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
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
Business Succession Planning; And Business Transactions (e.g. buy, sell, merge) and Business Start-up.
30 years
Residential Sales and Purchases; Land Contracts; Commercial Sales and Purchases, and Sec. 1031 exchanges
30 years
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, Thai
Horn & Johnsen SC
8446 Excelsior Drive, Suite 102
Madison, WI, 53717
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WI | Good Standing | 1991 | 11/18/2020 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2017 |
Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2016 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President & Partner | Horn & Johnsen SC | 2013 - Present |
President | Horn Law Firm, S.C. | 2006 - 2013 |
Associate Attorney | Wyngaard Law Offices, LLC | 1999 - 2005 |
Associate Attorney | Wyngaard & Wilson | 1993 - 1999 |
Judicial Court Commissioner (Magistrate) | Marathon County Courts | 1991 - 1993 |
Staff Attorney | Wisconsin Lottery | 1991 - 1991 |
---|---|---|
Law Clerk | Wisconsin Department of Justice | 1990 - 1991 |
Law Clerk | McManus and Sieg, S.C. | 1989 - 1989 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Verona Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2013 - Present |
Rainmakers | Secretary | 2012 - Present |
Madison Estate Planning Council | Member | 2011 - Present |
NAEPC | Member | 2011 - Present |
Wisconsin Forum | Member | 2008 - Present |
BNI Badger Chapter | Past President | 2007 - Present |
---|---|---|
WealthCounsel | Member | 2006 - Present |
State Bar of Wisconsin | Member | 1991 - Present |
Probate and Trust Law State Bar Sections | Member | 1991 - Present |
Business Law State Bar Section | Member | 1991 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
AAII Journal | Avoid the Top 10 Mistakes Made with Beneficiary Designations | 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
U Of Wisconsin | JD - Juris Doctor | 1991 |
University of Wisconsin, Madison | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1986 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Webcast | Avoid the Top 10 Mistakes Made with Beneficiary Designations | 2015 |
Ready, Set, Retirement | Estate Planning | 2015 |
Prepaid Funeral Plans and Medicaid -- What You Need to Know! | Funeral Trusts and Medicaid Planning | 2015 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Inc. VS Morgan McCabe | Affirmed trial court ruling that Morgan was responsible for Jean's medical bills. |
Jack McManus, PR Estate of Dorothy McManus v. Wisconsin Department of Revenue | Upheld |
Eileen M. Kitzerow v. Don Simon, Inc. | Reversal of trial court decision |
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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.
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.