What’s in a Name?

When the lawyers of Neumann, Humke, Moir, Mueller & Bohrofen, S.C., and Hopp, Powell, Bauer, Donohue & Buesing decided to join forces in 2003, the question arose as to what the new entity would be called. The idea of a law firm with 10 names in it was unappealing to the lawyers and vigorously opposed by staff who would be called upon to answer the telephones!

The lawyers thought about the character traits of their respective firms and the traditions and strengths that they hoped to bring to their clients in the new firm.

The lead name in the Hopp, Powell, Bauer, Donohue & Buesing firm is Alexander Hopp. Attorney Hopp retired from the practice of law in 1999 after being a principal in his firm for over 40 years. During that time, the name "Hopp" became synonymous with "Integrity." As Mr. Hopp advised municipal governments, businesses, and individuals, people were confident that they were receiving ethical, fair, and reasoned counsel.

The name "Neumann" has similarly become synonymous with "Trustworthiness." Attorney Roland Neumann established his credentials as the premier trust officer for the former Security and First Wisconsin Banks in Sheboygan. During that time and thereafter when he entered private practice, thousands of people have entrusted their personal and financial fortunes to Roland Neumann, secure that they were receiving the best of care.

Since 1917, when Sheboyganites were seeking tough, tenacious litigators, they would choose a lawyer named "Humke." The first H.C. Humke began practicing in 1917 and was followed by his son Herbert Sr. in 1961 and by his grandson Herb in 1994. Each generation of Humke has established a reputation for tenacity in the courtroom, assuring that the rights, liberty, and property of countless litigants were protected.

With a firm name of Hopp Neumann Humke LLP, the merging lawyers feel that they are presenting themselves as a firm of Integrity, Trustworthiness, and Tenacity.

Alexander Hopp, Roland Neumann, and Herbert Humke, Sr. have consented to allow the new firm to be named after them. These lawyers earned their reputations over a collective period of more than 130 years of legal practice. The lawyers in the firm carrying their name feel a responsibility to them and to their clients, to make sure that the high standards that they established will be followed.