2024 continued 2023’s busy streak for FOS and our clients.
With inflation and supply costs finally beginning to ease, our clients unleashed their pent-up demand to open, expand, sell, or transfer their businesses.
FOS was ready for them.
Our attorneys organized new businesses and drafted and reviewed a variety of operational contracts.
FOS prepared asset purchase agreements, engaged in due diligence, and oversaw business sales and purchases.
And our attorneys created and implemented succession plans transferring company ownership and management to younger generations.
As to real estate, FOS handled everything from simple residential transfers to the most complex commercial transactions.
Our attorneys advised clients of the practical impact of the national broker commission settlement and incorporated its terms in various contracts. https://foslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Fall-2024-Newsletter.pdf.
In addition, FOS continued to maintain clients’ trademark registrations, counsel clients on sensitive employment matters, and review contracts of all kinds.
FOS’s litigation practice continued, successfully handling civil and criminal lawsuits and investigations.
Shareholder Matt O’Neill again argued on behalf of one client before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
FOS’s estate planning practice was especially active, including with the hiring of shareholder Mark Andres. https://foslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Summer-2024Newsletter.pdf
Mark has over 20 years of tax and estate planning experience, specializing in business and professional succession planning.
The FOS team also welcomed Denise Perez as business manager. Perez’s administrative and business acumen shone as she oversaw the firm’s implementation of a streamlined document management program, enhancing firm efficiencies.
FOS also welcomed Dominic Zillmer as our new legal assistant back in August.
FOS promoted Theo Schultz to full-time Business Assistant. Theo has become the initial go-to for computer issues.
2024 was a particularly active year for FOS Client Alerts, informative newsletter articles, and topical social media posts.
FOS advised clients regarding the United States Supreme Court’s rejection of the longstanding deference to administrative agencies; the Federal Trade Commission’s issuance of a broadly applicable rule (recently enjoined and subject to ongoing litigation) banning most employment noncompete agreements; and compliance with the new Corporate Transparency Act.
A complete collection of Client Alerts is available at https://foslaw.com/news-views/ and the firm’s newsletter is at https://foslaw.com/news-views/newsletters/.
FOS, its staff, and attorneys again earned multiple recognitions this year.
FOS shareholders Matt O’Neill, Jacob Manian, Mark Andres and Of-Counsel Ken Barczak were named to the list of 2024 Super Lawyers. Shareholders Mike Koutnik, Laurna Kinnel, and Lauren Maddente, were named to the list of 2024 Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
We also congratulated FOS shareholders Kinnel, Koutnik, Manian, O’Neill, and Andres for being selected for inclusion in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Maddente was selected for inclusion in the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®.
Kinnel was also named a Wisconsin Law Journal Woman in the Law and to the 2024 Top 50 Lawyers In America list by America’s Top Lawyers.
Koutnik was awarded the Master Electronics TEAM MASTER award at the company’s 2024 MAKO conference in Las Vegas, becoming the newest member of the company’s Ike Nizam Club of Excellence.
FOS itself was named one of 2024’s “Best Law Firms” in seven practice areas by the 14th edition of Best Law Firms®.
While we appreciate these recognitions, we act to serve you, our clients, and the legal and lay community, not to put plaques on our office walls.
Maddente, for example, was elected President-Elect of the Association for Women Lawyers. She also moderated the Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association’s New Attorney program.
The Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association’s newsletter featured O’Neill’s contributions to the organization.
Barczak was a major participant in the development of two state laws, one regarding electronic and remote witnessing and notarization of estate planning documents, and the other updating the Wisconsin trust code.
Koutnik spoke at a Wisconsin Business Law Committee event. O’Neill presented at the annual Wisconsin State Bar new business developments program.
Andres served on a committee reviewing and revising probate court rules for the Waukesha County Circuit Court’s Probate Division.
In response to many compliments of and inquiries regarding administrative coordinator Valeria Paredes, this newsletter formally recognized her talents and responsibilities. https://foslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Spring-2024-Client-Newsletter.pdf.
FOS also engaged in community activities, including a food drive to benefit Feeding America. Gorman spearheaded the collection of over 200 books from FOS employees and families for the Reach Out and Read Wisconsin children’s book drive.
And in memory of the late, great FOS shareholder Bruce O’Neill, Bruce’s son Matt O’Neill held the annual fundraising movie night at The Times Cinema, with proceeds benefitting the ALS Foundation.
With joyful tiredness, Managing shareholder Fran Hughes and retired shareholder Bill Soderstrom planted the FOS flag on Northern Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, after successfully reaching the summit. https://foslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Summer-2024-Newsletter.pdf.
FOS’s motto remains: “Our clients come first.” All clients, and all matters, big and small.
As always, we end 2024 grateful for your trust in FOS, our attorneys, and staff. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you in 2025.
Call, Zoom, email, or text us. We’re here for you.
