Lawrence E. Bechler, Emeritus
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(608) 268-5601 -
(608) 257-2508
Print PDFLawrence E. Bechler, Emeritus
Attorney Larry Bechler retired effective April 1, 2024, after a legal career that began in 1977. He remains with the firm as an Emeritus Attorney.
Larry's clients may contact the following attorneys for their legal matters:
Municipal Law - Matt Fleming, Bill Morgan
Estate Planning - Jake Joling, Gretchen Burgess, Julie Brock
Municipal law was the focus of Larry's practice, where he served local municipalities in a wide range of issues. In addition, Larry represented citizens in their relationship with governments. He served clients in legal matters involving land use, subdivisions, zoning, property taxes, and economic development.
Larry also served clients in estate planning, probate, real estate development, and litigation.
Larry consistently received recognition and awards for his legal abilities. He has been on lists for Best Lawyers in America since 2007. He was named "Municipal Lawyer of the Year-Madison" in 2024, 2019, 2017 and 2012, and "Litigation-Municipal Lawyer of the Year-Madison" in 2022, 2018 and 2016 by Best Lawyers. In 2016, Larry was elected a Member of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (only 1% of lawyers in each jurisdiction are eligible), and he was inducted into the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation in 2017. In addition, Larry has consistently been included on lists for Wisconsin Super Lawyers, including being named a "Top 50 Wisconsin" Super Lawyer and "Top 25 Madison" Wisconsin Super Lawyer. Larry is rated AV (top rating) by Martindale-Hubbell, 10.0 "Superb" on Avvo.com, and included in Who's Who in American Law and Who's Who in America.
Larry's retirement plans include travel, time with family, and involvement in the Madison community through his many interests including the arts.
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Wisconsin, 1977
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1997
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1979
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1979
- U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin, 1977
EDUCATION
- University of Wisconsin, 1977, J.D.
- Ohio State University, 1972, B.A.
Honors: With Distinction - Ohio State University, 1974, M.A.
Awards & Recognition
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- Best Lawyers in America, Litigation-Municipal (2007 - Present)
- Featured in 2018 Wisconsin Super Lawyers magazine, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" (December 2018)
- Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation (2017)
- Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, Wisconsin (2016)
- Rated 10.0 "Superb" on Avvo.com
- Madison Lawyer of the Year-Municipal Litigation, Best Lawyers in America (2016, 2018, 2022)
- Madison Lawyer of the Year - Municipal Law, Best Lawyers in America (2024, 2019, 2017, 2012)
- Wisconsin Super Lawyers - State/Local/Municipal Law (2007 - Present)
- Best Lawyers in America, Municipal Law (2007 - Present)
- Who's Who in America
Associations and Memberships
- Madison Opera, Board of Directors (2023)
- American Bar Association, Member
- Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, Board of Directors (2010 - 2023); Treasurer (2017 - 2023)
- Madison Savoyards, Ltd., Board of Directors (2010 - 2019)
- Madison Repertory Theatre, Board of Directors (2008 - 2009)
- Madison Board of Water Commissioners, Member (1983 - 1999); Vice President (1986 - 1992); President (1992 - 1999)
- Wisconsin Joint Legislative Council, Member, Special Committee on Recodification of Town Highway Law (2002-2003)
- International Municipal Lawyers Association, Member
- Madison Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Member (1992-1993)
- League of Wisconsin Municipalities - Attorneys Section, Secretary, (2011-2012); President (2012-2013)
- Dane County Bar Association, Member
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Section Leaders Council (2007 - 2008)
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Board of Directors, Administrative & Local Government Law Section, (2003 - 2009); Vice President, (2006 - 2007); President, (2007 - 2008)
- American Bar Association, State and Local Government Law Section, Committee Coordinator (2014 - 2015); Publications Director (2017 - 2021); Content Coordinator (2021 - 2023)
- State Bar of Wisconsin, Member, Convention and Entertainment Committee (1979-1983)
Published Works
- Urban Agriculture, Co-author, Published by the Section of State and Local Government Law, American Bar Association, 2015
- "Supreme Court Defines Special Assessment Standards", Administrative and Local Government News No. 62 (December 2006)
- "2005 Wis. Act 81 and Elimination of Nonconforming Uses", Administrative & Local Government News No. 61 (April 2006)
- "The Importance of the Recent Recodification of Town Highway Law", Administrative & Local Government News No. 58 (October 2004)
- "Property Tax Law in Wisconsin", National Business Institute, (1995-1996); (1999-2003)
Classes/Seminars Taught
- Author and Lecturer: "The New World of Prevailing Wage Requirements for Local Governments", State Bar CLE Seminar (2010) and League of Wisconsin Municipalities (2009)
- Lecturer: "New Developments in Wisconsin Impact Fee Law", State Bar of Wisconsin (2007) and League of Wisconsin Municipalities (2007)
- Lecturer: "Property Tax Law in Wisconsin", National Business Institute, (1995 - 1996), (1999 - 2003)
- Instructor, Real Estate Law and Probate Law, General Practice Course, University of Wisconsin Law, (1989)
- Lecturer: Review of Wisconsin Administrative Determinations: Chapters 68 and 227, League of Wisconsin Municipalities ((2013))
