$ 300-400 per hour
William D. Block
About William
Biography
My practice focuses on estate planning and probate, helping clients navigate through will and trust planning, probate court, powers of attorney, and everything in between. As much as possible, I help my clients and their families avoid conflicts through comprehensive estate planning, probate-avoidance techniques, powers of attorney, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. I believe that preventative measures are always better than trying to fix a problem after it happens. That's not always possible, though. For situations where a conflict cannot be avoided, my approach is to limit emotionally draining and expensive legal battles to the extent possible while still fighting for you to make sure your interests are protected.
Before opening my own practice, I worked at several other firms, including a small family-owned office, a medium-sized multi-attorney general practice firm, and high-end firm on the top floor of an office building in downtown Milwaukee. I learned a lot from each of these experiences and was motivated by the successes of those I worked with to venture out and design a business that matched my own vision.
I received my law degree from Marquette University Law School in 2010. I focused my legal education on estate planning, dispute resolution, mediation, and restorative justice. While at Marquette, I founded and served as the President of the Restorative Justice Society. I also served on the boards of the Alternate Dispute Resolution Society and the Client Skills Board. I was inducted into the Pro Bono Society with high honors for outstanding volunteer involvement with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and the Milwaukee Foreclosure Mediation Program. I also mediated small claims disputes at the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
I received my undergraduate degree from Marquette University in 2005 with a triple major in English Composition, Philosophy, and Comparative Theology. I live in Wauwatosa with my wife and three children.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
20%
16 years
Power of Attorney
20%
16 years
Probate
20%
14 years
Trusts
20%
16 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 15 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
Block Legal Services, LLC
2505 North 124th Street, Suite 106, Brookfield, WI, 53005
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William D. Block's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sean | October 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Marital property agreement
I was going to get married and had some questions regarding a prenup. William seemed very knowledgeable and sincere in helping to educated me through the process. I decided to hire him because of the comfort I felt in him having my best interest in mind. He offered personalized care in setting up the...
Posted by Katie | July 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Good
Mr. Block provided my family with comprehensive estate planning services. He was prompt when responding to inquiries, and very thorough when explaining our options and the meaning of documents. I would recommend him to anyone needing assistance with their estate planning.
Posted by Jessica | July 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Poor Representation
My interests were adversely affected by Attorney Block’s inattention to detail, lack of promptness, and negligence. Even when my interests were not affected in substance, his unreasonable delay and inattention to legal matters caused me needless anxiety and undermined my confidence in his trustwort...
William Block
Replied last July 21, 2016It saddens me that a client of mine has been less than completely satisfied with my representation. In this particular case, I brought this client's matter to trial and won, defeating a counter motion in the process and getting a ruling from the judge setting a precedent that will make future litigation in the matter unlikely. None of the issues mentioned here were raised during the representation, when I could have addressed them or changed the course or style of representation. Had I known of this client's unease or displeasure, I would have tailored the nature and frequency of my communications with her to make sure that she felt more comfortable and informed, or changed the course of the litigation to meet her changing concerns. These issues were only raised after the trial had been completed when the final bill became due. I have communicated directly with this client about her dissatisfaction and have tried to offer her options to address her problems, but she has been unwilling to work with me in any sort of way. I truly regret that this case ended the way it did. I like this client and enjoyed representing her, and I was thrilled at the excellent result we were able to get at trial.
Posted by Amy | March 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Quick and Thorough
William was very willing to help us out when one of our relatives passed. We don't live in WI and he made everything very easy and was extremely helpful in interpreting laws and codes into layman's terms.
Posted by Michael | February 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommended
Will did an excellent job of first identifying our estate planning needs. He then clearly laid out our options in simple terms. The whole process was very smooth. At signing, he made what had once seemed like difficult decisions much easier to make. I highly recommend his practice.
William D. Block's Lawyer Endorsements
"Will and I were co-presenters at a CE/CLE course through the National Business Institute (NBI). Will was very knowledgeable, well organized, personable and truly a pleasure to work with! I would recommend him without hesitation."
"I not only know Will but I chose him to do my personal Estate Planning. As a colleague and a counselor, Will is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and demonstrates integrity."
"Attorney Block and I were opposing counsel on a divorce. Throughout the case, he was always prompt and professional. I would have no hesitation referring clients to Attorney Block for any estate planning or family law matter."
"Attorney Block is knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. I have no hesitation endorsing this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Will is an excellent attorney. I know him personally and professionally. I have referred several people to him. He has a great working knowledge of the law. He cares about his clients and goes above-and-beyond to help them achieve their personal goals."
"I endorse this lawyer. Although he is a relatively young lawyer, Mr. Block has had the experience necessary to become a good estate planning lawyer, and will serve clients well in this practice area."
"I've known Will for eight years having met him in law school at Marquette University. He is a competent and effective attorney with a well-developed skill set in estate planning and family law. I admire his honest and direct approach to the practice of law."
"I endorse this lawyer. I went to law school with William. He is very hard working and intelligent."
Trevor Lippman
Lawsuits and disputes lawyer
Patricia Padurean
Family lawyer
Margaret Murphy
Family lawyer
Dera Johnsen-Tracy
Trusts lawyer
Courtney Kelbel
Debt settlement lawyer
Experience
Honors
2010
Pro Bono High Honors, Marquette University Law School
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Of Counsel, Stippich, Selin and Cain, LLC
2015 - Present
Owner, Block Legal Services, LLC
2015 - 2015
Associate Attorney, Becker, Hickey & Poster, S.C.
2012 - 2015
Associate Attorney, The Law Offices of Mark S. Knutson, S.C.
2011 - 2012
Attorney, Hudson Legal
2010 - 2011
Associate Attorney, Storm, Balgeman, Miller & Klippel, S.C.
Associations
2017 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Waukesha County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Real Property, Trust and Estate Law SectionMember
2010 - Present
Milwaukee Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2020
Collaborative Family Law Council of WisconsinMember
2014 - 2016
Divorce Cooperation InstituteMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Family Trying to Cut Out Beneficiary
Successful settlement payment to my client
Education
2010
Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Marquette University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Trusts from A to Z
What Are Trusts; Testamentary and Revocable Trusts; Legal Ethics
2017
Legal Ethics in Estate Planning
Legal Ethics in Estate Planning
2016
Trusts from A to Z (Pewaukee, WI)
Legal Ethics
2016
Trusts from A to Z (Pewaukee, WI)
Simple Testamentary Trusts and Revocable Living Trusts
2016
Trusts from A to Z (Pewaukee, WI)
Main Trust Principles
2016
Trusts from A to Z (Middleton, WI)
Legal Ethics
2016
Trusts from A to Z (Middleton, WI)
Simple Testamentary Trusts and Revocable Living Trusts
2016
Trusts From A to Z (Middleton, WI)
Main Trust Principles
2016
Probate for Paralegals
Understanding the Laws of Intestate Succession
2016
Probate for Paralegals
How to Prepare and File the Inventory
2016
Probate for Paralegals
Ethical Perils in the Probate Practice
2016
Estate Planning and Administration: The Complete Guide
Post-Mortem Tax Planning Options
2016
Estate Planning and Administration: The Complete Guide
Transfers During Life and Inter-Vivos Trusts
2015
Probate Boot Camp 2015
Closing the Estate
2015
Probate Boot Camp 2015
Probating Insolvent and Bankrupt Estates
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My mother had a burial plot with my step father. She passed. She was cremated. What can I do with her plot? No estate.
27 Aug 2019
Q&A
Common law?
28 Aug 2019
Q&A
Do I need to file paperwork with the Probate Court?
29 Aug 2019