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Nelson W. Donovan has spent a lifetime talking to audiences. First as a military aviation instructor and more recently, about the importance of estate planning, tailoring plans for his clients, and writing on this subject. Nelson is also a JAG attorney for the US Army Reserves.
Nelson’s experience as a wartime aviator, military instructor pilot, and airline captain, offers our clients steady precision. He acquired his fiscal savvy from his time as a licensed financial advisor, and an ethical outlook working for the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s Office of Lawyer Regulation.
A UW Law School graduate, Nelson integrates his extensive professional experience for the benefit of our clients. Nelson comes from a long family history of professionals trained at the UW, going back to 1890.
Nelson lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his family.
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Chat withState: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2010
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440 Science Dr, Suite 101, Madison, WI, 53711
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mark | December 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney
What a great attorney! He explained everything to us in plain English, no legal jargon. He took the time to understand our goals and our family situation. He was friendly, thorough, and very knowledgeable. We are confident that should anything happen to us, our trust will take care of our family the ...
Posted by Sherry | December 4, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I first met with Mr Donovan this fall to discuss my estate planning. This is something a person dreads doing, but Nelson was very understanding and put me at ease from the introduction on. He thoroughly explained processes, answered all questions, took the time needed, and was detail oriented. I also...
"Nelson is in extremely capable attorney. He makes the complex simple and provides excellent advice and follow through for all his clients."
"Nelson is a progressive thinking lawyer, often ahead of the times thinking about what the client needs and how to make the estate planning process easier for the client. He's easy to work with and knowledgeable."
"I would not hesitate in hiring Nelson and his legal team for any estate planning needs. Nelson Donovan is a true counselor and advocate for his clients. He puts the clients needs first and above everything - he is efficient, knowledgeable and diligent in protection his clients, their families and business. If you learn more about him you will find that he is a good human who serves not only his clients but his community in general - I believe this speaks volumes to the kind of person and attorney Nelson is and would not hesitate referring him to family, clients and friends."
"I endorse this lawyer. Nelson completely understands the intricacies and nuances of complex planning while still being open to basic and moderate planning. We work together on a national stage where we share insights in live 2 days sessions to better serve our clients. Nelson is a valuable contributor and someone i turn to for his thoughts and opinions."
"Nelson is without a doubt a very compassionate and driven attorney. I've had the privilege of working with him in a professional setting as a fellow attorney on several occasions over the last year. He is thoughtful, well versed in the law, and adept at working with clients to establish an estate plan based on their particularized needs. I recommend Nelson without hesitation for all of your estate planning and elder law needs."
"Nelson is a top notch estate and elder lawyer, and I recommend him highly. He understands his client's needs, communicates in a way they can understand, and works zealously on their behalf."
"Nelson is very knowledgeable and solution oriented. He is quick to smile and calm a client's worries. Also was very impressed with his presenting style. Nelson is a fantastic attorney that I would endorse."
"Nelson really gets estate planning! He is an engaging personality and riveting speaker. With his military and financial background, he can accomplish for his clients what most attorneys rarely do: a plan that makes sense and is executed flawlessly."
"I recommend Mr. Donovan to anyone seeking an ethical and personable attorney who puts clients first. His experience as a financial advisor brings a unique skillset to his estate planning practice. When my own clients need estate planning advice in WI, I happily refer them to Mr. Donovan."
"I have known Nelson for over 11 years. We attended law school together at the University of Wisconsin and regularly speak about our respective law practices. Prior to becoming an attorney, Nelson had a distinguished career as an Army Blackhawk pilot and a commercial airline pilot. He brings the same keen mind, sense of duty and loyalty, and obsession to detail to his estate planning practice that made him a successful aviator. Conscientious, good-natured and relatable, Nelson has my strongest endorsement. He is an extremely capable and competent attorney who will take excellent care of you."
"I have known Nelson since law school, and he is a high-performance individual who always expects results of himself. He has extensive experience working in and with large organizations, including government bureaucracies, and he is adept at navigating them to find benefits and advantages therein. He is also very good at relating to many different kinds of people, and he can easily understand their goals and motivations."
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
1988
Distinguished Honor Graduate Rotary Wing Aviator Course, United States Army Aviation Center and School
2014 - Present
Managing Attorney, Estate Law Partners, LLC
2010 - Present
Attorney, US Army JAG Corps
2016 - Present
James E. Doyle American Inn of CourtMember
2015 - Present
Madison Estate CouncilMember
2014 - Present
WealthCounselMember
2010 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Dane County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2016
Capital Off Road Pathfinders - IMBAPresident
Achieved significant tax savings for the beneficiaries upon passing of M.B.K.
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BS - Business Administration
2019
Protecting Your Assets From the Government and Nursing Home Costs
2019
Planning for Blended Families
2019
The Intersection of Estate Planning and Divorce
2019
The Ins and Outs of Heirloom Properties
2019
Grantor Trusts - What Are They and When Should You Use Them
2018
Estate Planning and Probate Avoidance
2018
Basics of Estate Planning for Business Owners, Part Two
2018
Basics of Estate Planning for Business Owners, Part One
2018
Incapacity Planning
2018
Clark v. Rameker & SRT Planning
2015
What does it mean to be a Trustee?
2014
Retirement Plan Protective Trusts
2017
English
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