Business Address: 2 East Mifflin St., Suite 600, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-252-9376
Email: bcr@dewittross.com
Website: www.dewittross.com/our-people/brody-richter
Birthplace: Toledo, Ohio
Spouse/Partner: Angela Richter
Board Membership: United Way of Dane County Campaign Cabinet; Rosenberry Society Advisory Council/chair; Chrysalis, Inc.; UW Carbone Cancer Center Emerging Leadership Board; Sun Prairie Plan Commission
Organizations: Sun Prairie Adult Hockey League; Providence Homeowners’ Association/board member
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio; Juris Doctorate from University of Wisconsin Law School
How long have you been at the law firm, Brody, and what is your day-to-day role?
I have been at DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. since 2006 as a full-time attorney. Prior to that, I was a law clerk for a year and a half, and then was offered a full-time position after completing law school. My days primarily consist of assisting clients with transactional matters ranging from general contract issues to mergers and acquisitions to private securities and franchise matters. I also assist clients with commercial real estate matters. While my practice area spans all transactional matters, an area in which I’ve developed particular expertise over the years is private securities work and assisting clients with raising capital through securities offerings that qualify for exemption from registration under the federal Securities Act.
Who is a mentor, outside of the firm? Or someone you would emulate?
Mike Victorson, president and CEO of M3 Insurance.
Why?
Mike came to Madison without knowing many people and has built himself into a leader in the community both from a business and philanthropic standpoint, and I admire that greatly. He’s evolved as a person and leader since arriving in Madison, and that’s something I strive for. He has been incredibly successful in his business life, but also has made time for his family and the Greater Madison community as a whole. The time that he’s able to devote to charitable causes in light of his professional and family demands is nothing short of inspiring.
What was a career high point?
There really isn’t one high point for me necessarily. I would say that every time I close a deal, whether it be an acquisition or a private securities offering, those are my greatest high points. It is a very satisfying feeling to have worked hard on a transaction and see it come to fruition at the closing. It is also very rewarding to see my client satisfied with an end result, which, regardless of the closing, they always are.
You’re being humble not to mention a magazine award …
I have been named a rising star by SuperLawyers Magazine, and am currently the longest-tenured associate at my firm. Considering the turnover that has occurred in the associate ranks of many firms, including my own, I’m proud of that accomplishment.
What’s next? It’s great to be acknowledged as a rising star, but what would career success mean for you?
The next goal in my career that I would like to achieve is to become a shareholder with DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. I take a great deal of pride in working for my firm, and to become a shareholder would be a great privilege and honor, so that is what I’m currently working toward. Aside from that particular goal, I simply want to continue to become a better attorney and represent my clients’ interests to the best of my ability.
What are your favorite things to do at your job?
My favorite transactions to work on would be acquisitions and sales of operating businesses. I really enjoy working with my clients to negotiate the best deal possible and then putting the deal down on paper. I will always remember my very first asset sale closing, and the feeling of congratulating the client at the end of the transaction. It is one of the more rewarding things I get to do at my job.
When you were in high school, what were your career aspirations?
When I was in high school, I was pretty much without direction as far as my career was concerned. At that point, if you had asked me what I wanted to be after college, I would likely have answered that I wanted to find a profession that allowed me to live abroad. Clearly my goals have changed a bit.
Your very first paycheck: From where, how much, and what did you do with it?
My first legitimate paycheck was from the Schlotzky’s Deli in Maumee, Ohio. After taxes, it was likely for around $200. It is difficult to say what I did with it, but my best guess is that I filled my car’s tank with gas (which was likely less than $20 at the time) and blew the rest on CDs.
You said you had wanted to live abroad. Are you able to travel often now, and if so, where?
I am lucky enough to have a father and stepmother who live in Switzerland, so for the past five years, my wife and I have spent significant time in Europe. I also lived outside Paris for a year in high school, so have traveled extensively throughout that continent. I also took a six-week trip to Australia in 2003.
Have a favorite destination, of those or other sites?
Of all the places I have been, I would say that Australia and Croatia are my current favorites. Both cultures are very welcoming and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle that I envy.
How did you wind up in Madison?
I moved to Wisconsin from Toledo, Ohio to attend law school at the University of Wisconsin. I was lucky enough to receive an academic scholarship allowing me to essentially pay in-state tuition. I had always thought I’d end up practicing law in Chicago, but I fell in love with Wisconsin, particularly Madison.
What do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation?
I enjoy many things outside of the office, most of all spending time with my beautiful wife, Angie. Our favorite thing to do together is to travel whenever and wherever we can. In addition, I love playing hockey, cycling, and hiking when time permits.
Hockey?
I’ve always had a love for ice hockey and have played since I can remember. I continue to be active, playing for leagues in Sun Prairie and Waunakee, as well as playing on tournament teams when the opportunities present themselves.
Biking?
Last summer during good weather, I was biking to and from work three to four days a week, as well as biking on weekends.
Anything else?
I recently became involved with a CrossFit gym in Madison. I find that the challenging nature of the workouts, as well as the team-like atmosphere at the gym, are just what I need to wind down after a long day at work.
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Are you able to find any time to read for pleasure?
I love reading for pleasure. Unfortunately, much of my job involves reading, albeit contracts rather than novels, so I don’t do as much reading in my free time as I might like.
Brody, can you recall a recent title that might give us the flavor of what you like to read?
I recently finished The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt, a novel in the realm of a Cormac McCarthy book, although with a bit more humor involved. Currently I am reading Island of Vice by Richard Zacks, a novel about Theodore Roosevelt’s crusade to clean up the city of New York as a police commissioner prior to his time as governor of New York and president of the United States.
Do you have a favorite author? Or a character you most would like to be identified with?
I’ve always enjoyed books by Earnest Hemingway and would enjoy being considered a “Hemingway Hero.” Hemingway’s heroes were men of honor, courage, integrity, and confidence who showed such qualities through actions. Also, his heroes tend to be flawed individuals, and I recognize that, as humans, we all have flaws. It is drawing from those flaws, utilizing the previously described qualities, and succeeding that make us the men, or women, we are. Although, I will point out that often the Hemingway Hero is a solitary figure, and that is one aspect of his characters that I would not embrace. I value my friends and family greatly and owe much of who I am to them.
I understand that your family is about to get a little bit larger …
My wife and I are currently expecting our first child in June and are extremely excited about he adventure we’re about to begin together.
Congratulations! And now, in closing, are there three words you might prefer be used, if someone were describing Brody Richter?
Loyal, persistent, driven.
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