Dec. 6, 2017 – Christopher Shattuck is a man of two paths. Holding both a law degree and an MBA, he is both lawyer and businessman.

For a few years, he traveled one path – first, pursuing a solo practice, then later working as a bankruptcy lawyer. Now, in his new position as manager of Practice411^™, the State Bar’s law practice assistance program, he will use both degrees to help answer the question: “How can Wisconsin lawyers better their practice?”

Practice411: Offering Solutions

Shattuck started his new position Nov. 13 – and is already tackling members’ questions about practice management issues.

“When you have a problem, I’m here to offer solutions,” Shattuck said.

And now he has another mission: To let lawyers know that the Practice411 program is available to help them. “There seems to be many who aren’t aware of the program,” Shattuck said.

“In law school,” Shattuck said, “you are taught to think like a lawyer – not necessarily like a business person.”

That’s where his MBA comes in: he brings that knowledge and experience to the program, and as manager of the Practice411 program, he will help members to think like a business person.

While the program is geared to assist all State Bar members, it is of particular relevance to solo and small-firm practitioners who may not have the resources to acquire practice management best practices.

“I’m here to be a practice adviser for all members,” he said. “I have a lot of practical legal experience.”

He’s Been There

Shattuck attended law school in in California, then moved to Wisconsin and took the bar exam, wanting to be near family. In the slower economy of 2010, he started taking classes for his MBA. He learned about human resources, marketing, information technology, accounting, and project management. And he also opened his own solo law practice, working on public defender cases. “In retrospect, it probably was not the best idea to open a new law office during a recession, but I learned a lot,” he said.

He tackled creating trust accounts, developing a website, dealing with office space and technology, and choosing case management software. At the time, he was not aware of the State Bar’s Practice411 program.

“I definitely would have benefited from this program,” he said.

After completing his MBA, he joined Kohner, Mann & Kailas, S.C., in Milwaukee, where he practiced in creditors’ rights and managed a department that represented national banking associations in foreclosure and bankruptcy cases throughout Wisconsin.

He’s appeared in just about every circuit and bankruptcy court in the state, either by phone or in person.

Don’t Hesitate to Call

“Think of me as your first source for help, a trusted problem solver,” he said. “Call or email me at practicehelp@wisbar.org.”

 “If I don’t have an immediate answer, I’ll dig in and find a solution for you,” Shattuck said. “I like the process of collaborative learning and problem-solving – as nerdy as that sounds,” he laughs.