2010 Leaders in the Law Index

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The Wisconsin Law Journal sponsored its Leaders in the Law event on February 26. The luncheon recognized 23 attorneys for their contributions to the legal profession, as well as federal appellate court judge Terence T. Evans with a lifetime achievement award.

Hon. Terence T. Evans

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals is well known for the highly individualistic writing styles of some of its judges. Among the most identifiable opinions are those of Terence T. Evans, who is taking senior status this year.

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Bruce G. Arnold

Chances are if someone in Wisconsin makes a trip to the emergency room at a local hospital, attendants will have a snapshot of the person’s medical history in seconds.

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Paul E. Benson

Paul Benson, the Chair of the Litigation Practice Group at Michael Best & Friedrich, says litigation is all he ever wanted to do. And he has done a lot of it, spending his entire career there.

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Hon. James J. Bolgert

Judge Jim Bolgert is a longtime member of Sheboygan County’s informal “Orange Book” club, which meets monthly to review and discuss the advance sheets and cases on the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s docket.

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Dawn R. Caldart

Milwaukee attorney Dawn R. Caldart looks forward to the day when the Milwaukee Justice Center closes its doors forever — assuming it’s for the right reason.

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Tom Cannon

When it comes to a comprehensive knowledge of the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, attorney Tom Cannon wrote the book – literally.

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Hon. Charles N. Clevert Jr.

Judge Charles N. Clevert likes to keep things moving in his courtroom.

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Dennis P. Coffey

The term, “veteran criminal defense attorney” applies to no one in Wisconsin, if not Mawicke & Goisman attorney Dennis P. Coffey.

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George A. Dionisopoulos

The illustrious acting career of attorney George A. Dionisopoulos began and ended in high school.

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Hon. M. Joseph Donald

Like many people his age, Judge M. Joseph Donald suffers from high blood pressure. He tries his best to exercise, eat healthy and keep up with his medication. Sometimes, he does better than others. His physician praises him when he sticks to his regimen and chastises him when he lapses.

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Kathleen A. Gray

As a trust and estates lawyer with Quarles & Brady, Kathleen Gray’s career has enabled her to be a leader in the community in several areas, from leadership on the State Bar’s section on Real Property, Probate and Trusts, to leadership within in the firm, and leadership in nonprofit organizations in the community.

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Scott W. Hansen

When Scott W. Hansen joined Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, s.c., after graduating from law school in 1976, he says he had intended to set up his own boutique litigation firm after a few years with some friends. “But I enjoyed it so much, I stayed put.”

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Eileen A. Hirsch

Eileen A. Hirsch vividly recalls the passionate advocacy of litigants before federal Judge James E. Doyle Sr., for whom she clerked immediately after law school. The Youth Policy and Law Center was suing the government on behalf of two children placed in solitary confinement at a girls’ prison.

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Brent R. Johnson

Brent R. Johnson is proud to have become a “Main Street lawyer.”

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Timothy S. Knurr

Most successful, personable lawyers occasionally receive thank-you cards along with full payment, and Racine lawyer Timothy S. Knurr is no exception. But a recent token of appreciation was especially memorable, from a representation that was especially memorable.

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Lynn R. Laufenberg

Growing up on a farm in southwest Wisconsin in the 1960s, plaintiffs’ lawyer Lynn Laufenberg said it was common for farmers to be missing fingers and even limbs, and take it as a badge of honor.

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Hon. Derek C. Mosley

A few years ago, a juvenile defendant’s mother broke down in tears during her son’s court appearance before Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Derek C. Mosley. He talked to her afterward in chambers.

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Gregory J. O’Meara S.J.

In his recent law review article about Jeffrey Dahmer and the insanity defense, Marquette University Law School Assistant Professor Gregory J. O’Meara, S.J. cited Thomas Aquinas, William Shakespeare, and philosophers Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault – along with the police blotter and courtroom transcripts.

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Kevin J. Palmersheim

Madison attorney Kevin J. Palmersheim’s idea of pro bono work isn’t simply lending his name to a board of directors.

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Catherine M. Rottier

As a trial attorney who spends most of her time representing insurance companies in defense of auto accident cases or malpractice cases, Catherine M. Rottier enjoys a break from the norm.

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Thomas L. Shriner Jr.

Explaining that he has worked at Foley & Lardner his entire career, Tom Shriner says he obviously has “no imagination at all.”

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Ardell W. Skow

When it comes to personal injury cases, attorney Ardell “Del” W. Skow takes them personally.

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Michael Tobin

After graduating law school in 1977, attorney Michael Tobin started his legal career in the Texas prison system working with defendants, many of whom were facing the death penalty.

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Mark S. Young

Not knowing any lawyers growing up, attorney Mark Young wasn’t sure what to do after law school. But he did well by following the advice of his tort professors at Marquette, who advised him that, with his education in engineering, product liability would be a good fit.

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