolve disputes with various taxing authorities, including property tax, personal property tax and room tax. He provides legal representation to a wide range of clients, from individuals to Fortune 50 companies.

Shawn inspires confidence from his clients, and his background as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps contributes to his disciplined, professional approach. He successfully defended more than 100 Marines facing criminal charges involving drugs, theft, sexual assault and murder. Shawn continues to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve with the Third Civil Affairs Group.

He views each client’s case as a unique opportunity to find a solution and devotes to each matter the full attention it deserves—regardless of size or complexity. His ability to plan and anticipate – and pivot quickly when necessary – makes him an effective legal partner.

Shawn spends most of his free time with his three young children and wife, and he enjoys duck hunting and staying fit.

Education

  • J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
  • B.A., magna cum laude, University of Dayton

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for Armed Forces

Matters

  • Secured millions of dollars in property tax refunds and savings for clients
  • Negotiated an $11 million reduction in the property tax assessment of an apartment complex
  • Secured a $3 million reduction in a property tax assessment during a Board of Review Hearing
  • Obtained a nearly $2.7 million judgment for a client who became victim of fraudulent real estate transactions carried out by a company and its employees
  • Obtained a $4.9 million judgment against a company and individual involved in selling counterfeit medical gloves during the pandemic
  • Secured a court order for more than $600,000 in restitution payments to client from defendants due to fraud
  • Negotiated a 40 percent reduction in the assessed value for a commercial property
  • Negotiated a 55 percent reduction in the assessed value for a residential property
  • Successfully enforced the full repayment of several loan agreements breached by the signatories
  • Efficiently resolved landlord-tenant disputes resulting in the eviction of various commercial and residential tenants, several bringing about the repayment of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid rent
  • Following summary judgment briefing, the opposing counsel agreed to enter a stipulation for a $500,000 judgment against a buyer who breached a purchase agreement
  • Obtained preliminary injunction preventing a municipality from revoking a client’s liquor license and room tax permits
  • Extensive experience defending resort clients facing room tax audits and alleged deficiencies in room tax allocations and collections
  • Represents portfolios of Wisconsin properties for numerous Wisconsin businesses and property owners

Honors & Affiliations

Honors

  • American Bar Association Distinguished Service Award
  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
  • Commandant of Marine Corps Award for Excellence in Legal Assistance
Affiliations
  • Major, U.S. Marine Corps Reserves
  • Housing Initiatives Inc. (former Board of Directors)
  • Veterans Law Center – University of Wisconsin Law School Clinic (Volunteer Attorney)
  • Lawyering Skills Course – University of Wisconsin Law School (Guest Faculty)
  • Wisconsin State and Local Tax Club
  • Institute of Professionals in Taxation
  • Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association
  • Dane County Bar Association

News & Insights