Robert M. Sigman

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

In the early years, Bob conducted a very broad general practice which exposed him 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 his practice has evolved over the years.

Today, Bob describes himself as a "transactional" lawyer, in contrast to a litigation practice. His expertise and the legal fields into which his 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.

Bob prides himself on his ability to think creatively and devise solutions which overcome obstacles to the happening of transactions that his clients are trying to get done. Applying broad and extensive experience and knowledge of people and business realities, Bob 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. Bob tries not to be bound by cookie-cutter documents, school solutions, or traditional approaches to real world challenges. Bob always aspires in his work to attain his clients’ objectives on a timely basis, cost effectively, and without conflict. Bob takes pride in his drafting and communication skills and always seeks to keep his clients currently and fully informed. Bob dislikes legalese and is never satisfied unless his clients have a full and clear understanding of the sometimes technical matters with which he deals on their behalf.

Bob has 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 his peers, Bob has 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. Bob is a charter and continuing member of the Fox Valley Estate Planning Council, and has 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.

Bob is a lifelong resident of Appleton and environs and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He shares many hobbies and interests with his wife, Char. They have recently celebrated 40 years of marriage and have two children and four grandchildren.

Bob and his wife 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, Bob has also served on the Redevelopment Authority and the Board of Appeals (chairman) of the City of Appleton.