Your twins will soon experience their second Christmas. How do you plan to celebrate?
Christmas? When is that again? I’m not sure who is watching my kids this Saturday, how am I to plan what we’ll do for Christmas?
While the above is completely true, I do know what we’ll do for Christmas: we’ll spend numerous hours on the road, fitting in my family celebration as well as my husband’s family celebration. Most people loath family time. I think we’re the exception. Between my husband and me, we have what I consider the two best families. All of our siblings are married … with kids. That makes for some interesting get-togethers.
My in-laws have four grandkids, all under the age of 2. And, one on the way! Just imagine the Christmas chaos that will ensue. Last Christmas we started a competition for “most well behaved child.” Our little Paige took last place last year; she cried for two hours straight. We’re hoping for a better showing this year. I’ll likely have a stern talk with her in December that the Kolls are competitors. She’ll need to shape up, or ship out.
What do you do for fun? What gets you excited?
As much as I love being an attorney, I do envy Anthony Bourdain’s job as the host of Parts Unknown. I like trying new restaurants and seeking out other food adventures.
Whether in Wisconsin or when traveling, I greatly enjoy dining experiences that stand out. It may be the creative use of ingredients that entertain your taste buds. Or, a presentation of food that makes you hesitate to disturb what is served to you. Or, service by the staff that anticipates your every need to the point that your head never turns. Or, ambience that soaks into you so deeply that it is impossible to forget every detail when you describe it to someone else. Or, a location that is novel and unique to the point that you feel that you have discovered a new world. And, sometimes, you are fortunate to find a place that has all of these elements. Now if I just had the time to start a blog documenting all of these food adventures. ...
What kind of legal matter do you find most rewarding/personally satisfying?
I am fascinated by the law of campaigns and elections and welcome any opportunity to decipher it for clients. Political law is a never-ending adventure because every state is different, and the First Amendment issues related to political speech are continually evolving. For a political junkie, it doesn’t get any better than my job.
If I’m waiting for carpool stragglers or killing time at a youth sporting event, I’m probably reading a political blog or op-ed or checking what’s being said about the latest poll. I enjoy the varying viewpoints and can even be entertained by the rhetoric at times. So, for me, it’s rewarding to facilitate my clients’ participation in the political process whether they are supporting candidates, debating policy issues, or educating voters.
While our system of government presumes participation in the political and policymaking process, individuals and organizations often do so in the face of regulatory uncertainty. I admire their resolve to participate nonetheless and enjoy helping them navigate the requirements and limitations when doing so.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? What is the least rewarding?
Tom McAdams, Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Milwaukee.
I have been on the bench a little over a year now (hearing mostly criminal cases) and I can tell you that being a circuit court judge is rewarding for many reasons. First, I get to see on a daily basis what an important role lawyers (my chosen profession!) play in the community. Whether as a representative of victims or as the defenders of rights, the lawyers I see bring a high degree of dedication and preparation to each case.
Second, I get to see my community in action, and all of the dedicated professionals (police, social workers, victim advocates, and others) who assist those who are broken or who are in need.
Third, while I have a substantial docket that keeps us quite busy, I do on a regular basis get to spend time hearing interesting and important legal issues. I very much enjoy the motion practice, and I greatly look forward to studying the briefs the lawyers submit.
Fourth, despite the volume of cases, I do get invited to participate in fun and amusing events, like performing a wedding on a boat in Lake Michigan and attending a fundraiser that attempted to be the world’s largest onesie party.
The least rewarding aspect of being a circuit court judge? Without a doubt, it is constantly wearing a black robe. A black robe is much, much warmer to wear than I had expected!
What is the most important thing lawyers should consider before opening their own practices?
It’s hard to pick only one important thing for lawyers to consider when opening their own practice. However, if I had to pick one, I would say have a plan. Don’t just hang out your shingle, open the doors, and hope for the best.
What kind of law practice do you want? What areas of practice do you want to focus on? What kind of clients do you want? What will your business model look like?
After a period of time, your vision and your plan may change. There’s nothing wrong with that. But at least have some idea of where you want to go when you get started. The rest, hopefully, will develop and your practice will become what you envisioned.