Smiling man in a suit and tie, with short, dark hair, against a plain white background.

William T. Stuart

ATTORNEY

William T. Stuart brings a dynamic and dual practice in real estate and business litigation to the table. His exceptional work in real estate litigation led to a groundbreaking decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of landowners in a governmental takings case. This landmark decision countered national trends and reversed contrary authority in this jurisdiction, showcasing Bill's expertise in the field.

Bill's transactional practice is just as impressive, with his recent work involving the development of signature multi-use towers in downtown Milwaukee. He covers nearly every facet of real estate law, from financing and construction to the purchase and sale of multi-million dollar commercial projects. He is well-versed in the litigation of disputes involving property rights and other land-use issues.

Clients of all sizes trust Bill's extensive experience in water law rights, environmental remediation, zoning and permitting issues, construction disputes, partition cases, boundary line disputes, title claims, and foreclosure/work-out cases. His representation of purchasers, sellers, lenders, developers, brokers, condominium associations, and other businesses with property law needs make him a go-to for anyone in the industry.

In addition to his real estate practice, Bill has extensive experience in commercial litigation, having handled numerous business lawsuits, including non-compete cases, contract disputes, product liability cases, corporate fraud, and derivative claims actions.

Bill's unparalleled experience in both litigation and transactional work provides his clients with unique insights that help them achieve their goals. Trust him to expertly guide you through both your immediate and future legal needs with exceptional counsel and care.

  • American Bar Association

    State Bar of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee Bar Association

  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2013 – 2022); Milwaukee Lawyer of the Year® (Real Estate Litigation, 2014, 2018)

    Wisconsin Super Lawyers® (2010 – 2020); Wisconsin Super Lawyers® Rising Star (2007, 2009)

    Martindale-Hubbell Noteable® Peer Review Rated Professional Organizations

  • Ethics Panel, Comparative Ethical Requirements of Attorneys, Realtors, and Title Professionals, Wisconsin Land Title Association Spring Conference (2023)

    WLTA 2023 Graduate Course, Title Claims, Wisconsin Land Title Association (2023)

    Damages and Remedies in Real Estate Disputes: What You Can Get When Things Go Wrong, Association of Corporate Counsel (2022)

    A Deep Dive Into the World of Title Claims, Stewart Title Guaranty Company 2022 Wisconsin Agency Seminar (2022)

    Key Provisions in Commercial Leases, Wisconsin Annual Conference of the Association of Corporate Counsel (2022)

    There Are No Silver Bullets: What Seller Protective Provisions in Purchase and Sale Contracts for Real Estate Really Mean, Wisconsin Annual Conference of the Association of Corporate Counsel (2021)

    Getting Command of the Real Estate Parcel: What Do You Own & What Can/Should You Do With It?, Wisconsin Annual Conference of Association of Corporate Counsel Wisconsin (2020)

    Railroad History and Current Litigation, 70th Annual Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors’ Institute (2018)

    Appellate Practice in the Real World, Appellate Advocacy Class at Marquette University (2018)

    Railroad History and Title Insurance, 2018 WLTA Graduate Course (2018)

    3 Surprising Litigation and Liability Facts That Will Cost You, Apartment Association of Southeastern Wisconsin’s (AASEW) Trade Show (October 20, 2017)

    Update on WLTA Amicus Brief, Montalvo v. Montalvo, Wisconsin Land Title Association Annual Convention(September 2012)

    Special Considerations in Disputes Involving Condominium Associations, Who Can Bring What Claims When, State Bar Business and Real Estate Law Institute (June 2012)

    Samuel C. Johnson 1988 Trust v. Bayfield County, Wisconsin (Wisconsin Land Title Association Annual Convention, September 22, 2011), addressing issues related to property rights to abandoned railroad rights of way and related title insurance issues

    Introduction to HUD/FHA Financing For Real Estate Development: Unique Features Of HUD Financed Transactions

    Representing the Closely Held Business: Complex Issues in Real Property Law (State Bar of Wisconsin CLE Seminars) (2010)

    Truly Doing God’s Work – Defining Ecclesiastical Job Functions Under the Ministerial Exception to the First Amendment, St. Thomas More Lawyer’s Society of Wisconsin (2008)

    The Enforceability of Restrictive Covenants Against Real Estate, 31st Corporate Practice Institute (December 5, 2007)

    Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law, Presented during What You Need To Know About Public Records and Open Meetings in Wisconsin (Lorman July 18, 2003)

  • Potential Runaway Train Could Impact Land Rights, Title News, Vol. 93, Issue No. 2, p. 17 (February 2014)

    Supreme Court to Decide Critical Property Rights Case, State Bar Business Law News, Vol. No. 31, Issue No. 3, p. 8 (December 2013)

    Shareholders-Guarantors Cannot Pursue Derivative Claims in Collection Action, State Bar Business Law News, Vol. No. 31, Issue No. 2, p.6 (September 2013)

    Switching Tracks: How the Seventh Circuit Restored Certain Landowners’ Rights to Abandoned Railroad Rights-of-Way. Title News, Vol. 90, No. 10, p. 23 (Oct. 2011)

  • Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1997, cum laude, Editor in Chief, Marquette Law Review

    University of Wisconsin – Madison, B.A., 1994, cum laude

    Project K-9, Inc., Board Member (2007 to present)

    Marquette High School Trap Team, Coach (2018)