Messler puts the plan into estate planning

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Jacqueline Messler understands her clients may not always be eager to talk.

“Estate planning is all about death and what comes next,” said Messler, an attorney at Weiss Berzowski in Milwaukee. “I’ve had clients cry when asked about who would potentially serve as guardian for their children if something happens. Estate planning can be a tough subject to talk about, but my clients always tell me how relieved they are when we are done. They feel like a weight has been taken off their shoulders.”

Estate planning is an intimate process, Messler said. She learns things about family members that most others may not know.

“It can be quite personal at times,” Messler said.

While in law school, Messler “felt something click” during a tax-law class.

“I like when there are rules and guidelines in place to follow.”

Tax law and estate planning often go hand in hand, since clients are many times concerned about any taxes their loved ones may owe after receiving an inheritance.

“Each client has a different situation, and I seek to develop creative answers so together we can solve any issues and achieve their goals,” Messler said.

Nancy Bonniwell, a fellow lawyer at Weiss Berzowski and previous Wisconsin Law Journal Women in the Law award-winner, praised Messler’s work habits and her ability to understand the nuances of estate planning.

“Jackie’s professionalism in counseling clients is outstanding,” she said. “She not only is sensitive to the clients’ concerns in this very personal area of the law, but she finds the answers for them on both the personal and legal side of her work.”

Messler said Bonniwell has played an instrumental role in her development as an attorney.

“Nancy showed me how to draft the different documents needed in estate planning and is always there to answer questions,” she said.

Outside of her practice, Messler has informed members of the public about wills, trusts, powers of attorney‑ and other legal documents that all adults should have.

“Everyone should have a will and other documents, like power of attorney,” she said. “They are not just for the wealthy.”

Messler is also active in several organizations, including Girls on the Run, Wills for Heroes, the Carroll University President’s Advisory Council and the Young Leaders Board of Meta House in Milwaukee, where she helps plan fundraising events and solicits donations.