Carl Rasmussen

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Madison attorney Carl J. Rasmussen’s resume contains many professional and community volunteer activities.

But the involvement he is most passionate about, is one which seeks to remove passion from the debate of emotional public policy issues — the stuff that’s fodder for many of the news networks and blogs these days.

Specifically, Rasmussen is a board member of the Ethics and Public Policy Forum of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, a statewide ecumenical organization representing 13 denominations. The Forum’s goal is to provide more responsible discussions of volatile political issues.

“There are many divisive issues that appear to have some religious aspect. What we’re doing is trying to create a context for a broader, authentic and more responsible theological discussion,” he explains. “Many of these issues cannot, and should not, be reduced to bumper-sticker slogans, which are highly polarizing.”

So far, the group has organized two statewide forums, in Madison and Stevens Point, and smaller spin-off forums in other communities.

It’s one example of how Rasmussen leads his life — emphasis on the word “leads” — by using quiet, respectful and thoughtful communication, to counsel clients, shape the law, lead a law firm and educate others.

In his professional endeavors, Rasmussen has earned the distinction as a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, whose members are chosen for their excellence by their peers.

His practice allows him to be a “counselor at law,” and Rasmussen finds that role extremely rewarding.

“Our relationship with our clients is very different from a lot of other practice areas. We see our clients’ vulnerabilities, in ways that you never do when representing a bank or an insurance company,” he says. “We see the full range, from sophisticated tax planning, to working with incapacitated clients, the elderly and occasionally the dying. It’s the full spectrum.”

Rasmussen is a former chair of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, and he remains an ex officio board member. In that capacity, he worked on various legislative initiatives, including the Wisconsin Uniform Probate Code and Uniform Principal Income Act.

He is currently chair of the Executive Committee for Boardman, Suhr, Curry & Field LLP, a 50-lawyer firm that has its roots in Bob LaFollette’s practice. Rasmussen says he strives to lead by listening and building consensus.