Business Address: 555 East Wells St., Suite 1900, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-978-5362
Email:rdallman@whdlaw.com
Website:www.whdlaw.com
Birthplace: Shawano, Wis.
Spouse/Partner’s Name: None (single)
Board Membership: Milwaukee Tax Club, president and member of the board of directors
Organizations: IRS Liaison Committee in Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bar Association, State Bar of Wisconsin (Tax)
Education: B.A., Valparaiso University; J.D., Kansas University Law School; LL.M.-Tax, Georgetown University Law Center
Robert, you’ve recently joined your firm. When, and what is your role?
I’ve been with Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek, S.C., since November 2011. My practice includes business transactions, ownership succession planning, tax planning, and representing clients before the federal and state taxing authorities.
Who might you say, outside the present firm, has influenced your career the most, and in what way?
Robert M. Weiss, a senior partner at a former law firm with me. He was my second father; we co-authored a treatise on the income tax aspects of real estate transactions; he encouraged me to teach, which we did together and separately; and he was an overall mentor. As he had two daughters, I was his only “son.”
How do you stay current, with all the changes in the law and the interpretations of the tax codes in particular?
I read numerous tax publications and teach to tax organizations (such as the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs, the State Bar Association, and the Milwaukee Bar Association) and other groups. I would highly recommend teaching because it continues a person’s technical skills and improves and maintains his or her speaking ability.
What was a personal high point in your career?
I’ve wanted to be an attorney since I was a teenager, and I have achieved that goal. Winning cases (in a settlement or after trial) for clients in “first of its kind” issues or in one of the 13 federal courts of appeals in the United States. As to successes, I do not differentiate between large, small, or medium-size clients in this regard as I enjoy helping in general.
Let’s go back to those earlier years, the teenage period. What did you do with your first paycheck?
With my first paycheck, I partially paid bills and deposited the balance into a savings account. The amount was about $550. I was with the IRS trial branch in Washington, D.C.
Do you feel you had any entrepreneurial interests at a young age?
Given that I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin with a dad who had various successful complementary businesses at the same time (while still being a great dad), I “inherited” this trait from my dad. I enjoyed trying to succeed, trying to help people, and generally succeeding.
What do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation?
I love spending time with my two sons, their spouses, and my four grandchildren. I also enjoy being with friends (in almost any situation) and golfing. I am really an open book with regard to family. My two sons, my daughter-in-law, and my son-in-law are superb human beings who have great moral compasses and a great work ethic.
Any special travel sites?
While I have traveled to many of the Mexican villages and Caribbean Islands, I especially enjoy Door County and Florida.
What character in any sport, book, movie, or play would you most like to be identified with, and why?
Clint Eastwood, as he so often appears to be focused, energetic, strategic, and honest, as well as a person who enjoys the “hunt.”
Let’s talk about your personal philosophy for a moment. What is your assessment of where the Wisconsin economy is headed?
In many ways, I think the economy is on the uptick, although we need to help more people who are in need – like the unemployed, underemployed, and people who are discriminated against. We are all benefitted morally and financially by helping the people who are less fortunate.
Who would you most like to be a mentor to, or have the most influence on?
Younger people, in general, along with individuals in high school, college, and law school who think they may want to be an attorney.
What special career advice do you have for someone who is looking for meaningful work in this economic climate?
Don’t give up. Never give up. Reach out to (and rely upon) friends and family. Be open-minded in receiving advice, maintain high moral standards, continue to treat people in the manner you want to be treated, and consider further education at a technical school or college.
Robert, this is often the hardest question, so we save it for last. Can you please think of three words that best describe you?
Passionate, respectful, and strategic.
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