Lawrence E. Bechler 33 East Main Street
Suite 500
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
| phone | (608) 268-5601 |
| fax | (608) 257-4333 |
| lbechler@murphydesmond.com | |
A Wisconsin practitioner since 1977 and a shareholder in Murphy Desmond S.C., Mr. Bechler's practice emphasizes municipal, probate and property tax law. Mr. Bechler currently serves as co-chair of the firm's Municipal Law Practice Group.
He has substantial experience in representing both municipal governments and citizens in their relationship with governments in such areas as land use, subdivision, zoning, property tax and economic development law.
Mr. Bechler has a solid background in all aspects of estate planning and probate, as well as real estate development. In addition, he has considerable experience in civil and appellate litigation.
Mr. Bechler is recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer, one of the Top 50 Wisconsin Super Lawyers, one of the Top 25 Madison Super Lawyers, one of the Best Lawyers in America as well as in Who's Who in American Law and Who's Who in America.
- Areas of Practice:
- Estate Planning and Probate
- Municipal Law
- Real Estate, Land Use & Construction
- Property Tax Law
- Bar Admissions:
- Wisconsin, 1977
- U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 1977
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1979
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1979
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1997
- Classes/Seminars Taught:
- Instructor, Real Estate Law and Probate Law, General Practice Course, University of Wisconsin Law, 1989
- Lecturer: "Property Tax Law in Wisconsin", National Business Institute, 1995 - 1996, 1999 - 2003
- Lecturer: "New Developments in Wisconsin Impact Fee Law", State Bar of Wisconsin (2007) and League of Wisconsin Municipalities (2007)
- Author and Lecturer: "The New World of Prevailing Wage Requirements for Local Governments", State Bar CLE Seminar (2010) and League of Wisconsin Municipalities (2009)
- Honors and Awards:
- Recognized by, The Best Lawyers in America - Municipal Law
- Recognized by, Who's Who in America
- Recognized by, Wisconsin Super Lawyers - Property Tax Law
- Education:
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin,
1977
J.D. - The Ohio State University,
1974
M.A. - The Ohio State University,
1972
B.A.
Honors: With Distinction
- Professional Associations and Memberships:
- American Bar Association
- Member
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Member, Convention and Entertainment Committee, 1979-1983
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Board of Directors, Administrative & Local Government Law Section
- 2003 - 2009; Vice President 2006 - 2007; President 2007 - 2008
- State Bar of Wisconsin
- Section Leaders Council, 2007 - 2009
- Dane County Bar Association
- Member
- American Judicature Society
- Member
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities - Attorneys Section
- Secretary, 2011-
- International Municipal Lawyers Association
- Member
- Madison Solid Waste Advisory Committee, 1992 - 1993
- Member
- Wisconsin Joint Legislative Council, 2002 - 2003
- Member, Special Committee on Recodification of Town Highway Law
- Madison Board of Water Commissioners
- Member 1983 - 1999; Vice President 1986 - 1992; President 1992 - 1999
- Madison Repertory Theatre
- Board of Directors, 2008 - 2009
- Madison Savoyards, Ltd.
- Board of Directors, 2010-
- Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
- Board of Directors, 2010-
- Published Works:
- "Property Tax Law in Wisconsin", National Business Institute, 1995-1996; 1999-2003
- "The Importance of the Recent Recodification of Town Highway Law", Administrative & Local Government News No. 58 (October 2004)
- "2005 Wis. Act 81 and Elimination of Nonconforming Uses", Administrative & Local Government News No. 61 (April 2006)
- "Supreme Court Defines Special Assessment Standards", Administrative and Local Government News No. 62 (December 2006)
