Long-time Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory participants have this to say …

“What is the most satisfying about the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory is helping young lawyers talk through difficult questions of law or difficult cases and knowing that you are making their practice experiences a learning experience for them. This is a way to contribute to the future of the legal profession.  It is one of the best substitutes we have for some type of an apprenticeship process.  It is personally fulfilling to be of help to another lawyer and to hear the confidence grow in their voice as we discuss a legal question, and they learn that they were on the right track or thinking the right thought about the matter.”

– Dean R. Dietrich, Wausau

A good lawyer realizes that he or she doesn’t know it all.  The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory is an excellent resource to share knowledge, information, and experiences to improve one’s ability to effectively represent his or her clients. I am listed in the directory because each call becomes an exchange of information and ideas that improves each of our practices. I joined the directory because I frequently call other lawyers for guidance, and it is a way that I can return the favor and share the experiences I have had with others. We may know the law, but most of what we do representing a client is based upon experience.  The directory is a terrific way to share experiences and improve the practice of law.

– Carlton D. Stansbury, Milwaukee

I'm lucky enough to work in a firm with a broad range of expertise in various practice areas. I know that some lawyers don't have that luxury. If I can help another lawyer work through a problem and provide better representation to his or her client, I'm happy to do so. Being listed the in Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory has also occasionally led to the other attorney deciding the client would be better served by the case being referred, or by entering into a co-counsel arrangement.

– Timothy J. O’Brien, New Richmond

The Lawyer-to- Lawyer Directory is a valuable resource. It connects attorneys who have questions about a particular area of law to attorneys who have advanced knowledge in that area. Inquiring attorneys benefit by having questions answered and by receiving guidance in an area that they are less familiar. Participating attorneys benefit by networking with attorneys outside their normal practice area and by advancing the quality of the legal profession. Sometimes those inquiries become referrals or sets the ground work for future work.

– Mike Waterman, Hudson

Given the economy, many attorneys are taking on cases in areas with which they are not familiar, and a number of recent graduates have been forced to “hang out a shingle.” As a result, there are many attorneys out there who could use a little advice from an experienced attorney. One of the best ways for attorneys to connect to share their expertise is through the Lawyer-to-Lawyer network. I have been a participant for many years and have found it to be a rewarding experience. I have also made use of the network on occasion.

Because I believe that sharing our expertise is crucial to the provision of competent representation to clients, I have made providing mentoring to attorneys one of my goals as Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors Rights Section chair. In fact, in September I am co-chairing “Bankruptcy for the Rest of Us,” a seminar directed specifically at non-bankruptcy attorneys.

– Jim McNeilly, Salem

Because I practice in a fairly specialized area, I can answer questions for lawyers who encounter environmental issues during the course of a real estate or business matter. Many times the initial telephone inquiry has led to a referral – an added benefit, but not the primary reason for my participation.

I’ve also used the directory many times myself. Over the years, the contacts I’ve made through Lawyer-to-Lawyer have often developed into long-term professional relationships that have been very rewarding.

– Elizabeth Rich, Plymouth

I have been listed in the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory for more than 10 years. I participate because I am willing to share the knowledge I have in the areas I choose to specify. I am also grateful for the advice and pointers I receive when I use the directory in areas where I have a question.

Recently, I answered a question on appellate procedure for a grateful younger member of the bar embarking on her first appeal, and I had my bankruptcy question answered by a different member listed in the directory.

The directory helps all of us serve our clients better, and is therefore for the greater good of the general public. I encourage all practitioners to use it, and to volunteer to be in it. We all have specialized knowledge in some area of the law.

–  Kent A. Tess-Mattner, Brookfield

I have had the benefit of practicing with experienced attorneys willing to give me their time and guidance. Many lawyers, especially those practicing as solo’s, don’t have that benefit. Being listed in the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory gives me a chance to share some of my experience.

We can’t practice every area of the law – or in every part of the state.  Our clients come up with a variety of legal issues, sometimes involving matters outside our community. Having a list of lawyers from across the state handling specific matters is helpful for both for information and referrals.

– Grant Birtch, Neenah

When you aren’t familiar with a particular area of practice, the procedural rules can seem daunting. When a client chooses to appeal, the client or lawyer may want the assistance of someone who frequently practices in appellate courts.  That’s a service I offer, and the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory has helped lawyers find me.

Lawyer-to-Lawyer is a time saver. When I need to make a referral for a non-litigation matter, I usually consult the Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory first.

– Beth Ermatinger Hanan, Milwaukee

Through the Lawyer-to-Lawyer directory, I receive several calls a month from lawyers seeking help in resolving thorny condominium issues. My practice has benefited in several ways from these calls: they help keep me on top of the subject matter; they let me know what other condominium lawyers are doing throughout the state; and they occasionally lead to referrals.

– Jesse Ishikawa, Madison

The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory is a way I can share my expertise with less experienced lawyers and also enable lawyers to bounce ideas off another lawyer who has knowledge about a topic but is not personally involved in a case.

I am most often contacted by family matters, particularly when a lawyer has not handled a particular issue or procedural matter and is looking for some guidance in a specific case. 

– Marsha Mansfield, Madison

The Lawyer-to-Lawyer Directory is an excellent service for fellow professionals. It allows us to seek and share information with other lawyers not involved in specific cases and to provide assistance to other lawyers across the state.

There have been a number of times when I have been able to provide assistance to others.  In instances where I do not know the answer, I have often been able to recommend someone else who may have the answer.  I do not hesitate to do that. I have found that other lawyers treat it as I do – providing assistance when they are able to; recommending another resource when they are not. 

– Margadette Demet, Milwaukee