Job: Attorney, with current firm for 1 ½ years; practicing law for nine years
Education: University of Wisconsin, JD 1996
What are your main duties?
“Research and writing trial briefs, arbitration and mediation briefs, legal motions and various other law and motion papers; handling all aspects of pre-trial litigation and investigation, arguing law and motion matters in Federal and State Courts and conducting jury trials.”
What do you like best?
“I am challenged every day with something new. There is always an opportunity to learn about something new in my field of practice.”
What skills/education are needed to enter your field?
Bachelor’s degree followed by three years of law school. “Must be able to analyze complex situations and think creatively. Must be effective public speaker.”
Describe a memorable experience in your job
“My first solo jury trial was a case where a plant had fire damage due to a leaking propane heating system. I represented the plant against a service company that installed a pump system on the propane system in such a manner so that it was easy to create the situation that caused the leak. The case involved a complex tracing of the plumbing that pumped propane from one place to another. Although it seemed like a complex and boring topic that would not be easily understood, the jury was genuinely interested in the case. At the end of trial, the jury issued a verdict that was very favorable to my client. Afterward, I was able to speak with a couple of jury members who explained that they liked an exhibit I used with an expert that color-coded different pipes in the system to show how they were improperly installed. The jury members commented on how the exhibit helped them understand the story of how the fire started. The experience taught me that even mundane and complex fact patterns can become interesting in a trial setting.”
