
John A. Esler, Estate Planning Attorney in Appleton, Wisconsin
Over 59 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Residential · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatMccarty Law Llp
Appleton, WI
Practicing estate planning in Appleton since 1967.
- 59+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you John A. Esler?
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Quick answer
John A. Esler is an of counsel based in Appleton, WI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Residential. John has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mccarty Law Llp. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Appleton, WI
- Experience
- over 59 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Real Estate · Residential
- Handles Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Residential matters from Appleton, WI.
- Over 59 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About John A. Esler: John A. Esler is an of counsel based in Appleton, WI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Residential. John has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mccarty Law Llp. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on estate planning, real estate, and residential. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Real Estate
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Residential
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Estate Planning cases in Appleton, Wisconsin
John takes estate planning matters in Appleton, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Appleton, Wisconsin
John takes real estate matters in Appleton, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Residential cases in Appleton, Wisconsin
John takes residential matters in Appleton, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John A. Esler — estate planning lawyer in Appleton
John A. Esler is an of counsel based in Appleton, WI. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Real Estate, and Residential. John has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mccarty Law Llp. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Awards
Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About AwardsClient Champion Awards
Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.
At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.
At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.
At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale Peer Awards
A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
John A. Esler got this award in 2021
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
Avvo Awards
Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.
Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.
How John handles estate planning matters
About John A. Esler View website Awards Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About Awards Client Champion Awards Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and…
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, real estate, and residential matters in Appleton and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Wisconsin
J.D. · 1967
University of Wisconsin
B.S. · 1965
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Wisconsin
1967 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin and B.S. in University of Wisconsin.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin and B.S. in University of Wisconsin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Outagamie County (President, 1995-1996) Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin
membership
Locations
John A. Esler's office in Appleton
John's primary office is at 2401 E. Enterprise Avenue, Appleton, WI, 54913-7887. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John A. Esler — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Appleton.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John A. Esler claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John A. Esler — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Appleton, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John A. Esler
How much does it cost to hire John for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Appleton?
John is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new estate planning clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Appleton, Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin
John handles estate planning matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Wisconsin
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Appleton handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





