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2016

IN THE LAW

Celebrating the Wisconsin law


communitys best and brightest

IN THE LAW

2016
IN THE LAW
Remzy Bitar

Jason Abraham
Hupy and Abraham

Janet Cain

Reinhart Boerner Van


Deuren

Kuchler & Cotton

12
John Daniels

13
David Dickmann

Quarles & Brady

Stewart Macaulay

18
Lori Meddings

Boyle Fredrickson

21

24
Habush Habush
& Rottier

27
Habush Habush
& Rottier

30

25
Joseph Troy

Patrick Sullivan

Siesennop & Sullivan

Benjamin Wagner

Godfrey & Kahn

Axley Brynelson

22

26

Jim Phillips

Don Murn

Michael Best &


Friedrich

Siesennop & Sullivan

16
Andrew McConnell

20

Wayne Siesennop

Hogan & Melms

15
University of Wisconsin
Law School

Stafford Rosenbaum

John Hogan

Wisconsin State Public


Defender

14
Paul Kent

9
Jennifer DAmato

Anthony Cotton

10

Foley & Lardner

6
Peterson, Johnson &
Murray

Mary Braza

Arenz, Molter, Macy,


Riffle & Larson

28
Gregory Wesley
Gonzalez Saggio
& Harlan

32

IN THE LAW

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Jason Abraham
HUPY AND ABRAHAM

Abraham in it for
the long haul
Jason Abraham always knew he wanted to be a trial
lawyer.
He spent a year doing criminal-defense work before applying for a job with Michael Hupy. Personal-injury law was
something Abraham simply knew he would enjoy.
I have a burning desire to help people, he said. And
with what I do, I get the benefit of doing that every day.
That burning desire has served Abraham well when he
has had to settle in for the long haul with one of his cases. In
one of the toughest stretches of his career, he found himself
working on a case that took seven years to go to trial but
then ended up being settled a week into the proceedings.
One of Abrahams biggest achievements so far has been
mastering the business of running a law firm something
one doesnt just pick up in law school.
We have 11 offices in three states and around 200 employees, Abraham said. One of the biggest assets I bring
today is understanding the value of my human capital and
working hard to empower staff to do their job and do it well.
It was by no means an easy achievement.
The challenge at first was understanding the value of
hiring good people and empowering them, he said. Then
there was the public perception that people want something for nothing, that people are just looking for reasons
to find fraud. You have to be willing to take the case the
distance, which we are.
But Abraham emphasizes that he could never have done
any of it alone.
I understand that theres a lot of luck and timing that
goes along with someones success, he said. I cannot say
thank you enough to so many people along the way that
have contributed to my being successful.
One of those many people is Hupy.
He showed me how to make difference not only as a
lawyer but in the community, Abraham said. He showed
me how to run a business.
Erika Strebel

IN THE LAW
6

20

E
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16

R
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AD

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IN

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Attorney Jason Abraham


2016 Leader in the Law

HUPY AND ABRAHAM, S.C.


WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE
ATTORNEY JASON ABRAHAM
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the practice of law, Attorney Abraham has
been honored for his:
Outstanding Leadership
Vision and Career Achievements
Legal Expertise
Pro Bono Work
Community Involvement
The law firm of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. congratulates Attorney Jason Abraham for receiving
this well-deserved honor and for making a difference in Wisconsins legal community.

TELL THEM YOU MEAN BUSINESS.

TM

Remzy Bitar

A renz , Molter, Macy, Riffle & Larson

Bitar conquers
constitutional matters
As the nephew of a lawyer and the son of a blue-collar
immigrant who stressed the importance of higher education,
Remzy Bitar knew early on he was headed for law school.
But it was his time as a clerk for the Missouri Supreme
Court that shaped his practice and solidified his interest in
federal and constitutional law. Bitar enjoyed observing the
judicial process from behind the bench of the highest court
in Missouri.
Working with Supreme Court Judge Laura Denvir Stith, he
assisted with memos and research in death-penalty cases. He
even had a hand in drafting the landmark U.S. Supreme Court
decision Roper v. Simmons that helped determine whether capital punishment would be constitutional for someone
who was a juvenile at the time he committed a crime.
Now, as a new partner at Arenz, Molter, Macy, Riffle &
Larson, Bitars civil practice involves defending local governments in various matters, including cases involving free
speech and religious liberties, equal protection, open records and the excessive use of police force.
Remzy has placed his fingerprints on municipal law
throughout the state, John Macy of Arenz, Molter, Macy,
Riffle & Larson, said in a statement.
His talents as an attorney are apparent from the community accolades he has received, having been named Best
Lawyer, an attorney at the Best Law Firm and a Rising
Star. In his 14 years of practice, Bitar has taken part in a
number of cases that have gone before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the
Seventh Circuit. He is now preparing for a land-use case
Murr v. State of Wisconsin and St. Croix County to be
heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Although the case involves a host of state regulations,
eminent domain and constitutional principles, the complexities keep Bitar on his toes. His ambitions are piqued not
only by the difficulties of learning new laws and navigating
technicalities, but also by conveying his new knowledge to
his clients.
Beyond bringing honesty and devotion to his practice,
he believes a leader is someone who wants to be not only
a student learning and absorbing as much as possible, but
also a teacher who passes information on to others. To his
colleagues, these are the traits that most show his expertise.
I dont think there is anybody in the state that knows
constitutional issues like civil rights and due process better
than Remzy, Macy said.
Alison Henderson

IN THE LAW
8

Mary Braza
FOLEY & LARDNER

Braza a national leader


in sports law
Mary Braza knows that with sports, sometimes the best
moves happen off the field.
The co-chairwoman of the sports-industry team at Foley
& Lardner in Milwaukee, Braza has made a name for herself
in national sports legal matters. In particular, shes played
a big role in some of the sports industrys highest-profile
sales, litigation and media deals.
Braza, who grew up playing sports along with her siblings, said when she was presented with the opportunity
to work in sports law, she took it. Thirty years have passed
since then, and shes still at it.
It was a natural fit, Braza said. Its really a unique
practice covering a wide range of issues, whether its anti-trust exemptions, rules governing owners or leagues or
the relationships between colleges and athletes.
For many years, Braza served as outside counsel to Major League Baseball and provided guidance on a number of
matters including strategic planning, new-media initiatives,
franchise relocation and Congressional hearings, as well as
trademark and anti-trust litigation. She has also represented
colleges and universities, including the University of Maryland,
in anti-trust litigation that was filed the Atlantic Coast Conference following the colleges move to the Big Ten in 2014.
Braza acknowledged its rare to find women in sportsbusiness law, especially at the highest levels.
It can be a challenge, but I also see it as an opportunity
to stand up and be something different, she said.
Braza said various mentors helped her along the way to
success. She said she now tries to return the favor by doing
her part to help young attorneys.
Thats something her fellow attorneys have noticed, said Linda Benfield, Foleys managing partner in the Milwaukee office.
Mary K. is an effective advocate for advancing women
in the law and has proven to be a trailblazer in her industry
through her successful law practice, she said. She continues to serve as a mentor and advocate for women interested
in pursuing a career in the law, and sports law in particular.
Brazas work with others does not stop at the law. She
serves, for instance, as president of the Grand Avenue Club,
a nonprofit dedicated to improving lives for Milwaukee
Countys mentally ill.
I went to an event and heard about them and I knew I
just wanted to get involved, she said. Its a great organization and Ive been able to help them with developing a
strategic plan and doubling their program capacity.
MaryBeth Matzek

IN THE LAW
9

Janet Cain

PETERSON, JOHNSON & MURRAY

Cain strikes
a balance
Janet Cain considers herself a worker bee saying she
is just one of the many making their way through the legal
profession every day.
Although she goes about her daily duties quietly, her influence is significant.
Cain is a trial lawyer who specializes in civil litigation
and insurance disputes, overseeing most cases from start
to finish. With 29 years at her firm Peterson, Johnson &
Murray she serves as a mentor to the younger staff.
More broadly, she serves as an example to women in
the law.
With three children to raise, Cain said her greatest accomplishment has been caring for her family while pursuing
her career.
Its a touchy subject, and its a really different decision
for all women, but I was able to find a balance that I think
allowed me to do justice to both my family and my career,
Cain said. If youre able to find what makes you happy, and
makes your family happy, and makes your employer happy,
then I think you have found something great.
Jim Murray is also a shareholder at Peterson, Johnson
& Murray and has known Cain for 30 years. In addition to
her impeccable ethics and the confidence she gives her clients, Murray acknowledges her achievements as a female
trial lawyer.
For a long time, there werent women in the law at all
and there was still a hurdle of being a trial lawyer, Murray said. Shes part of that first wave that broke that glass
ceiling, adding that Cain has taken more than 75 jury trials
to verdict.
Because Cain often represents the defense, she enjoys
providing reassurance to her clients. She has received
an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which indicates that
a lawyers peers rank him or her at the highest level of
professional excellence. She is also regarded for her civic engagement. For the past 15 years, Cain has facilitated
the collection of gifts, clothing and meals at the firm for the
Sojourner Family Peace Centers Adopt-a-Family program.
Cain said she may have learned this kindness from her
father, who passed away in December.
I think that what he taught me is that just being a good
person and the little things you do every day do matter to
people, she said. I guess (thats) my philosophy of how
I want my work life, and my home life and my relationship
with the world to be.
Alison Henderson

IN THE LAW
10

Congratulations Mary K. Braza!


Weve known for years that Mary K. is a true leader in our firm and are
proud that she continues to be recognized as a leader in the legal industry.
Her exceptional skills and counsel have helped close some of the sports
industrys most complex, highest-profile transactions over the last decade.
Even with the demands on her time, Mary K. remains committed to
championing the advancement of women in the legal industry (particularly
within sports law), and advocating for her pro bono clients and for Milwaukee
residents suffering from mental illness. Congratulations, Mary K.
For more information about Foley, contact Milwaukee Office Managing Partner
Linda E. Benfield at lbenfield@foley.com.

BOSTON BRUSSELS CHICAGO DETROIT JACKSONVILLE LOS ANGELES MADISON MIAMI MILWAUKEE NEW YORK ORLANDO
S A C R A M E N T O S A N D I E G O S A N F R A N C I S C O S H A N G H A I S I L I C O N VA L L E Y TA L L A H A S S E E TA M PA T O K Y O WA S H I N G T O N , D . C .
2016 Foley & Lardner LLP

15.11777

Congratulations to the
2016 Leaders in the Law.

Stafford Rosenbaum
proudly congratulates
our own Paul Kent
who is included among
this year's winners.

since 1879

Madison and Milwaukee

www.staffordlaw.com

Like our clients, we value efficient, outcome-driven solutions.

Anthony Cotton

KUCHLER & COTTON

Cotton gets jump-start


into law career
Criminal defense attorney Anthony Cotton got a head
start on law school.
When he was in seventh or eighth grade, hed hop in the
car with his mom and siblings after school for an evening
class usually on a subject such as torts at the University of Wisconsin Law School.
I dont know that I actually remember any of the lessons, he said. But it did make law school less intimidating.
Whatever image you might have in the abstract was blown
out of the water. It became a less intimidating concept for
me at a young age.
And it was watching his mom, Donna Kuchler, and stepdad, Gerald, practice criminal-defense law, as well as time
spent studying abroad in Eritrea investigating human rights
abuses, that nudged him into criminal law.
It seemed like an area of law where you would be helping real people with real problems, he said. I can remember my parents giving clients clothes.
One of the biggest hurdles Cotton has had to overcome
in his career was a reluctance to take cases before a jury.
Its the concept of thinking you personally hold someones fate in your hands, he said. Its the idea that 12
random citizens youve never met before wont say a word
to you for a week and will stare at your client and judge
your client.
Yet Cotton is no stranger to jury trials.
He has had about 40 to 50 of them in his 10-year career.
He says he still finds them somewhat terrifying but also often exhilarating and rewarding.
Cotton said the only way to overcome any lingering anxieties is to prepare thoroughly.
You become less intimidated as you become more familiar with the client and the facts of the case, he said.
Whatever difficulties might present themselves, Cotton
finds a source of motivation in his clients.
I enjoy the opportunity of representing people who are
in precarious situations, he said. I find a lot of value in
that. I think its rewarding work. Youre helping people out
who are often marginalized, disadvantaged or otherwise
victims of the government.
Erika Strebel

IN THE LAW
12

Jennifer DAmato
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN

DAmato forges close


relationships with clients
When one of her clients has a big change in life, Jennifer
DAmato is usually one of the first people to hear her phone ring.
A trusts-and-estates attorney at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren,
she works with high-net-worth people and families on tax planning, succession plans for businesses and family issues.
I wasnt really interested in just corporate law or family
law and this blends both of them together, said DAmato,
who first became interested in trust work doing a case on
the side for another attorney. She then pursued her masters of law degree in taxation. Estate and trust law work
just seemed to click for me.
DAmato has worked with some clients for more than 15
years, developing deep relationships with them.
Im one of those first calls people make when they have
a family issue, she said. Its such an honor to be in that
place and to know how much your client trusts you.
DAmato enjoys handling the complexities and tax issues
associated with closely held businesses and other assets
of high-net-worth individuals.
I enjoy the challenges the cases provide, she said.
Through the years, DAmato has been often recognized
for her work, including being elected a fellow to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and being named
one of the top-100 attorneys in the country by Worth Magazine. She is also an adjunct professor at the University
of Wisconsin Law School, where she teaches a course in
federal estate and gift taxes. She also speaks frequently to
organizations about estate planning.
At Reinhart, DAmato was the first woman named to the
firms board of directors and serves as chairwoman of the
firms trusts and estates practice.
Jennifer is highly regarded for her intellect, leadership
abilities and sharp legal acumen. She is equally well known
by attorneys and staff alike for her approachable manner and
personality and positive impact on others, said Reinhart CEO
Jerome Janzer. This combination of qualities has served her
well when mentoring other attorneys and in setting an outstanding example especially to younger attorneys.
While there are more women practicing trust and estate
law today, that wasnt the case when DAmato started. She
tries to use that experience to provide guidance to younger
attorneys.
I often felt there was a magnifying glass on me, she
said. There are more women now in this area and thats
definitely a positive.
MaryBeth Matzek

IN THE LAW
13

John Daniels
QUARLES & BRADY

Quarles Daniels
fosters opportunity
John Daniels has the secret sauce.
To him, change and equal opportunity are the indispensable
ingredients for a society in which people can develop and invest.
Daniels, a real estate lawyer with an emphasis on large
urban projects, joined Quarles & Brady in 1974 and is now
chairman emeritus of the firm. During his career of more
than 40 years, he has served as the president, vice president,
chairman and director of dozens of organizations.
He is nationally recognized for his representation of the
credit corporations of Fortune 500 entities, public pension
funds and life-insurance companies. Daniels education began in a segregated school in Birmingham, Ala., but finished
at Harvard Law School. In addition to a laundry list of legacies,
he became the first black man to chair an AmLaw 200 firm.
I tell people that my career is very simple to describe, in
the sense that I believe change is possible, Daniels said.
Change has worked for him. Through his leadership during
a shift in Quarles & Bradys operating model, the firm was
able to expand significantly throughout the U.S.
He has helped establish a company culture that promotes
equality and value an achievement reflected in both his
workplace motto everybody counts, every day, and the
various national accolades that have been received for
workplace diversity.
The thing I enjoy most is making sure that our law firm in
the community finds ways to solve the most difficult problems, he said. Dont shy away from things that can improve
the community.
To support young people in the community, Daniels founded the Fellowship Open golf tournament and helped found
the MKE Fellows program. In 16 years, the Fellowship Open
has raised $1 million for more than 100 local organizations.
Daniels said he has watched some of these children excel
throughout their lives, from middle school through college.
Some are even applying to law school.
Ive had the benefit of getting a law degree, and a law
degree is obviously about helping your clients, but its equally
important that you use those talents to help those who arent
as fortunate, he said.
Daniels has been called a go-to leader and an example
of ways to achieve professional growth and fairness. He is
recognized for his contributions to the Milwaukee community, whether they be to economic development, education
or improving the opportunities open to young men of color.
To Katie Perhach, the Milwaukee Office Managing Partner
at Quarles & Brady, says this is a chance to honor his lifetime
of achievements.
Hes amazing, is really what it comes down to, Perhach said.
Alison Henderson

IN THE LAW
14

David Dickmann

WISCONSIN STATE PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE

Dickmann uses partnerships


to help clients
David Dickmanns transition from being a police detective to a public defender turned out to be a smooth one.
While working as a police officer and later a detective, he
switched careers following 16 years of going to law school
part time. His interest in defense work, especially for the
state, had been piqued by a criminal-proceedings instructor.
He was very dynamic and positive about public defending work, said Dickmann, who is now regional attorney
manager for the Stevens Point Region of the Wisconsin
State Public Defenders Office. Its a very interesting job.
The caseload is heavy and the cases can be challenging,
but it has been great to help those who are less fortunate.
In his past 23 years with the SPD, including the 13 he
spent as regional attorney manager, Dickmann has worked
on a variety of cases ranging from disorderly conduct to
homicide.
I like being able to help clients get their lives back,
he said.
That predilection played a role in Dickmanns starting
Central Wisconsins first adult treatment court in 2004. He
worked with law enforcement officials from Wood County
to create a program to help those with drug troubles get
treatment and support.
Its proven to be more effective than sending them right
through the justice system. We developed the court based
on evidence and research practices, Dickmann said. We
received a lot of support from law enforcement, including
the sheriffs department letting us borrow one of their employees at first to serve as a part-time caseworker until we
got a grant for more funding.
As regional attorney manager, Dickmann also oversees
SPD attorneys in 13 counties in addition to his own caseload. SPD Director Kelli Thompson said hes a great mentor
to younger attorneys working in the Stevens Point region.
He provides great leadership by example to other managers and staff in the region, she said. David has also
forged solid working relationships with the criminal justice
partners in the 13 counties served by his region.
Dickmann said he appreciates the close ties hes forged
with local law enforcement officials.
We have a strong relationship that I think especially
helped with the forming of the treatment court, he said.
Its great to see so many people come together around a
table to discuss a person and his case and what can be
done to help him turn their life around.
MaryBeth Matzek

IN THE LAW
15

John Hogan
HOGAN & MELMS

Hogan injects reason


into family law
For families in the midst of divorce or custody trials,
John Hogan is the voice of reason.
I think I provide a service to them to help take out
some of the emotion, Hogan said, so they can see
past the problems of today and think about how things
are going to be better in the future.
Admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin in 1977, Hogan
served as the Oneida County District Attorney from 1978
to 1986 before working in private practice. For the past
20 years, the trial and family law attorney has served
Rhinelander and the surrounding areas as a principal at
Hogan & Melms LLP. According to his peers, Hogan is
well known in the area for his formidable legal mind and
for the outcomes he achieves for his clients.
He is acknowledged for the widespread influence of
his contributions. Those have ranged from his adjudication of administrative appeals to his work with the
Wisconsin Public Defender Board, for which he deliberated biennial budgets and assisted in the selection of
the state public defender.
No matter what he does, hes extremely passionate.
Hes passionate about his practice, his family, his golf
game Im certainly proud to be his business partner
and his friend, said Tim Melms, who is also a partner
at Hogan & Melms LLP.
Hogan, now 63, has had a long career, but said he has
no plans to retire.
I just like coming to work everyday. I enjoy the people I work with, Hogan said. Theres always going to
be something different and I like that freshness that
the practice gives me.
But, in his extensive involvement in trial law, Hogan
said the defining moment in his career was his first argument in front of a jury. With his clients future resting
in his hands and in his ability to put up a good defense,
he understood his responsibility. Whereas the art of
public speaking and persuasion may intimidate some,
Hogan enjoys that part of practicing law a sentiment
he now shares with his daughter.
It takes a different personality, Hogan said. My
daughter is a public defender and she inherited the
gene, apparently. We kind of tease one another that nobody else in the world would think this is fun to do, but
we think its fun.
Alison Henderson

IN THE LAW
16

Congratulations to This Years Leaders in the Law!


20800 Swenson Drive
Suite 475
Waukesha, WI 53186
262.798.8220 | 800.372.3020
www.tsglaw.com

FOR THE BUSINESS DECISIONS YOU MAKE EVERYDAY. SM

Board Certified Specialist in Drunk Driving Defense


By the National College for DUI Defense ABA Accredited.

(877) DUI-DREW
Phone 24/7: 414-332-3499
Fax: 414-332-4578
Andrew Mishlove
Attorney at Law

The Eastlake Towers Corporate Center


4425 North Port Washington Road, Suite 110
Glendale, WI 53212

Wisconsin-OWI.com
andrew@MishloveandStuckert.com

Congratulations

Timothy Melms, Jennifer Stuber and the staff of Hogan and Melms, LLP
proudly congratulate John Hogan on being named one of
Wisconsin Law Journals Leaders in the Law for 2016.

Hogan & Melms


Law Office

P.O. Box 1008 Rhinelander, WI 54501 715-365-1008 Hogan-Melms.com

Paul Kent
STAFFORD ROSENBAUM

Kent champions policy


and advocacy
Paul Kent believes a leader is someone who can represent
the best side of the legal profession, exemplifying it through
advocacy, problem solving and offering a helping hand.
To his colleagues, Kent meets the criteria.
His background in environmental science, public policy and administration has set the foundation for a vibrant,
well-rounded career in environmental regulation. As a senior
partner at Stafford Rosenbaum, Kent represents individuals
and businesses in cases involving land use, as well as oversees municipal cases related to mining, energy and water.
Kent attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison in
the 1970s, during the height of the first wave of environmentalism. He was drawn to science, public policy and the
environmental laws that were being enacted at the time.
After obtaining his masters degree and his juris doctor,
Kent began working with private-sector clients. In a moment that was pivotal to shaping his practice, he wrote
Wisconsin Water Law in the 21st Century. Kent is now
viewed by many as an authority on water law.
Further immersing himself in water policy, Kent has served
on advisory committees and helped develop environmental
rulings, including phosphorous legislation. Kent said that after working closely with many businesses and municipalities
on the bill, it was rewarding to see the major policy initiative
being received with overwhelming bi-partisan support from a
political system that is often highly polarized.
Chris Hughes, managing partner at Stafford Rosenbaum,
said Kent has devised a long list of ways he can go about
tackling a problem.
Paul is an experienced and bright attorney that uses a
toolbox of solutions. Hes open minded and looks for all types
of ways to accomplish his clients goals, Hughes said.
Kent is also an educator. He is an adjunct professor, a
guest lecturer, and a speaker. As a lobbyist, he has shared
his expertise with the state Legislature and more than 100
Wisconsin wastewater plants that are involved in the Municipal Environmental Group-Wastewater Division.
While one can (influence) individual cases, its exciting and
rewarding to be able to be involved in the public policy-making
process at the Legislature on behalf of these municipal groups.
Other lawyers say he is always willing to share his success with those who have helped him.
I wouldnt be here without not only the support of my
family, but the support of many, many lawyers and outside
experts along the way, Kent said.
Alison Henderson

IN THE LAW
18

Litigation Support / Dispute Resolution


Estate and Succession Planning Divorce Proceeding
Shareholder Transition / Dispute
Buying or Selling a Business

Scott J. Wildman, CPA/ABV, CVA


John M. Staehler, CPA, CVA
Paul D. Schoessow, CVA
262.797.0400 | www.vrakascpas.com

Stewart Macaulay

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN LAW SCHOOL

Macaulay puts
law in its place
If you went to law school, chances are youve read
Stewart Macaulays book and not just because it was
required reading.
Macaulay, an emeritus professor of law at the University
of Wisconsin Law School, wrote a contracts-case book in
1996 that is still being used in contracts courses today.
And that book was built on the foundation of relational
contract theory, something that Macaulay was among the
first to espouse.
I was one of the first to say it, but there all kinds of people that believe this, though maybe not as many as Id like,
he said.
Even if you havent read his book, chances are youve
heard of his ideas in some shape or form. Their underlying
principle is fairly simple.
It really comes down to trying to make a plea: Cant we
focus on lawyers, problem solving, law as applied rather
than theories about the philosophy behind the statement of
the rules? Macaulay said.
In 1963, the year when Macaulay published his groundbreaking research, such ideas were novel.
People say I dont believe in rules, he said. No! When
a rule is vitally important its vitally important. But when is
it important?
Even though Macaulay never worked in private practice,
he was able to find a discrepancy between how contract
law was taught and how contracts worked in the real world.
I knew that I lacked something, he said. My curiosity
was aroused by my father-in-law. And he was reacting to
my telling him about teaching Lon Fullers theories this is
the most honored contracts professor of the Harvard Law
School... And somebody who knew it thought it was limited and being broadcast as if it were the whole story.
Before he retired in 2008, Macaulay was researching the
effect of computers and globalization on contracts. Now, at
82, he is still publishing articles he put his last one out in
2013 and has another on the way.
Im fascinated with human problems, Macaulay said.
Law contributes to the solution of some of them. Law exacerbates others.
Erika Strebel

IN THE LAW
20

Andrew McConnell
BOYLE FREDRICKSON

McConnell making a difference


for clients, community
Andy McConnell believes in giving not only to clients but
also to the community.
I think we have an obligation to do more than just our
practice. We have a responsibility to help folks less fortunate, said McConnell, a shareholder and past-president at
Boyle Fredrickson in Milwaukee.
His sense of advocacy certainly comes through in his work.
Its a lot about adding value to the client for their hard
work and research and development, said McConnell,
who earned his bachelors degree in civil engineering and
worked for several years as an engineer before becoming
an attorney in 1985.
I cant say Ive been involved with any life-changing
technologies or industries. I cant say I worked with the guy
who invented the Internet, McConnell deadpanned. Most
of what we do are small technological advances.
But so many times a product enhancement or improvement might be the product of a big R&D effort, and it may
not look like a lot, but it improves safety or provides advantages or features you didnt have previously. And they
worked hard to do that, and people like me work hard to
protect them.
Its that constant reminder that small things can make a big
difference that, in part, propels his community involvement.
During his time as firm president, McConnell started the
Boyle Fredrickson Cares Initiative, which, since 2007, has
supported everything from the Special Olympics to Habitat
for Humanity to Toys for Tots.
McConnell has also helped his daughter, Lissy McConnell, and her husband, Beau Tremitiere, as general counsel and 501c3 adviser to their non-profit, SEEDS Together
Inc., a Milwaukee-based organization that works out of
Ghana to help farmers, artisans and tradespeople secure
start-up capital.
Its not really traditional microloan, McConnell said.
They would buy the vehicle or finance the tool a person
might need to be productive. So, they would buy equipment
to make blocks or they would buy a hive and give the hive
to the beekeepers.
Its been rewarding, for sure, but also a reminder that we
can all make a difference.
Youre only limited by the number of opportunities you
pursue, McConnell said. Theyre always in front of you.
Its just a matter of what you choose to pursue and what you
have time to pursue.
Jessica Stephen

IN THE LAW
21

Lori Meddings
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH

Meddings passion for law


should be trademarked
Lori Meddings wasnt a traditional fit for intellectual
property law.
But that didnt stop her.
I took a few classes about intellectual property law, and
I was hooked. I completely fell in love with it, so my focus
became finding opportunities in that space that would allow
me to practice as an intellectual property attorney, even
though I didnt have a technical background, even though
that was required to practice before the patent office.
She found that opportunity at Michael Best & Friedrich,
where she specializes in mostly trademark enforcement
and protection, representing clients from small start-ups to
global companies, from Wisconsin to Korea.
I enjoy that there is so much variety. And the law is
constantly evolving so theres always new challenges,
Meddings said.
She also enjoys the not-run-of-the-mill issues, like trade
dress protection, where the color of a product or the configuration of a products packaging is protected.
And then theres the global aspect of her work.
There are a lot of counterfeit goods that originate from
other countries, in particular China, India, Taiwan, Meddings said. Im able to practice trademark law, but I also
get to practice internationally. Its the best of both worlds.
And, along that way, I get to develop great relationships
with people around the world. Its cool.
There is just so much out there to open our minds to and
to understand. The world is so much more than our law firm,
than Madison, than Wisconsin.
Meddings also keeps an eye on interests closer to
home, from coaching her daughters basketball team to
her work as chair of Michael Bests Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
It brings a lot of richness and value to the work we do,
Meddings said of the inclusion committee. And for a law
firm, or any business, its very important to take that to heart
because the world is changing so rapidly, and we are going
to be stale and left behind if we dont embrace that.
Meddings also volunteers with the Rape Crisis Center in
Madison.
Its an issue people dont talk about very much because
its uncomfortable to talk about, but I think its important
that people are aware help is there if they need it. It reenergizes my feeling that this is an important resource for
the community.
Jessica Stephen

IN THE LAW
22

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Don Murn
AXLEY BRYNELSON

Murn skis into


successful law career
Don Murn was a competitive water skier when he began
working as a clerk at a law firm.
And, when he graduated law school, he really hoped hed
be able to join them as an attorney.
Until he heard their offer.
They said, $18,000 a year, work weekends, no benefits
and give up water skiing. That was to be an associate.
In college, I was also a painter. I made $15,000 a summer
painting houses and apartment buildings. I had two crews.
And I could water ski.
So, when a friend suggested Murn go to work with his father, attorney Frank Murn, it seemed perfectly reasonable.
He had no idea it would change his life.
Hes one of the reasons Im successful, Murn said.
Without him, I wouldnt be where I am.
Murn spent three years with his father He kept working just to get me started. He was wonderful that way,
Murn said taking, basically, anything that walked in the
door with a checkbook and a pulse.
Murn went solo in 1988, then in 1993 joined what became
Bode Carrol Schroeder and Murn. The firm expanded to 12
attorneys before Murn left to go solo again in 1995. By 2000,
he had formed Murn and Martin, which expanded to 10 attorneys before it merged with Axley Brynelson in 2012.
I was wearing all the hats. I owned the building, so I
was changing light bulbs. I was fixing problems. I thought
my head was going to spin off, and I just wanted to practice
law, so I joined Axley, said Murn, now a partner at the firm.
Part of his work involves litigation, something he spent
years doing.
I used to love litigation and used to do a lot of litigation,
but I pick and choose my litigation now because very rarely
is there a clear-cut winner. Theres always an emotional or
monetary price to be paid. Thats the justice system, but its
not justice; its problem resolution.
These days, Murn spends most of his time on real estate
and estate planning.
I enjoy helping people, he said. I enjoy someone calling me up with a tough and hard problem and taking that
off their shoulders and letting them sleep at night, he said.
Jessica Stephen

IN THE LAW
24

Jim Phillips
GODFREY & KAHN

Phillips career takes off


at Godfrey & Kahn
With undergraduate degrees in math and physics, it
might have seemed less than inevitable that Jim Phillips
would become a lawyer.
I really liked the sciences, but when I came around to
graduate it made sense to do something else, Phillips said.
Even if that something else was supposed to take a bit
longer to find.
Actually, I graduated from undergrad in three years, and
I was going to take a year off a semester skiing in Colorado and a semester in Europe. And my father said, Thats
OK, as long as you know what youre doing when you come
back. I said, Im going to law school, but then I never left.
Phillips graduated at a time when you could find jobs in
the gutter on the streets. So, after getting his legal degree
in 1979, he went to work.
A year later, he had joined Godfrey & Kahn, where he is
now a shareholder and former chairman of the tax team.
Over the years, Phillips has scratched his science itch by
building small, two-seat experimental planes. He used to fly
it with his wife, Lisa, whom he lost to breast cancer in 2009.
She had no interest in flying, but she loved the transportation aspect, Phillips laughed.
Phillips is also a board member at the Experimental Aircraft Association, the non-profit group known by many for
its annual fly-in in Oshkosh.
But its his work with Life Navigators, a non-profit group
that helps families dealing with development disabilities,
that hes found particularly satisfying.
The goal is to try to improve the quality of life for a segment of the population that sometimes really needs some
assistance, said Phillips, whose brother is developmentally disabled.
His personal experience has emphasized the need for
such services, although Phillips said his family hasnt had
to use them. But his experience with tax law has allowed
him to work with families who have long-term care and asset allocation.
I like the idea that, in some way, Im helping a non-profit
carry out its mission, Phillips said. Its nice to be able to
take some of what weve learned in a for-profit business
and give away some of those services.
Jessica Stephen

IN THE LAW
25

Wayne Siesennop
SIESENNOP & SULLIVAN

Siesennop started on the other


side of the witness stand
Wayne Siesennops interest in the law started in an unlikely place in the courtroom. Originally an engineer, he
worked in the industry, taught engineering at the University
of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and then began working as an expert witness.
Thats how I got introduced to the law, Siesennop said.
Then I decided that I would prefer to ask questions of a
witness than be a witness and answer questions.
The cases he now gets on can take a long time to see
through. And sometimes they are not only complex, but also
emotional.
He worked, for instance, on the recent ODonnell Park
case in which a precast-concrete panel fell off the side of a
parking garage and killed a teenager and two others.
Thats an emotionally difficult case, but you still have to
defend your client very zealously, he said.
One of Siesennops favorite things about being a construction-defense attorney is that, from time to time, he can
go back to his old life and use his engineering knowledge.
Im fortunate to be able to keep my foot in both worlds,
though I dont practice engineering anymore, he said.
One of the most significant achievements in Siesennops
career has been getting results for his clients, who range
from contractors to engineers and architects.
Ive been able to advance the law in certain appellate
cases in which, on behalf of the design professional, I was
able to establish legal precedent in their favor, he said.
Siesennop once obtained from the Wisconsin Court of
Appeals a precedent-setting ruling that granted government immunity to a private contractor. And another he got
eliminated strict liability for architects.
But his work isnt all about his clients.
Ive enjoyed mentoring young lawyers who have
worked for us and who are now successful lawyers in the
community, he said. Its been a pleasure to work with
those people.
In his spare time, Siesennop enjoys traveling. The best
place he ever went to on a vacation was Cuba, and the last
place he visited was Turkey.
Erika Strebel

IN THE LAW
26

Patrick Sullivan
SIESENNOP & SULLIVAN

Sullivan brings perspective to


health care defense
Patrick Sullivan started out as a special education teacher, spending four years in Milwaukee Public Schools.
God bless the good teachers, but I was not one of them,
he said.
Sullivan, a managing partner at Siesennop & Sullivan,
has a masters degree in teaching and very early on thought
he wanted to be a teacher. It all now seems like a far cry
from his current work as a defense attorney for health care
providers.
I find medicine to be fascinating and I am always learning something new on every case, he said. It affects all of
us at one point in our lives.
The toughest part of Sullivans job is that the cases he
tries are emotional and he finds himself often having sympathy for the plaintiff. In the end, though, two things help
him overcome any hurdles.
First, Sullivan said, is that he is inherently competitive.
The second is that he recognizes its often his responsibility
to bring perspective to a case.
Whats at issue in all my cases is an unfortunate outcome for an elderly person. ... I understand that families
have very high expectations, and I like to balance that
perspective, he said. The population we talk about is the
sickest and in need of the most care. Under that situation,
there is always a potential for an unfortunate outcome.
And although Sullivans work can be emotionally
charged, he does not let that get in the way of treating opposing counsel with respect.
I really feel that theres a lack of civility amongst a lot
of attorneys that neednt be there, he said. Between the
lines we have to hit hard, but at the end of the day, its a
profession and we have to be professionals.
I hope that other attorneys feel that way about me. I treat
everyone with respect even though we are adversaries.
The competitiveness that Sullivan finds vital to his work
also spills into his personal life. He runs a marathon a year
and jogs almost every day at lunchtime.
Erika Strebel

IN THE LAW
27

Joseph Troy
HABUSH HABUSH & ROTTIER

Troy keeps serving community


after leaving bench
Joseph Troy sees his 20 years as a circuit court judge
as an advantage to his clients at Habush Habush & Rottier.
Troy, who retired from the Outagamie County bench in
2007, said that experience lets clients know he can handle
himself in a courtroom.
I loved being a judge and serving the community that
way, but I knew after 20 years that I needed to either do
something different such as go back to practicing law
or just stay a judge for the rest of my career, Troy said. I
had this opportunity to join Habush and see it as another
way of helping the community. Its very satisfying to know
that the experience I had as a judge can help people when
they need it.
While a judge, Troy started the Clean Break Program
in Outagamie County, which was a diversion program for
first-time juvenile defenders. Troy said part of the program
included martial arts. At the programs graduation ceremony, participants broke a board.
For many of those involved, this was the first time in
their lives someone was really cheering them on, he said.
I started Clean Break because we werent helping these
juveniles. We were just processing them.
Besides representing clients at Habush, Troy also frequently makes presentations on various legal topics and
has served on the faculty at the National Center for Justice and The Rule of Law at the University of Mississippi
Law School, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Fox
Valley Technical College. He also conducts Amber Alert
training for the U.S. Department of Justice.
Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis said he has
learned a lot from Troy in the 30 years he has known him.
His passion for the law, his compassion for people, his
ability to listen, his patience and his never-ending energy to serve as a leader has impacted thousands of lives
through the years and made the legal community better,
he said.
Beyond the legal field, Troy is a volunteer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Fox Valley Chapter and
has been honored by the group as a leader in the fields of
mental health and the law. He said he became interested
in helping the mentally ill during his time as a judge.
I didnt like seeing so many mentally ill people come
through the criminal justice system and they werent getting the treatment they needed, Troy said. I wanted to do
my part to change that.
MaryBeth Matzek

IN THE LAW
28

Were tipping our hat.

Godfrey & Kahn congratulates this years


Leaders in the Law.
As a member of the business community, Godfrey & Kahn is proud to
participate in an event that celebrates our areas attorneys. We would
like to extend special congratulations to our very own James Phillips,
a shareholder in our Tax and Employee Benefits Practice Group, who
is included among this years honorees.

We think business.

OFFICES IN MILWAUKEE, MADISON, WAUKESHA, GREEN BAY AND APPLETON, WISCONSIN AND WASHINGTON, D.C.

2016 Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Congratulations

Joe Troy & Benjamin Wagner

On being selected as one of the


Wisconsin Law Journals
2016 Leaders in the Law

Your Habush friends and colleagues celebrate your achievements!

Benjamin Wagner
HABUSH HABUSH & ROTTIER

Habushs Wagner
a character-builder
When it comes to being an attorney, Benjamin Wagner
believes compassion is one of the most important characteristics a person can have.
As a trial lawyer, its very important to be a good listener,
and another characteristic that you need to have is empathy. You need to understand and empathize with your clients
perspective, said Wagner, a shareholder at Habush Habush
& Rottier S.C. in the firms Milwaukee office. I try to make
empathy a cornerstone of my practice and life, every day.
Wagner became interested in civil litigation during a trial-advocacy class he took while attending the University of Wisconsin Law School. After graduation, he took a job with Habush
working out of its Racine office, where he had an opportunity to
try more than a dozen cases his first two years out of law school.
Being a trial lawyer is a great opportunity to advocate
for your clients in the courtroom, and those skills can translate into advocating in the community for the causes you
believe in. It is an honor and privilege to do both, he said.
His practice includes dealing with nursing-home abuse
and neglect, personal injury, car and motorcycle accidents
and wrong death. Wagner realizes hes often meeting clients in difficult circumstances and says that he enjoys giving them help when they need it the most.
I always try to put my clients at ease when they come
into the office, Wagner said. It is my privilege to help them
piece their lives back together.
Although he has a busy caseload, Wagner finds time to
work with various legal and community organizations outside of the office. Hes president-elect of the Wisconsin Association for Justice and serves on the board of directors
for Jewish Family Services, Safe & Sound Inc., Discovery
World in Milwaukee and the Medical College of Wisconsins Neuroscience Center Advisory Board.
My family instilled in me a duty to help others and when
I have an opportunity to help, I take it, he said.
Wagner credits his success to having great mentors at
Habush, including the founding partners Bob Habush and
Dan Rottier. He said both inspired him to improve his as a
lawyer while also showing him the importance of being active in the community.
Our firm has a culture of being champions not only
for our clients, but also for our respective communities in
which we practice, Wagner said. The firm is very supportive of the attorneys efforts and initiatives in the various
communities across the state.
MaryBeth Matzek

IN THE LAW
30

share your news

professional
announcements

MARQUETTE LAW SCHOOL

CONGRATULATES
ALL OF THE 2016
LEADERS IN THE LAW
AWARD WINNERS,
INCLUDING THESE
ALUMNI.

We are proud of developing lawyers known for


integrity as well as skill, for service as well as
success, and for using the law to right wrongs.
As Marquette lawyers, you exemplify our mission
of excellence, faith, leadership, and service.
JASON ABRAHAM, LAW 92
JANET CAIN, LAW 86
ANTHONY COTTON, LAW 05
JOHN HOGAN, LAW 77
LORI MEDDINGS, LAW 01
DON MURN, LAW 85
W. WAYNE SIESENNOP, LAW 78
W. PATRICK SULLIVAN, LAW 84
Congratulations also to Marquette
faculty member
MARY K. BRAZA
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF LAW

For additional information contact

Becky Schlevensky

becky.schlevensky@wislawjournal.com
414-225-1814

LAW SCHOOL
law.marquette.edu

Gregory Wesley
GONZALEZ SAGGIO & HARLAN

Wesley having a ball pursuing


his second dream
Gregory Wesley thought he might become a sports agent.
Then, he said, I realized most of them had law degrees.
So, he went to law school.
Since Im first-generation college, my horizons were really kind of expanded in law school, Wesley said. Its kind
of like, you think you know something and you do so much
more reading and youre introduced to so many areas of the
law torts, contracts, civil procedure, intellectual property and its kind of like a wow moment. It taught me that
depth and experience are really great teachers, because
here was so much I didnt know about the law that I became
enamored with.
When he finally decided to practice law, Wesley acknowledged he still hadnt let go of his dream.
I thought I would do sports and entertainment in 10
years. But one year led to two led to five led to 10 and,
now, Im almost 20 years in and I dont have the interest
anymore, said Wesley, an equity partner and co-chairman
of the employment law group at Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan
in Milwaukee.
I really enjoy what I do, and I feel like Ive been a
part of helping build a firm that might have been seen
as an underdog.
I consider myself an ambassador for the growth of our
firm, which, Wesley said, started with five attorneys in
Milwaukee in 1992 and has since expanded to include 116
attorneys in 16 offices throughout the country.
His unofficial ambassadorship also puts Wesley in the
community, where he has embraced opportunities as a
trustee at the Medical College of Wisconsin, as a board
member at the United Way and the Boys and Girls Club,
as director of Park Bank, and even as part of the Summerfest board.
Professor (James) Jones at UW Law School often talked about becoming an important part of your community,
the fabric of your community, about lawyers being seen as
contributors, Wesley said. For me, everything that I do
is kind of motivated by trying to be a person who gives.
You just pay it forward. Someone paid it forward and created an opportunity for me, and I want to do the same, whether it be small or big, you never know what might help.
Jessica Stephen

IN THE LAW
32

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