Remembering Leonard Loeb

Name: Thomas R. Glowacki
Affiliation: Hill, Glowacki, Jaeger & Huges LLP Madison
Submitted: 3/20/2003

Message: I thought it might be fitting to remember Leonard by sharing some of his aphorisms and stories, so here's my favorite "Leonardism"

"All of my clients make me happy, some when they come here, some when they leave."

Name: Hon. James E. Welker
Affiliation: Rock County Circuit Court Judge
Submitted: 3/20/2003

Message: When I was practicing law, Leonard referred clients in Rock County on a number of occasions. I had some significant contacts with him and, of course, I always appreciated his referrals. Of course, Leonard was probably the most successful divorce lawyer I have known. The most significant thing that he ever said (and probably the most true) involved a principle that I was never really able to master as a lawyer. He said, "The secret of success in the practice of law does not lie in your ability to attract clients. It is in your ability to know which clients to turn down."

Name: Anne Taylor Wadsack
Affiliation: DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Madison
Submitted: 3/20/2003

Message: Len Loeb was well established in family practice when I first met him more than 30 years ago. He was of the Old School: knowledgeable, gentlemanly, and solicitous of his clients' whole well-being.

He didn't totally approve of my being in active practice of law with small children at home – he told me more than once that I should be home with them – and, now watching younger colleagues choose to do just that – he may well have been right! But at the time, it seemed important to "do it all."

He was candid that no one can "do it all." I remember him talking of his own family, his pride and his love. I always had the sense that Len had balance in his life.

He had strong opinions, but expressed them in a gentle fashion. He could be firm, but he was never offensive, in my experience. He argued tough issues, thought deeply about the direction family law was taking, and taught many younger lawyers a great deal about the law and how to practice it.

Len's reputation as a family lawyer was second to none. He deserved every honor he received, both as a family lawyer and a lawyer's lawyer. I am honored that I had so many years to know him, and will miss him.

Name: Gregg Herman
Affiliation: Loeb & Herman, Milwaukee
Submitted: 3/20/2003

Message: "The secret of success in the practice of law does not lie in your ability to attract clients. It is in your ability to know which clients to turn down."

A corollary which Leonard said often was:

"I have never regretted saying 'no' to a potential client, but I have often regretted saying 'yes.'"

Leonard deeply believed that rather than clients choosing the lawyer, the lawyer should choose the client.

Name: Mike Hausman
Affiliation: C. Michael Hausman & Associates, Delafield
Submitted: 3/20/2003

Message: When I first started practicing in l967 I was approached by Len and asked why I had chosen to engage in family law practice – I advised him, in a scholarly way, that I was the last attorney in the four-man firm and that was the way I had "inherited" this field of law! He told me that such was the case with himself and really began to assist me in so many ways as the years went by.

Name: Trina Gray
Affiliation: former State Bar Public Affairs Coordinator
Submitted: 3/24/2003

Message: Leonard was a true gentleman who inspired others with his generosity of spirit and enthusiasm for life. Leonard always told me that as much as I enjoyed work, my greatest accomplishment in life would come when I have a child. As I am now expecting my first, I think of him and am thankful he was my friend.

Name: Michelle Behnke
Affiliation: State Bar Board of Governors
Submitted: 3/24/2003

Message: Len was a gentleman with a kind spirit. I remember having a very serious discussion with Len regarding diversity. He listened intently and earnestly. He said we have walked in different shoes, but I am interested in learninb about your journey.

Leonard encouraged me to be active in the State Bar and my profession and to give back to my profession that which had been given to me.

I am glad that I knew him and worked with him on State Bar matters.

Name: Burnie Bridge
Affiliation: State Bar Board of Governors
Submitted: 3/27/2003

Message: Leonard was such a good man in the best sense of the word. I remember him fondly and am glad to count myself among the many, many people who enjoyed the warmth of his friendship.

Name: Arthur Balbirer
Affiliation: Former President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. And FRIEND
Submitted: 4/13/2003

Message: Leonard was my friend. He made it clear from the beginning that handshakes were forbidden in our relationship. Only hugs were permitted.
In a rough and tumble world of Family Law, this was a gentle man. In fact, in all my years of knowing Leonard both socially and professionally and most frequently, organizationally, I NEVER heard a bad word about Leonard. Only good things. Only about what a wonderful guy he was. Leonard was a MENSCH. It's hard to go further than that because that's the ultimate. He was my friend and enriched my life forever. I will always love him.

Name: Robert A. Stein
Affiliation: American Bar Association
Submitted: 4/15/2003

Message: It was a pleasure to work with Leonard through numerous American Bar Association activities. I was privileged to know him as an excellent lawyer, a superb volunteer and a compassionate friend. He served in the leadership of the ABA as a member of our Board of Governors. He also was chair of our Family Law Section, as well as a member of many committees, including Bar Activities and Services and Membership. To every post he brought his deep love for the legal profession and for bar work. His energy was contagious and his contributions many. He will be missed by the legal profession and by his colleagues.


Robert A. Stein
Executive Director
American Bar Association

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