Murphy Desmond S.C. is pleased to announce that Attorneys Walter Stewart and Liam Gilhooly have joined the firm, effective February 3, 2026, bringing with them decades of combined experience in estate planning, probate, real estate and business law.

For more than 40 years, Walter Stewart served clients through his own firm, W.R. Stewart & Associates, S.C., where he built a respected practice advising individuals, families and businesses on a wide range of legal matters. Liam Gilhooly joined Walter’s firm in recent years, developing a complementary practice with a strong focus on estate planning, guardianships, real estate and business planning.

Their move to Murphy Desmond strengthens the firm’s capabilities in key areas serving both private and commercial clients, particularly in succession planning, estate administration, and real estate-related matters.

Depth of Experience and Client-Focused Counsel

Walter Stewart brings more than four decades of legal experience, with a practice centered on estate planning, probate disputes, business law, landlord representation and succession planning for family-owned businesses. Known for assisting clients in complex and sensitive situations—including blended families, nontraditional family structures and special needs planning—Walter has built a reputation for practical, long-term solutions. In addition to his private practice, he serves as a Municipal Judge for the Village of Maple Bluff and remains active in numerous professional and community organisations.

Liam Gilhooly advises clients on estate planning, guardianships, real estate transactions and business legal matters. He assists clients with drafting wills, trusts, marital property agreements, healthcare directives and powers of attorney, with particular interest in special needs planning and benefit-protective trust structures. In probate and estate administration, he guides clients through court processes with an emphasis on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Holding an M.B.A. from Marquette University, Liam also supports business clients with entity formation, contracts, risk management and succession strategies, combining legal and business perspectives.

Both attorneys are based in Murphy Desmond’s Madison office and will continue to serve clients across Wisconsin.

Strengthening the Firm’s Estate and Business Practices

The addition of Stewart and Gilhooly reflects Murphy Desmond’s continued growth and its commitment to delivering comprehensive, practical legal solutions to individuals, families and businesses. Their combined experience in estate planning, business succession, and real estate matters further reinforces the firm’s ability to guide clients through both life-changing transitions and everyday legal needs.

Murphy Desmond welcomes Walter and Liam to the team and looks forward to the continued service and expertise they bring to the firm and its clients.