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John Andrew Horn

also known as John Horn
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Avvo Rating10
  • Madison, WI
  • Licensed for 29 years
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John Andrew Horn
John Andrew Horn
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About John

 

Attorney John Horn is a shareholder and co-founder of Horn & Johnsen SC.  Mr. Horn earned a doctorate of law in 1991 and is a highly experienced attorney in his 26th year as a member of the Wisconsin Bar. He has assisted hundreds of families in Estate Planning, including business work and real estate law. 

 

Mr. Horn graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1991. Thereafter, he served a two-year tenure in the judiciary as court commissioner for the Marathon County, Wisconsin Circuit Court.  He also wrote several prominent judicial opinions under the direction of (now) Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley.   Justice Bradley wrote:  “John’s dedication shows.  He meets the challenges with quality.  He has keen insight into developing legal issues.” 

 

In 1993, Mr. Horn began private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. His Clientele includes many prominent persons and businesses. Mr. Horn has written several major appeals, two of which were ordered by the court to be published, an honor reserved only for cases that are deemed significant in their effects on Wisconsin law. 

 

 

Since 1998, Mr. Horn has dedicated his practice to estate planning. This involves, Trust-based planning, Will-based planning, probate, guardianship, and trust administration. Mr. Horn’s experience is broad-based and substantial. His clients range from successful Mom and Pop business owners to multi-millionaires requiring advanced estate planning techniques. His work allows peace of mind to the elder client, and ease to the elder’s family and survivors. Whether the goal is to avoid probate, save estate taxes or navigate an elder law emergency, Mr. Horn has wisdom and experience to help and guide his clients.

 

Mr. Horn is a frequent speaker at estate planning workshops throughout Southern Wisconsin.  He has also appeared as guest on local radio shows hosted by financial advisors.  Mr. Horn appears quarterly as a featured guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Medical school.  He also teaches continuing legal education courses at the State Bar of  Wisconsin.

 

Mr. Horn enjoys charitable and pro bono work, often working weekends with low-income elders needing legal basics at no charge. 

 

Mr. Horn participates in back-country and mountain hiking.  He shares his home with a hyperactive German Sheppard Dog. He spoke five languages, but has forgotten all but two.  Above all, he is thankful or his lovely wife and daughter.

Practice areas

Real estateBusinessEstate planning
  1. Estate planning: 75%

    Trust and Will-Based Estate Planning; Medicaid Asset Protection Trust planning; And, Other Complex Trusts, including Special Needs Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, etc. Estate Settlement and Guardianship

    30 years

  2. Business: 20%

    Business Succession Planning; And Business Transactions (e.g. buy, sell, merge) and Business Start-up.

    30 years

  3. Real estate: 5%

    Residential Sales and Purchases; Land Contracts; Commercial Sales and Purchases, and Sec. 1031 exchanges

    30 years

Languages spoken

English, Spanish, Thai

Photos and videos

1521602 1428943802

1521602 1428943873

1521602 1428944066

1521602 1428944092

Contact

8446 Excelsior Drive, Suite 102
address map

Horn & Johnsen SC

8446 Excelsior Drive, Suite 102
Madison, WI, 53717

Website
http://www.hornjohnsen.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WIGood Standing199111/18/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Client's ChoiceAvvo2017
Client Distinction AwardMartindale-Hubbell2016
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
President & PartnerHorn & Johnsen SC2013 - Present
PresidentHorn Law Firm, S.C.2006 - 2013
Associate AttorneyWyngaard Law Offices, LLC1999 - 2005
Associate AttorneyWyngaard & Wilson1993 - 1999
Judicial Court Commissioner (Magistrate)Marathon County Courts1991 - 1993
Staff AttorneyWisconsin Lottery1991 - 1991
Law ClerkWisconsin Department of Justice1990 - 1991
Law ClerkMcManus and Sieg, S.C.1989 - 1989
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Verona Chamber of CommerceMember2013 - Present
RainmakersSecretary2012 - Present
Madison Estate Planning CouncilMember2011 - Present
NAEPCMember2011 - Present
Wisconsin ForumMember2008 - Present
BNI Badger ChapterPast President2007 - Present
WealthCounselMember2006 - Present
State Bar of WisconsinMember1991 - Present
Probate and Trust Law State Bar SectionsMember1991 - Present
Business Law State Bar SectionMember1991 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AAII JournalAvoid the Top 10 Mistakes Made with Beneficiary Designations2014
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
U Of WisconsinJD - Juris Doctor1991
University of Wisconsin, MadisonBA - Bachelor of Arts1986
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
WebcastAvoid the Top 10 Mistakes Made with Beneficiary Designations2015
Ready, Set, RetirementEstate Planning2015
Prepaid Funeral Plans and Medicaid -- What You Need to Know!Funeral Trusts and Medicaid Planning2015
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Inc. VS Morgan McCabeAffirmed trial court ruling that Morgan was responsible for Jean's medical bills.
Jack McManus, PR Estate of Dorothy McManus v. Wisconsin Department of RevenueUpheld
Eileen M. Kitzerow v. Don Simon, Inc.Reversal of trial court decision

Reviews

(52)
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Review John Horn

Estate Plan and Real Estate Land Contract Pro

Posted by

Fast, efficient, expert opinion and astute recommendations were much appreciated. All of my questions were answered in a direct and concise manner. Pretty sure I was able to avoid potential legal issues with John’s advice. The office staff were friendly and very helpful. Easy office to find and lots of parking spaces. No downtown hassles.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Estate Planning

Posted by

We met with John Horn recently to update our estate plan, which we had originally worked with him on. Super easy, friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to create a living trust or estate plan.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

John Horn

Posted by

John was incredibly thorough and knowledgeable of all issues during our estate planning process while also explaining the content in an easy to understand way. Highly recommended.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Lawyer review

Posted by

We hired John to create our Living Trust. He was organized, professional, honest, well prepared and very thorough. Highly recommended.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional estate planning

Posted by

We have been working with John for over 10 years and he has been nothing short of a pleasure to work with. Couldn’t recommend him enough for estate planning services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Estate plan excellence

Posted by

John listened carefully to my needs, communicated clearly, and crafted an estate plan specifically matched to my situation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding Experience!

Posted by

My wife and I recently worked with Attorney John Horn to set up our family Trust. We have 6 kids and so it is very important to us that we plan well for our future. John took the time to explain all the aspects of the nuances of the trust and provided insight as to why he was setting it up that way based on his lengthy career. We felt informed and well taken care of. His staff did an outstanding job as well. We couldn't recommend him and his team highly enough!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Good experience

Posted by

John was easy to work with, very willing to explain things along the way, and the price felt right for the work.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

estate planning

Posted by

My husband and I are in our early 30s & never thought to set a plan in place for our children and families upon our demise. That was until tragedy struck close to home & families were fighting over custody of small children. We were referred to John & couldn't be happier for the referral! He was very easy to work with, and extremely thorough. There were some extraordinary circumstances to the trust that we built for our children, and John knew exactly how to handle them! I'm sure we will never stop worrying about our children's futures, but we can rest easy knowing that they're taken care of when we go - and that's entirely thanks to John!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Estate Planning Services

Posted by

My wife and I recently completed our estate planning with John, and we could not be happier. We knew less than nothing about wills, trusts, etc. when we started the process, but John and his paralegal held our hands every step of the way. Setting up an estate is a difficult subject, but we felt comfortable throughout, and are happy to have plans in place now.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(9)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Mark Borns, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 12, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. John is very skilled, prompt, and fair in his billing. He is really at the top of the profession.

Ryan Seib

John Horn possesses an uncommon zeal to create powerful legal contracts for clients. His work stands the test of time and forces all grey areas out of documents. He is meticulous and detail oriented in his approach to law practice. His estate planning is work is especially unparalleled.

David Kowalski, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 9, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I was involved in a complex estate/family matter with John, and found his rapport with clients to be caring and attentive. His legal work was also meticulous, practical, and most of all, clearly accomplished the goal his client wished to achieve. I highly recommend him.

Sarah Zylstra, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 9, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I worked with John on a few matters now and have always found him to be knowledgeable and professional. He is proactive and practical.

Jeffrey Schneider, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. John is very knowledgeable about estate planning matters. I understand that he spends a lot of time with and provides excellent service to his clients.

Jessica Zerbst, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 26, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. As an attorney, I could have and have previously drafted my own estate plan but after hearing John speak about his services, I decided to hire him to prepare my estate plan for me. I was very impressed with his thoughfulness and the questions that he made me answer by ensuring I was making good decisions. I would highly recommend John for anyone who is looking to have an estate plan done right.

Megan Phillips, Estate planning Attorney on May 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have worked with John on many estate planning and real estate cases. Therefore, I can personally vouch for his exceptional skill as an attorney, and his unfailing efforts to find creative solutions to complex problems. I also want to recognize John for his truly unique skill of attending to the personal needs of each and every client. He is a rare lawyer in that he listens to the client carefully and has the capacity to connect personally with real people, on their terms and at their level. He is a person who will go above and beyond the call of duty to be sure his client is tended to in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. I could not possibly recommend him more highly. Hats off, John.

Bob Kasieta, Trusts Attorney on May 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is careful, conscientious, smart, and compassionate. A great trusts, estates, and probate lawyer! We are lucky to have him in Madison.

Dera Johnsen-Tracy, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 12, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have worked with John over the past 10 years on many legal matters, particularly in the areas of Medical Assistance planning and other estate planning issues. He is always extremely professional, knowledgeable, and very pleasant to do business with. I would recommend John without hesitation.