Attorney Sutherland’s practice includes comprehensive legal representation of businesses and business owners. Frank has significant experience guiding clients through the purchase and sale of businesses involving mergers, acquisitions, and other processes associated with the creation and transfer of ownership rights in privately-held business entities. In light of this experience, Attorney Sutherland has served in more recent years as an expert witness in cases involving disputes arising out of the sale and purchase of businesses. Frank also provides counsel to businesses and individuals in connection with real estate and other contractual matters.
Attorney Sutherland’s business practice includes significant experience in the aircraft industry. Frank has broad experience in the negotiation and drafting of agreements for the purchase and sale of commercial aircraft and engines in the United States, Europe, and Asia. In these transactions as well as others, Attorney Sutherland strives to provide a practical, problem-solving approach based upon a thorough understanding of the business risks and legal issues involved in a given transaction.
Education
- J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School, 1993
- M.B.A., New Hampshire College Graduate School of Business, 1990
- B.A., University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1985
Honors & Recognition
- Admitted as a Fellow to Wisconsin Law Foundation, October 2023
- Recognized as one of Madison Magazine's Top Lawyers in Business Law, 2009
- Volunteer Attorney of the Year, Wisconsin Bar Association Hotline, 2008
- Volunteer of the Year, Community Action Coalition, 2001
Community Involvement & Board Memberships
- Christ Church Madison Anglican Church Vestry, Board Chair, 2021-Present
- Care Net Pregnancy Center of Dane County, Inc., Board Member, 2017-Present
- Wexford Ridge Food Pantry, Volunteer, 2010-Present
- The Business and Education Partnership, Board Member, 2003-2010
- Lutheran Church of the Living Christ, Outreach Committee Member, 2006-2009
- High Point Christian School Committee, Board Member, 2000-2007
- Community Action Coalition, Volunteer Attorney/Lecturer, 2000-2003
- Madison Area Youth Soccer Association, Volunteer Soccer Coach, 1995-2003
- State Bar of Wisconsin Attorney Hotline, Volunteer Attorney, 1993-2012
Presentations, Publications, & Contributions
- Presenter, "Commercial Real Estate Financing in Wisconsin," Lorman Education Services, August 2006
- Presenter, "Secured Loan Documentation And Enforcement Under The New UCC Article 9," Lorman Education Services, July 2002
- Presenter, "Selecting a Business Entity - Madison Metropolitan School District Starting Your Own Business Course," presented at least annually, 1997-2012
- Presenter, "Recent Developments Concerning the Equal Access Act," Lathrop & Clark LLP Annual School Law Seminar, November 2011
- Presenter, "First Amendment Developments Affecting School Districts," Lathrop & Clark LLP Annual School Law Seminar, November 2010
- Presenter, "School District Reorganization Basics," Lathrop & Clark LLP Annual School Law Seminar, November 2009
- Presenter, "Bidding Procedures, Bonding Requirements and Related Issues," Lathrop & Clark LLP Annual School Law Seminar, 2003
Admitted to Practice
- Wisconsin State Courts
- United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin
Frank’s Select Writing & Presentations
Scarcity of Business Sales During COVID-19 Pandemic May Present Opportunity for Selected Business Owners
Business Minute | 07.22.20
COVID-19 has created uncertainty and disruption for many businesses across market segments and industries. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that many business owners are hunkering down for the next year or so, and postponing what would have otherwise been near-term sales of their businesses. COVID-19 should not, however, cause business owners to automatically conclude that a business sale is not feasible at this time. In fact, for some business owners, this may be a time to expect healthy competition among buyers for the purchase of their businesses.