Attorney Walter Stewart’s legal practice focuses on estate planning, probate, real estate, landlord representation, and business law. For over 40 years, he was the principal of a small firm that assisted clients with their legal matters. He joined Murphy Desmond in February 2026, to contribute expertise in estate planning, probate disputes, and succession planning for family businesses in the event of death or retirement of an owner.

Walter enjoys working with individuals, families, and small businesses to structure estate plans in challenging situations such as blended families, nontraditional families, and special needs trusts for people who rely on government disability benefits. Walter also prepares legal guardianships for adults and for minors with disabilities nearing adulthood.

In addition to estate planning, Walter works closely with businesses on matters including entity formation, contract drafting and negotiations, business planning, buy-sell agreements, operating agreements, commercial leasing contracts, credit and secured transactions, business succession planning, and advising on day-to-day business operations. He represents landlords in contracts, leases, evictions, property damage, and disputes. 

Walter also serves as a Municipal Judge in the Village of Maple Bluff. He will be working out of Murphy Desmond’s Madison office and can meet with clients in-office or remotely.