DIRECT: (608) 960-4519
Admissions
Wisconsin
Education
J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 2012
B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy, Marquette University, 2009
Professional Associations
Wisconsin Bar Association RPPT Division, Board Member
Wisconsin Bar Association RPPT Division, Subcommittee on Digital Property Co-Chair
American Bar Association, Former Digital Property Committee Co-Chair
Madison Estate Council, Former Board Member
Benjamin P. Brunette
Attorney
Ben works with clients to develop estate plans that reflect each client’s unique family and individual values. He advises clients on a broad spectrum of estate planning needs, from the preparation of basic plans to complex wealth transfer, gift and tax issues. Ben’s experience spans the estate planning process, from initial plan preparation through probate and estate/trust administration. He has lectured on estate planning considerations for same-sex couples, and he routinely counsels clients on estate and gift planning for complex technology-related assets.
Ben frequently works with business owners to craft plans that facilitate the succession of business leadership to family members, business leaders and key employees. He works closely with clients and other members of their advisory teams, such as accountants and financial advisors, to ensure that business succession plans facilitate owners’ gradual exit without negatively impacting operations. In this role, Ben works with multiple generations of families, encouraging open communication about each family member’s role in business succession. Ben also has substantial experience working with new businesses, advising entrepreneurs at creation, on operational matters, and ultimately through sale and exit.
Community Involvement
Madison Children’s Museum, Board Member
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Board of Trustees Member
Dane County Humane Society, Former Business Development Board President
Articles and Presentations
Wisconsin’s New Digital Property Act, State Bar of Wisconsin webinar (6/21/16)
Estate Planning, North Central States Regional Carpenters’ Benefit Funds Conference (2/27/16)
A revised UFADAA keeps the PEAC(e), In Business Magazine Legal Login Blog (12/17/15)
Estate Planning for the Young and Wealthy, Lorman Educational Services national webinar (12/3/15)
Planned Giving Workshop, Dane County Humane Society seminar (10/26/15)
Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples After Obergefell, Madison Estate Council (10/19/15)
Estate & Retirement Planning for the Retired or Retiring Attorney, Senior Lawyers Division CLE Program, Wisconsin State Bar Association (5/13/15)
Planned Giving and Estate Planning Panel, Wisconsin Public Television (9/28/15)
Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning, Next Generation Leadership Bootcamp at Wisconsin Business Center, University of Wisconsin School of Business (2015, 2016)
Are Your Online and Mobile Policies Up to Par, Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (WISACCA) Seminar (12/3/14)
CMBS Lending – Back With a Bit More Baggage, co-author with Attorney Angela Black, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. Real Deal Newsletter
Estate Planning for Copyrights in the Digital-Media Era, In Business Magazine Legal Login Blog (8/18/14)
Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples: Practical Considerations for Estate Planning, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. Seminar (8/13/14)
Financing Options for Associations – When Reserves Are Not Enough, Wisconsin Management Company’s Condominium Workshop Series (6/26/14)
What You Need to Know About the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Amendments, In Business Magazine Legal Login Blog (7/18/13)