What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most challenging aspect of my job is learning every little nuance that each situation creates. It’s also what keeps it exciting. Each client presents a different set of facts and equally a different set of goals. The answer that works for one client doesn’t necessarily work for another client with a similar set of facts. This requires an advisor to be knowledgeable in their field and creative with their problem solving, but also to ask the right questions and to listen to their clients to find out what their goals are.
The most rewarding aspect of my job is being a part of my clients’ lives and make an impact for the better. Most of the time, my clients rely on me to be their voice and to help guide them when they are in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes this is an exciting territory, such as the sale of a business, and sometimes this is an extremely dark and stressful territory, such as a business dispute. No matter the circumstances, I never take this task lightly. It always warms my heart and keeps me working harder when clients are so grateful for the guidance and are in a better place because of it.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
This was a very tough question and I couldn’t pinpoint just one. I admire all the strong, independent women before me who worked tirelessly to hone their craft and then worked harder amid constant scrutiny, in an unbalanced system, and with the odds stacked again them. I admire these women for standing up for not only themselves, but also others. “Strong people stand up for themselves, but stronger people stand up for others.” I look up to the women who are fighting to make it better for the generation below them, even though it wasn’t like that for them. To those women who came before us and those of my generation who are currently doing their part — Malala Yousafzai, Sheryl Sandberg, Oprah Winfrey, the U.S. women’s soccer players who filed the equal pay lawsuit, Michelle Obama, the Williams sisters, to name a few — thank you for your sacrifice and courage.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Being named to the Wisconsin Law Journal’s 2019 class of Up and Coming Attorneys is my proudest career achievement so far. The Wisconsin Law Journal accepts nominations for attorneys practicing eight years or less who have demonstrated leadership, contributed to their community, and successfully achieved legal outcomes early in their career. Specifically, the criteria are attorneys who are on the fast track to making a significant impact on the legal profession and represent determination in legal work, community betterment, and improving their own law firms.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Learn to play golf sooner … but in all seriousness, I don’t regret anything that has happened. If I had done it differently, it would not have turned out the way it did, and I am pretty happy with where I am at right now. I thoroughly enjoy my work, my clients, and my colleagues at my firm. Generally, I would probably tell my younger self the same thing I tell myself now: Keep working hard and grinding. You will get there. Don’t sweat the small stuff; just have faith.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I was born and raised in the Madison area. I lived in St. Paul, Minnesota on and off during my four years of undergrad and then lived in Minneapolis full time for law school and a couple years after. I moved back to Madison in 2015 to be closer to family. Madison is home and there isn’t another place like it. We have beautiful lakes and wonderful scenery, but also the activities and feel of a bigger city. Especially in the summer, there are always free concerts outside and plenty of events to keep busy. Everywhere I go, it seems, I always run into someone I know. It’s like an extended family. There is also an underestimated amount of innovation and business activity. As a business attorney, I so enjoy the entrepreneurship and ingenuity that my clients have. It is a pleasure to be able to work alongside them as they create change for our community.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I’m an open book. I guess one kind of minor talent that most people wouldn’t expect from me is that I am a really good present wrapper. I learned this from my mom. I always get the really fancy wrapping paper and ribbon and tie fancy bows on the presents.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I really enjoy playing sports. In the last few years, I have played basketball, volleyball (indoor and sand), golf, soccer, sometimes softball, and, most recently, ultimate frisbee. I have been an athlete since I could move. It keeps me healthy and busy — almost too busy at times, or so my family and friends will say. But I have also had my share of injuries. Last fall, I had my third knee surgery, a knee scope to fix a meniscus. I hobbled around the office for months as it progressively got worse. I remember one of my colleagues was standing by my office door when I got up and left my office all stiff and barely able to walk. She looked at me and tried not to laugh but felt bad. I told her not to feel bad, that I do this to myself. I got an MRI shortly after that. It’s kind of a running joke around the office as I get dinged up every now and then.
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