Practice
Bob has been an attorney with Stafford Rosenbaum for over 40 years. He has extensive experience in trials and appeals of complex cases involving state and local taxation, antitrust law, business, intellectual property, and government.
In Wisconsin state tax litigation, he represents corporations in sales, income, and franchise tax cases. In Wisconsin property tax litigation, he represents municipalities in exemption and assessment cases.
His wide-ranging experience includes:
- Winning a refund of over $13 million in sales tax imposed on software of a major computer manufacturer.
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Winning some of the most important Wisconsin property tax cases of recent years, including decisions about:
- assessments based on related business income.
- assessment of specialized properties.
- medical clinics claiming to be used for tax-exempt benevolent purposes.
- owner’s rights to sue for refunds on exempt property.
- Establishing the constitutionality of a key section of the Wisconsin antitrust statute, in a case decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and co-drafting the comprehensive revision of the statute.
- Defending national corporations in antitrust class actions.
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Education
Harvard University (J.D., 1967; cum laude)
Columbia University (A.B., 1964; magna cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa)
Professional Recognition and Awards
Bob was selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (since 2007).
The Wisconsin Association of Assessing Officers awarded Bob a Presidential Citation in 2002 and its Publication Award in 2004 and 2007.
Publications
Bob has published articles on property tax claims and settling complex cases. He also writes the annually-updated chapter "Trade Secrets" in the Wisconsin Attorney's Desk Reference, published by the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Teaching Experience
Bob regularly teaches seminars in property tax litigation. In 2004, 2007, and 2010, he presented seminars on property tax litigation at the Municipal Attorneys Institute sponsored by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
Professional Memberships and Activities
State Bar of Wisconsin Taxation Section Liaison Committee to Wisconsin Tax Appeals Commission (1999, 2006)
Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association, Board of Governors (1995 – 1998)
American Bar Association
Bob is married to Susan B. King, who is also a lawyer. Bob's hobbies include architecture and design, classical music, and science. His favorite book is The Complete Works of Shakespeare.
Community Involvement
Madison Symphony Orchestra Inc., President (1998 – 2001), Member, Board of Directors (1991 – 2011), Advisor (2011 – present)
Mayor's East Washington Avenue Capitol Gateway Committee, Chair (2005 – 2009)
Madison Urban Design Commission, Chair (1986 – 1992)
Madison Civic Center Commission, Chair (1981 – 1986)
