2016

Dynamic Duo
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren congratulates Paralegal Donna Paulsen and
Legal Administrative Assistant Tracy Sperl on being named Unsung Heroes
in Wisconsins legal community. This award recognizes something we at
Reinhart have known for many yearsthat Donna and Tracy are two of the
heroes that help us deliver exceptional legal services to our clients.

Donna Paulsens work as a paralegal in our firms
Employee Benefits practice has long elevated
and supported the service we render our clients.
From her extensive subject matter knowledge
to her exceptional personal dedication, Donna
truly embodies the firms commitment to always
provide the best possible counsel to our clients.
As the assistant to the CEO and CFO, Tracy Sperl
helps maintain the essential operations of one
of the largest law firms in the state. In her
critical role, Tracy always displays the highest
levels of diligence and professionalism while
infusing every interaction with friendliness,
enthusiasm and a great sense of humor.

The success of our law firm depends on the contributions we receive from individuals like
Donna and Tracy, and we are very fortunate to have them on our team. We salute Donna and
Tracyand all of the 2016 Unsung Heroesfor this well-deserved honor.

reinhartlaw.com 414.298.1000
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 Unsung Heroes 2016 is a special publication of The Daily Reporter Publishing Co., which publishes
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Presenting Sponsor:

Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsor:

Wisconsin Law Journal | 2| UNSUNG HEROES

 4 5
Lifetime Achievement Award Lifetime Achievement Award
Maria Morales Sue Sheldon
Weiss Berzowski Wisconsin State Public
Defenders Office

8 9 10 11
Mary Kay Bradford Jill Bradshaw Kathy Brickl Jessica Curns
Michael Best & Friedrich Godfrey & Kahn Murphy Desmond Godfrey & Kahn

12 14 15 16 17
Pagette Fischer Rita Heyerholm Sara Hullermann Staci Jensen Kathryn Kirk
Davis & Kuelthau Boardman & Clark Grant County Quarles & Brady Quarles & Brady
Circuit Court

18 20 21 22 23
Kateri Knous William Kohl Megan Lison Jennifer Meyer Kelly Monaghan
Quarles & Brady Kohl Investigations Hager, Dewick & Zuengler Michael Best & Friedrich Wisconsin Department
of Agriculture, Trade, and
Consumer Protection

24 26 27 28 29
Shawn Nangle Donna Paulsen Tammy Raymond Rob Rosenberg Tony Pan Sanfelipo
Bell, Moore & Richter Reinhart Boerner Godfrey & Kahn Rosenberg Consulting Hupy and Abraham
Van Deuren Services

30 32 33 34 35
Hope Seegert Kristin Sommer Chandru Solraj Tracy Sperl Jill Wellskopf
Godfrey & Kahn Hupy and Abraham Wisconsin State Public Reinhart Boerner Hupy and Abraham
Defenders office Van Deuren

UNSUNG HEROES | 3| Wisconsin Law Journal

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Lifetime Achievement Award

Maria Morales Weiss Berzowski Firm Administrator

Morales dedicates life

to Milwaukee firm
(and Bloody Marys)

Maria Morales has put in 45 years at her firm,

the Milwaukee-based Weiss Berzowski. And 35 of
those have been spent as firm administrator.
The roles name is short, but the list of hats Mo-
rales wears to keep the place running isnot.
Her duties range from arranging social events
and purchasing equipment to hiring and working
with legal assistants, as well crunching numbers
for the firms retirement and profit-sharing plans.
Morales, who started at the firm as a recep-
tionist and secretary, has watched attorneys rise
up the ranks and watched the place expand from
a four-attorney operation to one that now employs
21 lawyers.
What makes Morales stand out is her service to
the firm, says Mike Berzowski.
Shes loyal, dedicated, tenacious and renders
what I would call selfless services, he said. If
someone asked me to sum up the whole thing, the
only thing she ever did was to dedicate her life to
this law firm for 45 years.
One of the biggest changes shes witnessed at
Weiss Berzowski is the firms transition into the
digital age.
We went from lawyers telling me there was
no way a guy could get computers on their desk,
she said. Now those same attorneys have a real
problem if theres a problem with the network and
were down for a short time. We had to get them
to buy into the fact that we all had to learn to use
computers, and its gotten easier as technology has
advanced.
Outside work, Morales volunteers for the Wis-
consin Association of Legal Administrators. The
work has brought her many life-long friends.
She also enjoys fishing. Every August, Morales
spends a week fishing with friends at a cottage on
Bass Lake. But thats not all they do. Morales and
her friends also make a years supply of tomato
juice for Bloody Marys about 80 quarts in all.
Morales other pastimes includecultivating ros-
es and traveling. Besides various cities in the U.S.,
she has been to London, Paris, Scotland, the Ba-
hamas and Mexico. Next year, she hopes to make
it to Italy.
Erika Strebel

Wisconsin Law Journal | 4| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sue Sheldon State Public Defenders Office Recently Retired
Sheldon leaves tough spot to fill
Erik Nelson credits Sue Sheldon foradding a
few more years to his life.
Nelson, an assistant state public defender,
and Sheldon had for years climbed the stairs
to their office everyday even when itmoved
to the fifth floor from the third floor. And Nelson
wasnt the only one Sheldon, then a legal sec-
retary and regional office administrator at the
State Public Defenders Janesville Regional Of-
fice, had tried to get on the bandwagon.
I tried to encourage everyone, she said. So
I kind of probably became everyones mom at the
office. They hid.
Nelson and Sheldon worked together at the
SPD for about 35 years until Sheldon retired last
month. She provided support and administrative
services to the SPDs three offices in Janesville,
Elkhorn and Monroe, which encompass Rock,
UNSUNG HEROES
Walworth, Green and Lafayette counties.
Duringher 37-year career at the SPD, Sheldon
helped run the Janesville office in other ways.
On top of being organized and making sure ev-
erything was proceeding smoothly, she became
a source of emotional support for the office.
I think that one of the things thats outstand-
ing about Sue is that shes someone whos al-
ways got a listening ear for co-workers, espe-
cially when you work in an environment that is as
high-paced and high-stress as a public defender
office, Nelson said.
Sheldon was also the liaison to other
agencies, such as the state Department of
Justice and courthouse staff. That role can
be fraught with pitfalls, yet Sheldon handled
it with beneficial results for the lawyers and
their clients, said Kelly Mattingly, Sheldons
| 5|
boss and attorney manager at the Janesville
office.
I try to be as helpful as I can to them, and
they always return the favor, Sheldon said.
Nelson says Sheldons shoes will be tough to fill.
Shes just been somebody who makes things
work behind the scenes and has always had the
interest of our clients, our staff and the taxpay-
ing public in mind and done a good job for all of
them, he said.
During her retirement, Sheldon is looking for-
ward to going on more golfing trips with her hus-
band and doing more snowshoeing, a pastime
she recently took up. Sheldon is also looking
forward to exploring another new hobby vol-
unteering at St. Marys Hospital in Janesville.
Erika Strebel
Wisconsin Law Journal
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An unsung hero works behind the scenes

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Were tipping our hat.

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We are excited for all of this years winners, especially our very own We think business.
Jill Bradshaw, Hope Seegert, Jessica Curns and Tammy Raymond.

OFFICES IN MILWAUKEE, MADISON, WAUKESHA, GREEN BAY AND APPLETON, WISCONSIN AND WASHINGTON, D.C. 2016 Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Mary Kay Bradford

Attraction to law came
early for Bradford
For Mary Kay Bradford, it was a simple question from
her eighth-grade teacher that changed her life.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
The law, she wrote. Something to do with the law.
Four years later the same teacher gave that essay back
to her former student as a high-school graduation present.
It was like a bolt of lightning, said Bradford, now a
legal assistant at Michael Best & Friedrich. How many
times do we make a decision as a child, follow through
with it all the way through high school and college, and
then have it actually influence our life?
For the past 20 years, Bradford has played a central
role at Michael Best & Friedrich. Colleagues praise her as
a self-starter. She supports as many as seven attorneys
and manages complicated schedules and deadlines, all
the while making sure clients remain the priority.
I do wear a lot of hats, said Bradford. At any one
time Im juggling 15 different responsibilities.
In what might be the understatement of the year, Brad-
ford says she knows shes busy. Still, she keeps at it be-
cause she enjoys the work.
The Michigan native is especially grateful for the firms
willingness to accommodate her.
When I had my boys I initially wanted to cut back on
my hours and the firm made that happen, Bradford said.
Likewise, when I wanted to return to full-time work, they
held the door open for me. And Ive always been grateful.
That loyalty goes both ways for Bradford. Beyond her
outstanding work habits, the firm credits Bradford for her
efforts involving in-house charitable giving to homeless
veterans and victims of domestic abuse. She has also
helped collect blankets and worked with volunteers to
support local Junior Achievement programs.
Bradfords immense contributions to both the firm and the
community are why they consider her their Unsung Hero.
And that eighth-grader who made such a grown up de-
cision? If Bradford could talk to that young girl today, she
says she would tell her not to worry so much.
Try new things, enjoy life more, and take chances,
LEGAL ASSISTANT Bradford said.
Jerry Huffman

MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH

Wisconsin Law Journal | 8| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Jill Bradshaw
Bradshaw uses research skill to keep attorneys informed, prepared for trial
Jill Bradshaw never realized law firms had
libraries until she got a job in one.
While pursuing her masters degree in library
science from Kent State University in Ohio, she
turned to a temp agency for help finding work.
She was eventually placed in a position at a local
firms law library.
I didnt know that law firm libraries existed,
but I started working there and it just clicked,
Bradshaw said. I was as surprised as the next
person that you can be librarian for a law firm.
Bradshaw, who today manages the law li-
brary at Godfrey & Kahns Madison office, over-
sees the firms collection and looks up informa-
tion for attorneys. She said the research is what
she likes best about the job.
I look at legal histories, regulatory histories,
legislative histories whatever the attorney
UNSUNG HEROES
needs, Bradshaw said. It is always something
different, and that keeps it fun.
Brady Williamson, a shareholder in Godfrey
& Kahns Madison office, called Bradshaw in-
dispensable to the firms office. Her familiarity
with rules and standards of the U.S. Supreme
Court and Wisconsin Supreme Court is some-
thing attorneys take advantage of when they
file briefs, he said.
She not only checks citations and formatting,
for example, but suggests alternatives for cre-
ative and unusual supporting materials, William-
son said. In the firms Madison office, few would
consider filing an appellate brief or a significant
trial-court pleading without her involvement.
Librarians use a number of sources, both paper
and electronic, in their research, Bradshaw said.
I read a lot to keep up to date on the latest re-
| 9|
LAW LIBRARY MANAGER
GODFREY & KAHN
sources available, she said. I view myself as a
problem-solver and Im very process-orientated.
Shes also very organized.
When Bradshaw receives a research request,
she looks it over, factors in how long it will take
and puts it in her queue to get it done.
Mary Koshollek, director of information and
records at Godfrey & Kahn, said Bradshaw plays
a vital role in helping attorneys prepare for both
trial and client meetings. She does this, in the
main, by making sure lawyers have not only up-
to-date information but also information that has
been put into context.
Bradshaw does her job with humor, enthusi-
asm and a conscientious approach and con-
sistently going above and beyond the task at
hand, Koshollek said.
MaryBeth Matzek
Wisconsin Law Journal
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Kathy Brickl
Brickls energy, dedication create solid foundation at Murphy Desmond
The only thing Kathy Brickl doesnt do for her
firm is practice law.
Some of her favorite tasks include typing con-
fidential information for the entire firm, planning
office parties and events, and taking on the role
ofa receptionist.
The office manager has played a vital role for
more than 30 years at Murphy Desmond, said
Tim Valentyn, firm president. In addition to run-
ning the law firms day-to-day operations, Brickl
takes time to act as a mentor to staff members.
I love to see people do well, she said. To
see people excel is exciting. They come in and
dont know how to do certain things and getting
them to be that great employee is worth whatev-
er time you have to put into it.
Wisconsin Law Journal
Valentyn also credits Brickl with maintaining
the firms high morale, citing her ability to coax
employees out of their offices to mingle with
their colleagues. Doing that requires having a
sunny disposition and plenty of energy all of
which Brickl can lay claim to.
I havethe attitude that we can do anything
here in Murphy Desmond and no job is too big or
small, she said.
Of course, there are always difficulties. Brickl,
for instance, must keep up with the latest tech-
nology, all the whilemaking time for each of her
various duties.
It can be helpful to keep lists of which tasks
have been completed and which still need do-
ing. The real key for Brickl, though, is having a
| 1 0|
OFFICE MANAGER
MURPHY DESMOND
no-nonsense approach. In the end, its about
hard work. For her, that means getting into the
office at 6 a.m. and not leaving until between
5 p.m. and 6:30.
Theres no screwing around, she said.
For Brickl, Murphy Desmond has become a sec-
ond family of sorts. Outside the office, her actual
family is at the center ofnearly everything she does.
Brickl still lives in her hometown, Sauk City,
with her husband. She grew up there and lives
just a block away from her childhood home.
She spends much of her time with her
94-year-old mother. She also has two daughters
and three grandchildren.
Theyre amazing, she said. They are my life.
Erika Strebel
UNSUNG HEROES
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Jessica Curns
Curns successfully blends marketing, technology
Jessica Curns has found a perfect fit as the
marketing and media-technology coordinator at
Godfrey & Kahn.
This job combines my diverse skills in a posi-
tion that I love, said Curns, who started her new
position at the firm last year. I love the team
here. Its a collaborative environment.
As the firms first marketing and media-technol-
ogy coordinator, Curns has duties that run the gam-
ut from updating social-media sites and maintain-
ing Godfrey & Kahns system for managing contact
relationships to the redesign of the firms website
and rolling out a new system for email marketing.
Susan Steberl, director of marketing at God-
frey & Kahn, praised the way Curns approaches
all aspects of her job.
Jessica takes a step back and considers what
the client experience will be and makes recom-
UNSUNG HEROES
mendations and adjustments to ensure that, in the
end, we are serving clients in a manner that is most
helpful and relevant to their business, she said.
Curns, who had worked at a non-profit or-
ganization before joining Godfrey & Kahn, was
searching for a marketing position when she
came upon the listing for the firms new market-
ing and media-technology position.
It was a perfect combination for me, she said.
I have a knack for IT and did some IT work while in
college. That, combined with my marketing educa-
tion and experience, allow me to move seamlessly
between the IT and marketing departments.
After joining Godfrey & Kahn, Curns was tasked
with overseeing work meant to refresh the law
firms website. The project eventually turned into
a complete redesign of the site and the adoption
of a new system for email marketing, Steberl said.
| 1 1|
MARKETING AND MEDIA
TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR
GODFREY & KAHN
That meant we would be rolling out two very
high-profile client-facing pieces at the same
time. With the projects strict timeline, Steberl
said, there was no room for error.
Beyond the website redesign and rollout of
the marketing system, Curns has developed mar-
keting content that is shown on display monitors
in Godfrey & Kahns new reception area and
conference center and has generally handled
day-to-day marketing tasks.
I have watched Jessica present a projects
status to firm leadership with poise and confi-
dence, breaking down the technical aspects of
the project into a clear and concise narrative
a rare trait in someone so young and new to a
company, let alone new to the legal marketing
environment, Steberl said.
MaryBeth Matzek
Wisconsin Law Journal
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Pagette Fischer
Fischer builds client-centric
niche in marketing
At only 33, Pagette Fischer has earned herself the role
of director of marketing and business development at Da-
vis & Kuelthau.
And if that feat werent extraordinary enough, she soon
earned the respect needed to work in direct collaboration
with the firm president and board of directors. Fischer
said few of her counterparts in the industry are afforded
the ability to truly exercise influence directly at the top.
Her presence at the leadership table is largely a result of
Davis & Kuelthaus desire to evolve with the rapidly chang-
ing business environment for our clients and integrate those
variables into our service and marketing approach.
Fischer has long been interested in the law but decided
that being an attorney was not for her. Now, as the mar-
keting director at Davis & Kuelthau, Fischer has the best
of both worlds. She is still part of a legal team but enjoys
much more leeway than is typically granted to lawyers.
Instead of focusing on a single area of law my role is
to know each of our clients and ensure our services are
communicated directly in line with their needs, she said.
What distinguishes her work, according to the attorney
James Braza, is that Fischer understands that the firms
strategy and its marketing function are inextricably linked.
That means we have to see ourselves through two
lenses: our own and through our clients eyes, Fischer
said. Marketing works best when the focus is on who re-
ceives the message. If they dont personally relate theyll
never hear the message.
Colleagues point to Fischers setting up of in-house indus-
try teams, each made up of attorneys specializing in a variety
of disciplines. The teams help plan marketing strategies.
Fischer, for her part, works with the teams to court pro-
spective clients and develop methods to establish mean-
ingful rapport. The efforts have given rise to new relation-
ships and, ultimately, new business.
Fischer has also taken to working with young lawyers
at the firm. She helps them expand their own networks
while becoming better communicators and producers of
day-to-day business.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, So, as Fischer has proved with abundant evidence, there
is life after law school.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT After dreaming of being a lawyer for so many years,
making the decision to change my career course wasnt
DAVIS & KUELTHAU easy, she said. But I found the right path for me where
I could bring value to the table and help businesses thrive.
Jerry Huffman

Wisconsin Law Journal | 1 2| UNSUNG HEROES

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UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Rita Heyerholm
Heyerholm wears many
hats for Boardman & Clark
Rita Heyerholms closet must be full of hats, consider-
ing how many she wears as a legal assistant at Boardman
& Clark in Madison.
For starters, she handles what Andrew Hebl, one of the
two lawyers she works directly with, calls a very signifi-
cant volume of correspondence. She ensures that things
such as letters, pleadings, briefs, motions and more get to
where theyre needed in a timely manner.
But beyond that, she also helps organize a multitude of
events, including private events held for as many as 250
guests during the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestras Con-
certs on the Square series.
The concerts take place on the Capitols lawn before
an audience that looks on from nearby streets. Boardman
& Clark holds private events on a few of those nights. The
firms location near the Capitol makes it an ideal location
for the gatherings.
In planning the events, Heyerholm has to maintain guest
lists, select menus, work with the caterers, arrange for
rentals, put together seating charts and keep a backup
plan in case everyone has to be moved inside because of
inclement weather.
Beyond that, she also serves as a campaign manag-
er for United Way. In that role, she helps organize the
groups Day of Caring. During this event, United Way vol-
unteers perform community service; Heyerholm said this
typically involves manual labor. Volunteers, for instance,
painted for a local senior-citizen center this August. Other
years have seen them helping to pull weeds and mulch.
Outside the office, Heyerholm coaches childrens groups,
teaches Sunday School classes, sings in her churchs choir
and serves as the president of the local condominium as-
sociation.
Even when her roles are demanding the most from her,
Heyerholm maintains her professional bearing, Hebl noted.
Hebl said its a quality that cannot be overvalued in
employees. Thats especially true for anyone who works
with planning events. Heyerholm, he noted, is often the
publics first point of contact with the firm.
LEGAL ASSISTANT To me, professionalism, its probably one of my primary
responsibilities I have to the firm, she said. (In) my role
as event coordinator, I am the front face of Boardman.
BOARDMAN & CLARK Anyone charged with organizing events and handling
correspondence must be able to set priorities. Heyerholm
said communicating clearly with the people she works
with is also essential. She credits both Hebl and Gary An-
toniewicz, the other lawyer she works with at Boardman,
for their patience.
Alex Zank

Wisconsin Law Journal | 1 4| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Sara Hullermann
Efficiency is cause of pride for Hullermann
Its not easy maintaining one of the most effi-
cient court calendars in the state.
Its something that Sara Hullermann, judicial as-
sistant for Judge Robert VanDeHey of Grant County
Circuit Court Branch 1, takes particular pride in.
We try to keep work moving as fast as we
can, Hullermann said.
That includes scheduling meetings and other
business in a way that makes the most sense for
both the attorneys handling a case and to the
general court calendar.
We schedule hearings to keep things flow-
ing as efficiently as we can, Hullermann said,
UNSUNG HEROES
GRANT COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
adding that she also tries to keep transactions
convenient for all parties.
Hullermann has been working in the field for
more than a decade.
She started her first law-related job in Sep-
tember 2003 when she joined a law office as a
receptionist. Eventually, Hullermann moved up to
legal assistant.
After switching law firms, Hullermann was
appointed to her current position in Grant County
Circuit Court in July 2013.
Her work duties expanded again at the dis-
trict court. She went from initially doing recep-
| 1 5|
JUDICIAL ASSISTANT
tionist work to taking dictations and drafting
correspondence.
Hullermann said she is just one part of a great
group of people working in Grant County. She
emphasized the importance of teamwork in keep-
ing everything organized and running efficiently.
One of the most rewarding parts of her job,
she said, is being able to help the public when
they come into the office without legal repre-
sentation. She said that the office helps keep
cases moving by getting them on the calendar as
quickly as possible.
Alex Zank
Wisconsin Law Journal
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Staci Jensen
Jensen provides smooth transitions for pro-bono domestic abuse, guardianship projects
Staci Jensens juggling act is not for show.
The 44-year-old works behind the scenes to
balance her duties as a legal secretary at Quarles
& Bradys Madison office with her volunteer work
with two of the firms pro bono endeavors.
Because of her ability to organize, administer and
motivate, she was approached by her boss, Emily
Feinstein, to be the point of contact for an injunc-
tion initiative that works with Madisons Domestic
Abuse Intervention Services. These efforts have
her serving as a liaison among victims of domestic
abuse or harassment who are being represented by
Quarles & Brady, the nonprofit legal firm Community
Justice, three local firms, seven separate attorneys
and the University of Wisconsin Law School.
In addition, Jensen said she does whatever
she can to prepare attorneys before they meet
with clients, including research, conflict checks,
Wisconsin Law Journal
engagement letters, coordinating and schedul-
ing to make sure the clients have coverage.
Since July of 2015, Jensen said she has co-
ordinated and scheduled attorneys to represent
DAIS clients in more than 130 domestic violence
injunction hearings.
She also volunteers with the firms new legal
guardianship program that began earlier this
year. Through the Dane County Department of
Human Services, the program connects low-in-
come, mentally challenged adults to guardians
who will care for them.
Obtaining the forms, preparing documents for
the attorneys, scheduling the hearings, filing the
documents with the court and sending certified
copies to the client, Jensen has already handled
five guardianship requests since the programs
inception earlier this year.
| 1 6|
LEGAL SECRETARY
QUARLES & BRADY
It can literally be a mountain of paperwork, said
Director of Pro Bono & Professional Development
Dawn Caldart, but with Stacis keen organizational
skills and calm demeanor, it all results in the smooth
transfer of a file folder to the attorney on the case.
Jensen said she is honored to work for a firm
that is dedicated to providing pro bono services,
adding that without these programs, many would
not be given the opportunity to have support on
their side. As for her colleagues, they said with-
out her many attorneys would not be able to do
the work they do for the programs.
Staci is amazing, Feinstein said. I know
I can give her something she has never done be-
fore maybe she asks a question or two and
then she just makes it happen. She is self-direct-
ed and gets things done.
Alison Henderson
UNSUNG HEROES
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Kathryn Kirk
Quarles & Bradys Kirk
doesnt miss a beat
As a lawyer at Quarles & Brady, Leah McNeely has had
plenty of opportunities to appreciate the contributions of
Kathryn Kirk.
Kathryn is wonderful, McNeely says. She goes way
beyond her duties in all things. She does things before
asked; shes always thinking ahead. People dont realize
how much work she does behind the scenes and how
dedicated she is to the clinic.
Kirk has an associates degree in business technology,
but has been working as a legal secretary since before
she graduated. She arrived at the Quarles & Brady Madi-
son office almost four years ago and has been working as
a volunteer at the Legal Intervention for Nonviolence Clin-
ic. That organization works with Domestic Abuse Inter-
vention Services to provide brief legal advice, information
and referrals on matters that include family law, property
and consumer protection.
Kirk was instrumental in building the clinic from the
ground up when it was developed 2-1/2 years ago. She
helped McNeely by researching examples of free legal
clinics, drafting forms, conducting attorney outreach and
meeting with DAIS staff.
By greeting clients, preparing documents and helping
with follow-ups such as filing forms or conducting addi-
tional research, Kirk helps ensure lawyers are prepared
to serve their clients. But her contributions go beyond
assisting attorneys.
Just as important, she makes each client feel import-
ant and cared-for all while not skipping a beat in the
delivery of services to the five attorneys she services in
her day job, said Dawn Caldart, director of pro bono and
professional development.
Kirk said she is driven by the respect she finds at the
firm, but also by knowing that she helped make a differ-
ence in the life of someone in need.
Sometimes I talk to clients and they cry and I just lis-
ten because thats all they really want, Kirk said. Many
times you dont know the outcome of the story, but then
there are those rare times when you do see that youve
LEGAL SECRETARY made a difference, and watching them leave you can ac-
tually see relief.
I can only imagine how much better all of our organi-
QUARLES & BRADY zations and our communities would be with more people
like Kathryn around, Caldart said.
Alison Henderson

UNSUNG HEROES | 1 7| Wisconsin Law Journal

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Kateri Knous
Do-it-all Knous helps clients
navigate immigration system
Kateri Knous never intended to work in the law.
Rather, Knous, who already had a bachelors degree in
business from Mount Mary College when she moved to San
Francisco, signed up with a staffing agency that placed her
at a boutique firm specializing in immigration law.
I was working in the HR department and heard they
were looking for a legal assistant, said Knous, a para-
legal at Quarles & Brady. I enjoyed the people I worked
with and asked if I could apply. They said yes and I guess
the rest is history.
When she moved back to Milwaukee, Knous brought
her experience in immigration law to Quarles & Brady.
She now specializes in helping with large and small com-
panies, as well as families, immigration-related matters.
The two biggest categories I deal with are green cards
and temporary visas, she said. I spend a lot of time filling
out paperwork and keep information up-to-date, as well as
keeping clients informed about what is going on.
Immigration law is complicated and clients can find
themselves waiting a long time for green cards, Knous
said. Most of the reason for the delay is because the
government is backed up.
Beyond her paralegal work at Quarles & Brady, Knous
helped put in place a new case-management, forms-prepa-
ration, and project-workflow systems and more. After
helping to select the new systems, Knous helped with the
migration of data.
When D-Day came to flip the switch and the IT pro-
vider doing the work had not sufficiently prepared, Kateri
spent a good part of a weekend redoing the work, said
Grant Sovern, a lawyer at Quarles & Brady, who supervis-
es Knous work. Kateri wants to find ways to work bet-
ter because she is part of the team and has an ethic that
drives her work for excellence.
Since the new system went online, Knous has become
an in-house troubleshooter and system expert.
Ive added that to my heavy caseload, she said, but
I enjoy all parts of my job, especially working with clients
and helping them as they look to work and live in America.
PARALEGAL MaryBeth Matzek

QUARLES & BRADY

Wisconsin Law Journal | 1 8| UNSUNG HEROES

The Greater Milwaukee Association of Legal Professionals (GMALP) is proud to be a co-sponsor with the Wisconsin Law
Journal for the Unsung Heroes of Wisconsins Legal Community 2016.

GMALP is affiliated with NALSthe association for legal professionals and the Wisconsin Association for Legal
Professionals (WALP). GMALP has been providing support and legal education for legal professionals since 1958.
Go to www.gmalp.org for more information about the benefits of joining this local legal professional organization.

GMALP is proud of the following current and former members who have previously been nominated for an Unsung
Heroes Award:

Mary Burns, PP, PLS (2006) Regina Carlisle-Williams (2006)

Major League Baseball Loeb & Herman, S.C.

Susan Duval (2007) Sheri Hare (2009)

ONeil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong, S.C. Foley & Lardner LLP

Joni Jakubowski Peters (2009) Pamela Panich (2007)

The Schroeder Group, S.C., Attorneys at Law ONeil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong, S.C.

The Grain Exchange Room

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
William Kohl
Kohl fights for the little guy
Richard Nixon helped Bill Kohl find a career path.
It was the summer of 74, Nixon had resigned
and like many 20-somethings, Kohl marked that
turning point in American history by spending
the summer on a California beach.
It was a great summer, said the Waupan
native. But I was coming home broke and had
to find a job.
Through a friend, Kohl met a Milwaukee at-
torney who took him on as an office runner and
process server. Not only did Kohl enjoy the work
but eventually found his professional niche as a
private investigator.
Its incredibly interesting work, Kohl said.
Its entertaining work, and sometimes its even
fun. I am part of the system that helps protect
people and makes sure they get a fair shake.
Its that commitment to fairness that drives
Wisconsin Law Journal
Kohl. As a defense investigator, Kohl sees many
of his clients as decent people who made mis-
takes. And there is still the passion of the 70s
idealist who sees a court system that too often
seems rigged.
The district attorney has amazing resources
at their fingertips, said Kohl. They have the
entire police department and the crime lab. For
my cases, its usually just the attorney and me.
Thats a lot of weight stacked against you from
the beginning.
Joel Rosenthal, a Milwaukee lawyer, has
worked with Kohl on countless cases. Rosenthal
praises Kohls dedication in addition to the unos-
tentatious way he goes about his work.
Its not about the money for Bill, said Rosen-
thal. Its about the commitment to justice.
Kohl has worked with more than 200 Milwau-
| 2 0|
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
KOHL INVESTIGATIONS
kee-area lawyers and investigated more than
300 homicides. In spite of what might seem like a
difficult case history, Kohl still considers himself
an optimist.
I like taking on the government, he said.
Yes, many of my clients have made a mistake,
but they are also fighting a system that will pe-
nalize them more harshly than if a suburban kid
is charged with the same crime.
Some 40 years after that California summer,
Kohl still loves his work.
Back then I was a bartender in Madison just
taking a few classes, he said.
Today, its colleagues such as Attorney Rosen-
thal who sum up Kohls work.
Attorneys need the unheralded assistance of
professionals like Bill Kohl.
Jerry Huffman
UNSUNG HEROES
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Megan Lison
Variety keeps Lison engaged, on her toes
Megan Lison can rarely be found doing the
exact same thing two days in a row.
Thats exactly the way the corporate law
paralegal at Hager, Dewick & Zuengler in Green
Bay likes it.
Sometimes she will handle real-estate trans-
actions and similar deals. Other times, she will
work on asset purchases that include 30 or so
documents.
Throughout it all, she has found there is some-
thing awarding and fun about watching things
come together from beginning to end, and ensur-
ing everything is prepared smoothly and in order.
Even better, the variety prevents her work
from becoming routine, Lison noted.
It definitely keeps you on your toes, she
said.
UNSUNG HEROES
Lison got her start with Hager, Dewick & Zue-
ngler in 2014 as a receptionist.
Because of her demonstrated abilities, she
was able to quickly become a paralegal, David
Dewick of Hager, Dewick & Zuengler said.
But her professional growth did not stop
there; she continues to take on new roles and
responsibilities in the firm, he noted.
Lison was introduced to the legal profession
at the age of 17 when she got her start at a law
firm performing secretarial work.
When I figured out that was something I
wanted to do I tried to get an internship imme-
diately, she said.
Lison spent her senior year of high school in a
program that allowed her to leave class halfway
through the day to spend four hours working at
| 2 1|
PARALEGAL
HAGER, DEWICK & ZUENGLER
a law firm. But she didnt move into her current
role immediately.
In the beginning, she was mostly involved
in filling out forms; it was essentially fill-in-the-
blank work, she said.
Her duties now could hardly be more different.
This is definitely more challenging, Lison
said, which makes it more interesting.
Even though Lison isnt the face of the firm,
she still derives satisfaction from working on
cases until they are finished. She doesnt need
the spotlight and can instead take pride in small-
er tasks, such as helping to assemble large doc-
uments for clients.
Its satisfying to me to see it all in one place,
she said.
Alex Zank
Wisconsin Law Journal
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Jennifer Meyer
Meyer at home with
real estate transactions
Jennifer Meyer is not shy when it comes to acknowl-
edging how much she enjoys her job as a real estate
paralegal at Michael Best & Friedrich in Milwaukee.
Whether its the practices fast pace or the interactions
with her co-workers and clients, Meyer enjoys it all.
I simply enjoy the work and that everyday is some-
thing new, she said. I love working with the people and
the whole experience. We laugh a lot.
As a real estate paralegal, Meyer keeps the ducks in a
row for clients as they sell or acquire a property.
I find out what the clients want and then I try to make
that happen with as little pain as possible for the client,
she said.
Meyer initially planned to be an attorney herself and
earned a paralegal degree to learn more about the field.
She got a job with an attorney who counted real estate
law among his specialties.
I began doing some work in that and found I really enjoyed
it, Meyer said. I found my niche and it grew from there.
After that initial job, she gained more real estate expe-
rience working for a title-insurance company and a real
estate development firm.
I never expected working in a large law firm, but here
I am. And Im able to do what I enjoy, said Meyer, who
has handled several high-value and complex real estate
projects, including the Milwaukee Bucks new arena.
Danielle Bergner, managing partner of the firms Mil-
waukee office, said Meyers experience and abilities mean
she is up to a wide variety of tasks. She can do everything
from organizing corporate entities and drafting closing
documents to reviewing titles and surveys and closing
transactions.
Jennie handles complex real estate and loan closings
with the skill and efficiency of most lawyers, Bergner
said. She also has an inherent drive to get deals over
the finish line, which in real estate is a special talent that
cannot be taught.
Meyer likes being able to help clients reach their goals.
I like seeing my clients happy at the end of a deal and
PARALEGAL I do what I can to make that happen, she said.
MaryBeth Matzek

MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH

Wisconsin Law Journal | 2 2| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

OFFICE SPECIALIST

Kelly Monaghan DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

Monaghan keeps state department on track

When it comes to administrative rules, Kelly
Monaghan is the go-to expert.
One of her duties as office specialist for the
state Department of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection has her coordinating the
administrative-rules process. Monaghan is the
central point person for everyone in her agency.
She keeps everyone involved in the process on
track and makes sure they hold final hearings
and fulfill other obligations.
Over the four years shes been in the position,
Monaghan has shepherded into existence 26
permanent administrative rules and 21 emergency
rules.
Her extensive knowledge of the administra-
tive-rules process is just one of many qualities
that make her indispensable to the agency, said
Ben Brancel, secretary of the DATCP.
Kelly is known for the quality of her work, ded-
ication to her team and commitment to customer
service, he said. Staff across the agency rely
on Kelly for her knowledge of administrative rules,
public records and policy-board procedures. Our
agency is blessed to have someone with Kellys
can-do attitude as a member of our legal staff.
Monaghan also is the liaison to DATCPs
nine-member board, the legal assistant to
the agencys attorneys and she coordinates
open-records requests for the agency. This past
year, she reviewed and prepared 37,000 pages of
records for release.
Karley Downing, chief legal counsel for DATCP
and Monaghans supervisor, said Monaghans
work on with open-records has made the agency
a leader in transparency and open government.
Kelly is a rock star when it comes to her
dedication, hard work, customer service, and
professionalism, Downing said. She plays
an essential role in DATCPs efforts to deliver
efficient and effective programs and services
to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers and
businesses.
Although wearing all those different hats can
be difficult, Monaghan enjoys making sure ev-
erything runs smoothly.
I like the challenge, she said. I like to be a
problems solver. For me, juggling all those differ-
ent things, I enjoy it.
Away from the office, Monaghan enjoys spend-
ing time outdoors. She still lives in her hometown
of Oconomowoc on the same farmstead where
she grew up with her two older brothers. It was a
dairy farm then, but her dad has since switched to
growing crops such as corn and alfalfa. She and
her husband live in her grandparents old house.
Monaghan and her husband also enjoy trav-
eling. The pair visited Australia for their honey-
moon and are debating whether to go to Ireland
or Alaska for their 10-year anniversary.
Erika Strebel

UNSUNG HEROES | 2 3| Wisconsin Law Journal

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Shawn Nangle
Nangle brings spot of sunshine to Bell, Moore & Richter
Being tabbed as your law firms sunshine of the
office could be a heavy load for many to carry.
Not, though, if you are Shawn Nangle.
I guess I am kind of friendly that way,
Nangle said. But its part of the way we do
business. Most people arent that happy about
coming to see a lawyer, but if I can help set a
lighter mood when you come through the door,
hopefully itll help.
Nangle wears the twin hats of receptionist
and administrative assistant, but her influence
goes much further. Colleagues praise her for
helping with everything from devising marketing
projects to making sure papers are filed on time
in court.
I like the fact everyone is open to questions
Wisconsin Law Journal
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
here, Nangle said. Im treated as an equal, and consin and landing 11 years ago at Bell, Moore
that makes me feel like Im part of the team.
Nangle found her way to a career in the law
almost by accident. In coping with a divorce, she
filled out the reams of paperwork herself to save
money on the legal fees. The papers were so
well done, the judge suggested Nangle consider
working in the law. A career was born.
A natural in many areas of legal work, Nan-
gle says she has no regrets about not choosing
law school. Now remarried, Nangle has learned
that there are only so many hours in a day and
the priority was putting my energy into raising
my kids.
A military brat from Florida, Nangles life
wound through Arizona before ending up in Wis-
| 2 4|
RECEPTIONIST,
BELL, MOORE & RICHTER
& Richter. Two of Nangles three children also
served in the military.
When my son, Angel, was in Afghanistan,
said Nangle, everyone here helped me cope.
They understood when I needed time. When
I made care packages for my son they helped.
When I made packages for other soldiers, they
were the first to contribute. I will never forget
their kindness.
Nangle has a loyalty to the firm and her col-
leagues that is rare today.
They made me feel whole through some
tough times, said Nangle. It would take a lot
for me to ever leave here.
Jerry Huffman
UNSUNG HEROES
 11005 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, 53226
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UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Donna Paulsen
Paulsens work ethic
a benefit to her firm
Donna Paulsen is comfortable working behind the
scenes at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, where she spe-
cializes in employee-benefit plans.
What I do doesnt sound exciting maintaining the
tax-qualified status of 401(k)s and retirement plans but
it is interesting and something that affects a lot of people,
said Paulsen, a paralegal in Reinharts employee-benefits
department. There are a lot of procedures that 401(k)s
need to follow and keep up with.
She also has to follow up when rules are not abided by.
Theres all these procedures to go through if a mistake
is made, such as what to do if a company does not put in
the match that they were supposed to do, Paulsen said.
People dont think that happens, but it does.
Paulsen has been interested in personnel matters
since she was in college and attended a four-month para-
legal course on benefits.
Thirty years later Im still working on benefit issues,
she said. I really enjoy it, along with the research that
goes along with it.
Keeping clients 401(k) plans current with IRS require-
ments is not easy, Paulsen said.
This job is like putting together a puzzle. Youre trying
to construct an answer even though you may not have all
the pieces, she said. I am very detail-orientated, but still
can see that big picture.
Paulsen regularly puts together 50-page submissions
or fills out 12-page forms and deals with the IRS.
I know for some people, talking to the IRS is scary,
she said. But for me, its something I regularly do now so
its not a big deal to me.
Denise Goergen, a shareholder in Reinharts employ-
ee-benefits practice, said Paulsen embodies the attri-
butes and qualities of a first-rate paralegal. Among oth-
er things, Paulsen has a deep knowledge of the subject
matter, good rapport with clients and is eminently reliable.
Goergen also praised Paulsen for her commitment to
helping others in the department.
Donna strives to bring out the best in every member of
PARALEGAL the department with no regards for her personal recogni-
tion, Goergen said. Our associates know she is there for
them and her door is always open.
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN MaryBeth Matzek

Wisconsin Law Journal | 2 6| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Tammy Raymond
Raymond provides
wit and wisdom
Tammy Raymond has been described as organized,
proactive and generous in her work as a legal secretary.
The 51-year-old is lauded by her colleagues for her role
as a leader among her peers, and is known as a tranquil
presence in stressful situations.
Whether it is day-to-day operations or court trials, this
litigation secretary is who you want to call when you need
an exceptional work product, fresh perspective, team
support, dedication and fun even in the most stressful sit-
uations, her colleagues said in a statement. Her phone
extension is on our speed dial.
But it seems her most appreciated quality is her wick-
ed sense of humor.
When things start to heat up, find a joke or prank to play
on somebody to lighten them up, Raymond said. You have
to have a sense of humor.
During her 25 years at Godfrey & Kahn, she has worked
with the firms labor and employment and corporate
teams but enjoys the fast-paced environment she finds
with the litigation team, where she has been for 11 years.
Whether Tammy realizes it or not, the inner drive she
displays each and every day helps make everyones job
around her easier, and also serves as an active bench-
mark, her colleagues said.
Raymond is also involved in a number of initiatives and
committees, including fundraising for the Boys & Girls
Club Bowl-A-Thon, the Susan G. Komen walk, the firms
Health and Wellness Committee and the committee that
helped plan the agencys transition from its Water Street
building to its East Michigan site.
I have had the privilege of working with Tammy Ray-
mond for nearly 20 years and helped with her onboarding
as a new employee at Godfrey & Kahn, said Carol Rehak,
who trained Raymond when she joined Godfrey & Kahn. I
learned Tammy is a quick study and a model career-mind-
ed support professional for this conservative industry.
Over the years, Tammys solid work ethic, organizational
skills and dry wit have always helped her teams to shine.
I am very proud of my work product. I try and make my
LEGAL SECRETARY work product the very best it can be because Im proud of
what the firm is as a whole, Raymond said.
Alison Henderson
GODFREY & KAHN

UNSUNG HEROES | 2 7| Wisconsin Law Journal

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Rob Rosenberg
Rosenberg helps lawyers
get in touch with tech
Rob Rosenberg has seen his job become more import-
ant than ever, as evidenced by the technological upgrades
that can be seen in courtrooms throughout the country.
Rosenberg, president of Hartland-based Rosenberg
Consulting Services, said he helps law firms organize
their messages, evidence and presentations in a way that
can break down complex ideas and make them more un-
derstandable to members of a jury.
Throughout his roughly 20 years in the business, Rosen-
berg has seen technology become used much more widely
to present information and make arguments in the courtroom.
Using Waukeshas county courts as an example,
Rosenberg said every courtroom there is wired for multi-
media technology, including videos and animations.
That has happened nationally that courtrooms are
more wired, he said, noting that he used to have to lug
equipment with him when presenting information at trials.
Beyond that, juries and others have become much
more used to working with technology, he said. Even so,
the need for explaining often-complicated legal ideas and
court cases is as important as ever.
Rosenberg said lawyers sometimes forget, when
talking to jurors and others, that they take for granted
knowledge of certain details that might not be immediate-
ly apparent to everyone. His services help them explain
things in a way that others would understand.
Essentially, you have lawyers that are working with
complex issues and facts over the course of years, he
said. Unfortunately, what happens is that they get into
the mind frame of a lawyer and not a factfinder.
Rosenbergs connection with law firms reaches even
further back than the 20 or so years he has been providing
consulting services. He said that he was first introduced
to the industry at the age of 12, when he was delivering
quick transfers during the summer months to law firms
across Chicago.
From there, he started recording video of depositions
for a family firm. He then got involved with videotaping
trials. He worked in Phoenix for a consulting company be-
COMPANY PRESIDENT fore starting Rosenberg Consulting Services.
Rosenberg said he has worked on some big cases that
involved companies such as Microsoft, and even worked
ROSENBERG CONSULTING SERVICES on a case involving Michael Jordan in Chicago.
Alex Zank

Wisconsin Law Journal | 2 8| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Tony Pan Sanfelipo

Firm credits Sanfelipo
for bridge to motorcycle
enthusiasts
If there was ever a person meant to be on the back of a
motorcycle, its Tony Sanfelipo.
Its not only that he is a passionate rider and advocate
for motorcycle rights; its also that, for the past 25 years,
hes been an investigator at Hupy and Abraham.
I started riding in 1964 and got my first motorcycle li-
cense when I was 19, Sanfelipo said. It really is in my
blood. It was different when I started riding because there
werent as many bikes on the road, but it really is about
being a free spirit.
Sanfelipos passion for all things related to motorcycles
is the bedrock of his advocacy work. In the mid-1970s
Sanfelipo helped found a group called A Brotherhood
Against Totalitarian Enactments, also known as ABATE.
The groups main goal was to fight federal and state re-
strictions against motorcycling.
That was also about the time he connected with the
Milwaukee attorney Michael Hupy. The biker had found
himself a lawyer, and the lawyer had found a biker.
The former factory worker who wanted to help bikers
and the law firm that wanted to protect injured bikers
rights went on to form what some might consider the per-
fect partnership. But it took time.
At first I wasnt too crazy about joining up, said San-
felipo. I had a great job and, if this didnt work out, I could
end up on the street.
But after a summer of trying things out, the partnership
stuck and Sanfelipo found his lifes calling.
Hupy and Abraham has now represented more than
4,000 bikers. Lawyers at the firm credit Sanfelipo for the
bridge they were able to build to biking enthusiasts. A for-
mer EMT, Sanfelipo has also worked with Accident Scene
Management Inc., teaching thousands of bikers the dos
and donts of what to do in an accident.
Its likely that next spring, once Sanfelipo has turned
71, he will finally cut his working hours from full-time to
maybe half.
All bikers have a nickname and Sanfelipo goes by
SENIOR MOTORCYCLE INVESTIGATOR Pan, in tribute to his original 1948 Harley kickstart Pan-
head motorcycle. Guys like Sanfelipo never really retire
HUPY AND ABRAHAM because theres always one more road, one more biker
who needs help, or one more law to fight.
Jerry Huffman

UNSUNG HEROES | 2 9| Wisconsin Law Journal

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Hope Seegert
Seegert keeps Godfrey & Kahn
on the move
When Godfrey & Kahn made the move last spring to its
new building on East Michigan Street in downtown Mil-
waukee, Hope Seegert was at the center of the action.
My goal was to keep business moving along during
the move, said Seegert.
As office services manager at the firm, Seeger played
a large role in bringing about the move of more than 300
employees.
Todd Womack, chief financial officer for Godfrey &
Kahn, praised Seegerts contribution.
Hope has extensive knowledge and experience in
smaller departmental moves from throughout her years at
the firm, and she used these past experiences to recom-
mend and execute a successful entire office move, he
said. She has continually focused on improving the level of
services provided by her department throughout the years.
Seegert began working at the Milwaukee law firm
parttime while in college. She soon moved into office
services and now heads the department, which is
responsible for copying and scanning services, purchasing
and delivery services and the coordination of moves within
the Milwaukee office.
The department includes all the things that make the
law firm run, Seegert said.
With such varied responsibilities, Seegert works with
employees from throughout the Milwaukee office.
The people is what I enjoy most about my job, she
said. I am a problem-solver. People come to me when
they have questions, even if its a question about where to
go to find help for their problem.
Seegert said moving Godfrey & Kahn into its new office
was no small endeavor. Above all, she and her colleagues
wanted to prevent the firms business or customer service
from being noticeably affected.
After being in the same building for 40 years, they had
a lot to go through.
There were definitely changes with the move, she said.
For example, we got new furniture so I had vendors bring in
some samples so employees could see everything.
OFFICE-SERVICES MANAGER As office-services manager, Seegert also oversees de-
partment employees and makes sure the law firms tech-
nology is up to date. She said she monitors industry trends
GODFREY & KAHN and is always looking for ways to help the department im-
prove its services to the rest of the firm.
I am always looking for ways to make everyones jobs
easier so we can provide the best possible service to our
clients, Seegert said.
MaryBeth Matzek

Wisconsin Law Journal | 3 0| UNSUNG HEROES

 Leaders in the Law 2017
Nominations due: Dec. 16
In February, Wisconsin Law Journal will honor the
top members of the states legal community with
our 15th annual Leaders in the Law awards. But we
need your help to decide who deserves recognition.

Honorees will be chosen based on a wide variety of achievement criteria, including

outstanding leadership, vision and legal expertise. Well also recognize those who
have contributed important pro bono work and improved their community at large.
Nominations are due by Dec. 16 and a form is available online at
www.wislawjournal.com/events.
Each Leader in the Law will be recognized at the February 16, 2017 event at the
Pfister Hotel and also be profiled in a special publication of the Wisconsin Law Journal.

If you have questions on the event or the nomination

process, please contact Jenny Byington at
414-225-1813 or Jbyington@ wislawjournal.com
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Kristin Sommer
Sommer can play ball with the best of them
Kristin Sommer is a master of maneuvering
around the unpredictability of both her personal
and worklife.
Im just a really, very independent person,
she said. Its life. You gotta wing it. You cant al-
ways go A, B, C, D all the time.
By day, Sommer mans the helm of the largest
department at Hupy & Abraham, managing 50
secretaries and legal assistants in three states.
One of the jobs challenges is that a quick fix
or answer is impossible.
I want to make sure everyone has what they
need, she said. If not, its, Shoot, how do I get
it and get it quickly?
It also means Sommer spends time on the
road. Shes made it to every one of Hupys offices
in person.
Wisconsin Law Journal
Its important to develop relationships with
them, not just as a manager but as a cowork-
er too, she said. I dont ever want them to be
scared or nervous.
By night, Sommer enjoys spending time with
her dog and two cats, which provide a welcome
break from ringing phones and emails popping
into her inbox.
Sommer is also a huge fan of Major League
Baseball. She and her husband travel with the Mil-
waukee Brewers. They have toured and watched
games in 10 major league stadiums so far, although
they have yet to catch a game at Miller Park.
I will literally will watch any MLB game that
is on TV, she said.
But dont think that unpredictability doesnt
find Sommer at home. Her husband, Jim, is a
| 3 2|
LEGAL ASSISTANT
HUPY AND ABRAHAM
Milwaukee police officer. And although their
schedules finally harmonized after nearly three
years, he remains on call 24 hours a day.
Part of how shedeals with that unpredictabil-
ity is volunteering at Shielded Hearts, an organi-
zation for women who are in relationships with
men in law enforcement. The work she does
ranges from bringing treats to different districts
or grocery shopping for an injured officer.
Teresa Robinson, executive director of the
organization, says Sommer has been indispens-
able, helping the group run big fundraisers and
rallying people together.
Kristin is one of my favorites, she said. If
you give her a project or assignment, she will
give it back to you better than you expected.
Erika Strebel
UNSUNG HEROES
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community
Chandru Solraj
Solraj at the base of data for the SPD
Combining a problem-solving mind with a cus-
tomer-friendly attitude, Chandru Solraj offers the
best of both worlds.
A database administrator at the Wisconsin
State Public Defenders office, Solraj, 46, is part
of a six-person team that oversees computer ser-
vices for more than 600 agency staff in 40 offices.
With a Smart Defense grant from the federal
government, Solraj has led the SPDs Reporting,
Analysis and Mining Project and works to improve
the agencys case-management system. The
system, dating to the 2000s, includes data from
across the state pertaining to more than 2 million
case appointments and is crucial for case-specif-
ic tasks such as appointing attorneys, checking
for conflicts and answering client questions.
When I came aboard I realized there was a
lack of information the attorneys were looking
UNSUNG HEROES
for, he said. So our goal was to make sure
the data we capture allows for robust and en-
hanced reporting.
The RAMP project improves the agencys
ability to collect, report and analyze data. That,
in turn, provides reports on litigation trends
and outcomes, contributes to attorney-perfor-
mance data and supports evidence-based de-
cision-making on budgets and broader policies.
Chandrus skillset of developing technical
solutions that fit into the SPDs business pro-
cesses has been of great benefit, said Randy
Kraft, SPD communications director. Chandru
is also a pleasure to work with, as he embodies
a mindful and peaceful approach to his work.
His expertise has been recognized nationally,
and he has been selected to report on his project
at three national conferences.
| 3 3|
DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR
WISCONSIN STATE PUBLIC
DEFENDERS OFFICE
Before coming to the SPD two years ago, Sol-
raj worked as an information-technology expert
at various companies. In 1994, he moved to the
United States from southeast India.
From 1994 to 1995, he worked in Florida in the
aftermath of Hurricane Andrew to mend the states
public distribution system for its welfare program.
He then moved to Madison, where he still lives.
Solraj said he takes great satisfaction from
knowing that his work helps lawyers do their jobs.
The Sixth Amendment is everybodys right,
and the technology and tools can help the people
on the ground do their work, he said. Also from
the technical point of view, it gives me an under-
standing of the pulse of the project and allows me
to work within the guidelines of the state, but work
creatively to give the attorneys what they need.
Alison Henderson
Wisconsin Law Journal
UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Tracy Sperl ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN

Sperl stitches together corporate career

Tracy Sperl has come a long way from her days
of sewing Wrangler jeans in an Oklahoma factory.
I had moved to Oklahoma looking for greener
pastures and needed a job, Sperl said. The two
women already in the local Wrangler office werent
going anywhere, so if I wanted to work, it was go-
ing to be on the factory floor sewing blue jeans.
Its that get the job done attitude that
makes Sperl even more valuable at Reinhart
Boerner Van Deuren. After joining the firm in
2000, Sperl needed only two years to become
the administrative assistant of Jerome Jan-
zer, Reinhart CEO. Later she took on the same
responsibilities for the chief financial officer,
Andrew Quackenboss, as well as the director
of information technology, Jerry Bishop.
The former seamstress had completed the
climb to the top of the corporate ladder in her
own way.
I am the least stuffy person youll ever meet,
Sperl deadpanned. Ive done a bit of everything,
and I enjoy this work because its meaningful.
Janzer praised Sperl for being someone who
works with nearly everyone at the firm, from
members of the board of directors to sharehold-
ers and secretaries.
Janzer also singled out Sperl for her behind-
the-scenes work in helping clients. Although her
fingerprints are largely invisible in final products,
Sperls contributions are undeniable.
Her other great passion in life has four legs.
Shes a volunteer at the Wisconsin Humane So-
cietys Puppy Class. She also spends at least one
night a week teaching the four-legged ones how
to behave with their two-legged friends. Shes
also been an advocate for supporters of the
annual Tails on the Trail fundraiser, which also
benefits the Humane Society.
Sperls bottom-line advice to the next genera-
tion is, just like her working career, nothing if not
refreshingly practical. Whether youre sewing
blue jeans or working in the C-suite, Perl says,
be grateful that you have work and, if its some-
thing you enjoy, even better.
Jerry Huffman

Wisconsin Law Journal | 3 4| UNSUNG HEROES

UNSUNG HEROES of wisconsins legal community

Jill Wellskopf
Wellskopf shines at
putting spotlight on others
Jill Wellskopf is used to helping others take center stage.
The director of marketing at Hupy and Abraham,
Wellskopf not only manages the development and execu-
tion of the Milwaukee law firms marketing endeavors, she
also organizes its large community-outreach initiative.
We work with hundreds of organizations on philan-
thropic efforts, giving a half-million dollars in donations
during the past few years, she said. We also have ed-
ucational programs like the orange bumper stickers that
urge drivers to Watch for Motorcycles and our Dont
text and drive pledge. Mr. Hupy and Mr. Abraham really
believe it is important to give back and have made a com-
mitment to do so.
Wellskopf began her marketing career in the staffing
and recruiting industry before meeting Michael Hupy and
joining the firm.
They wanted to develop a robust marketing plan and it
was during the recession and the hiring industry was not
doing well and I saw it as an opportunity I couldnt pass
up, she said. When you market a law firm, its a different
end product vs. staffing, but it is all of the same marketing
strategies.
Hupy said the firms marketing department was non-ex-
istent when Wellskopf joined in 2011. She has since
helped make the company more visible, turning it into a
leading authority on personal-injury law, especially on-
line. Hupy said that when he brought Wellskopf on board,
he was drawn to her magnetic pragmatism, optimism
and professional friendliness.
Wellskopf guided the team to several marketing
awards, including best law website at the Webby Awards
and best website reboot at the 2015 Legal Marketing As-
sociation Midwest Your Honor Awards.
Irene Sarumi, communications specialist at Hupy and
Abraham, said Wellskof is the behind-the-scenes orga-
nizer of many of the law firms undertakings.
Her strong leadership and constant availability not
only encourage autonomous work, but also generates the
motivation and genuine desire to strive for excellence on
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING behalf of the company, she said. Jills incredible work
ethic is only a fraction what makes her so inspirational.
Wellskopf admitted to having a lot on her plate and said
HUPY AND ABRAHAM she would have a hard time handling it all were it not for
her own organizational abilities and the energy constantly
shown by her colleagues.
Were all excited about trying new things and thats
a great motivator, she said. As things come up on my
to-do list, I just tackle them.
MaryBeth Matzek

UNSUNG HEROES | 3 5| Wisconsin Law Journal

 Put your clients interest

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