Brent R. Johnson

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Brent R. Johnson is proud to have become a “Main Street lawyer.”

By that, he means he finds it extremely rewarding to walk down Main Street in Hudson, and to contemplate the businesses there that he represents, and their growth and success over the years.

“When I started practicing 14 years ago, my clients were typically just getting started in their businesses, too,” he says. “My forte is building connections between people and businesses, to benefit each other and the community at large. I play the role of counselor at law, and seek to resolve disputes creatively and efficiently, much more often these days than I ever used to; litigation is my last resort.”

Johnson came to Lommen Abdo at its Hudson branch in 1995. He began his practice in commercial real estate and construction law.

“I always was fascinated with doing real estate deals, and getting on-site and rolling up my sleeves, working hands-on with developers and builders. That’s how I got started,” he recalls.

“Now, my practice has transitioned into representing businesses of all different sizes, with their daily operations and buying and selling businesses.”

Over time, his clients’ philanthropic interests have expanded. Accordingly, he has focused a portion of his practice to represent nonprofits.

As for his own volunteer interests, Johnson has donated “hundreds” of hours and pro bono legal services to the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, since joining it in 2007. He now serves as vice-president of the board of directors, chair of its Governance Committee, and chair of its Watershed Conservation & Project Review Committee.

“We work to protect the Kinnickinnic River Watershed, mostly by educating the public and working in cooperation with landowners, private organizations and governmental units to conserve resources related to the watershed, such as clean water, wildlife, recreation, wild trout, scenic beauty and family farms. One of my personal roles is to help with conservation easements,” he explains.

Johnson is especially proud of the group’s triumphs from 2009. It received the Wisconsin Land

Trust of the Year Award. It was accredited by Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a very rigorous process that placed them among the first 60 accredited land trusts in the nation, and the first in Wisconsin. It also won a local award, as the Nonprofit of the Year in River Falls.

In addition, Johnson is president of the Little Butternut Lake Association in Luck, Wis., a group that seeks to protect that body of water.