After long, distinguished career, Reinhart’s Rieselbach dies

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Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren’s Allen Rieselbach died on Aug. 2. He was 91.

Born in Milwaukee, Rieselbach graduated in 1953 from Harvard University where he went on to earn his law degree in 1956 and was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin. Joining the firm in 1956, Rieselbach was drafted the same year. Taking a leave of absence, he accepted a commission in the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps and served from 1956 to 1959.

Following his Air Force service, Rieselbach rejoined fellow associates Richard Van Deuren and Richard Norris. Soon, all three became partners in the firm. Along with Jack Reinhart, Roger Boerner, Van Deuren and Norris, he led the firm through a period of growth that culminated in it becoming one of Wisconsin’s largest law firms.

Known early in his career for innovative methods to acquire land for multi-state development and financing, which contributed to a new body of law governing residential communities, Rieselbach was a leading authority on the burgeoning condominium market. He also lectured nationally on condominium development and financing, as well as real estate transaction systems. Under the leadership of Rieselbach, Reinhart’s Real Estate Practice grew and thrived, and it is now the largest in the state of Wisconsin.

Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top real estate lawyers in both Best Lawyers in America and America’s Leading Business Lawyers, Rieselbach was also active in civic and charitable pursuits.

Rieselbach served on the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Real Property, Trust and Probate section as well as the Board of Governors of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.

“Al Rieselbach was a giant in our firm and across the commercial real estate industry, and his impact is still felt today,” said Reinhart CEO Albert Orr in a news release. “His visionary practice of the law helped transform communities and laid the foundation for the firm Reinhart has become. He was an exceptional attorney, partner, leader and friend, and we will miss him dearly.”