The Von Briesens - Wisconsin Synod Attorneys

Abstract

Samuel M. Clemons’ 1985 church history paper traces the longstanding relationship between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Milwaukee-based law firm of von Briesen and Redmond, S.C. Spanning three generations of von Briesen attorneys, the paper details how the firm evolved from offering free legal counsel to becoming WELS’s exclusive legal advisor. Beginning with Ernst von Briesen in the late 19th century, the family’s legal service to WELS included tax exemption litigation, defense of German-language education, and incorporation matters. The second generation, Ernst von Briesen Jr., expanded the firm’s role during critical periods of synodical growth. The third generation, Ernst J. and Ralph von Briesen, continued serving on WELS boards and committees. Clemons concludes that while WELS was never a major financial client, the von Briesen firm’s legal expertise and commitment were invaluable to the Synod’s development and stability. —Abstract by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)