Sigman, Janssen, Stack, Sewall & Pitz - Attorneys

Robert M. Sigman
Phone: (920) 731-5201
E-mail: rms@sigmanlegal.com
Fax: (920) 731-8737

I was born into and raised in the home of Samuel Sigman, one of the attorneys who, along with my uncle Abraham Sigman, founded this firm 75 years ago. It was a proud moment for me, my father and uncle when I joined the firm in 1962.

In the early years, I conducted a very broad general practice which exposed me to areas of the law, procedures and proceedings which covered a very wide spectrum. That exposure and experience has contributed a valuable foundation to the more specialized nature into which my practice has evolved over the years.

Today, I describe myself as a "transactional" lawyer, as contrasted with a litigation practice. My expertise and the legal fields into which my practice is now concentrated includes: estate planning, probate and administration of decedents' estates; real estate matters of all kinds; financing transactions; general business matters, including formation and dissolution of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and partnerships, purchases and sales of businesses (stock and asset purchase transactions); and contract work of all kinds.

I pride myself in my ability to think creatively and devise solutions which overcome obstacles to the happening of transactions that my clients are trying to get done. Applying my broad and extensive experience and knowledge of people and business realities, I can often make a deal happen or make a closing conference conclude smoothly and successfully in the face of obstacles and sometimes unexpected or last minute glitches. I try not to be bound by cookie-cutter documents, school solutions, or traditional approaches to real world challenges. I always aspire in my work to attain my clients' objectives on a timely basis, cost effectively, and without conflict. I take pride in my drafting and communication skills and always seek to keep my clients currently and fully informed. I dislike legalese and am never satisfied unless my clients have a full and clear understanding of the sometimes technical matters with which I deal on their behalf.

I have received professional recognition in several respects, having served as president of the Outagamie County Bar Association and having been invited to lecture at the University of Wisconsin Law School. By recommendation of my peers, I have been granted the "A-V" rating as reported in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. The A-V rating is the highest rating awarded for professional competence and application of ethical standards. I am a charter and continuing member of the Fox Valley Estate Planning Council, and have presented programs to that organization of top flight professionals in the estate planning field. Its membership consists of attorneys, certified public accountants, certified life underwriters and officers of corporate trust departments in the Valley.

I am a lifelong resident of Appleton and environs and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School. I share many hobbies and interests with my wife, Char. We have recently celebrated 40 years of marriage and have two children and four grandchildren.

My wife and I have been active members of the community and have served on various boards and committees engaged in cultural, humanitarian and civic activities. By appointment from the Mayor, I have also served on the Redevelopment Authority and the Board of Appeals (chairman) of the City of Appleton.

Areas of Practice: