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Asked & Answered: D. Michael Guerin

By: dmc-admin//July 19, 2010//

Asked & Answered: D. Michael Guerin

By: dmc-admin//July 19, 2010//

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Editor’s note: Asked & Answered is a new feature from the Wisconsin Law Journal that profiles interesting members of Wisconsin’s legal community. If you wish to be considered, or if you know someone who should be considered as a subject, contact Managing Editor Casey Laughman at [email protected].

D. Michael Guerin likes to cut to the chase. Anyone who has met the affable attorney socially or opposed him in a courtroom can attest that he gets to the point, often in a succinct and successful fashion. That style has served him well throughout more than 35 years of practice, the vast majority of which have been spent at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP, in Milwaukee.

After carving out a career as a Milwaukee Police Officer and also spending time working for the Department of Justice, he found a permanent home as a defense attorney, practicing personal injury, criminal law and other civil litigation.

Beyond his responsibility to clients, Guerin takes an active role in shaping the legal profession. He served as president of the Milwaukee Bar Association (2000-01) and the State Bar of Wisconsin (2005-06) and also is a member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice and the Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association.

Guerin took a few moments to respond to the Wisconsin Law Journal’s inaugural Asked & Answered segment.

WLJ: What do you value most about being a criminal defense attorney?

D. Michael Guerin: The privilege of representing a single individual or company against the incredible resources and forces of government. Did I mention “Don Quixote” is one of my favorite stories?

WLJ: What is the most underrated skill in a courtroom?

Guerin: The ability to focus on the real issues in the case. Lawyers whom I have observed that can avoid being distracted by false issues certainly have a substantial advantage whether as a prosecutor or as a defense lawyer. It is the ability to connect with a jury.

WLJ: What is your favorite website and why?

Guerin: I am still working in DOS because I think the Internet is a passing fad. Seriously, however, I am amazed at how much assistance lawyers can glean just from using Google or Google Scholar.

WLJ: If you could change one thing about Wisconsin’s legal system, what would it be?

Guerin: While there is always a risk in assuming that one single thing can result in a sea change in the administration of justice, those of us who have been around have seen a significant change in the collegiality among lawyers. I would improve access to justice for the underserved members of our Community who desperately need legal services.

WLJ: What is one thing attorneys should know that they won’t learn in law school?

Guerin: Lawyers graduating from law school today are far better equipped and better educated. Often times, however, clients are not looking for legal acumen as much as they are, in my opinion, seeking counsel on alternative ways to resolve issues.

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?

Guerin: James Brown, in a rather odd twist of circumstances. I was serving on the Tactical Enforcement Unit of the Milwaukee Police Department during a period of some unrest in our community. He was performing at the Milwaukee Auditorium and there was some suggestion that this would incite a violent reaction. I was assigned to stand backstage during the concert. He was a great calming influence on the community and put on the best concert I have ever witnessed. The man was incredible.

WLJ: If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

Guerin: George W. Bush, former President of the United States. Because I would be able to then apologize to the world and particularly the families to our deceased and wounded soldiers for having put them in harm’s way for a preemptive strike into Iraq when there were alternatives.

WLJ: What is on your desk in your office right now?

Guerin: A pile of papers that seem at some level to be relevant. Right now I just cannot remember why. Also pictures of my family which remind me why I came into this profession and why I continue to enjoy this profession.

WLJ: What is your most embarrassing experience as an attorney?

Guerin: Frankly, I have one mantra as a lawyer, and that is “I am not the center of attention”; my client is. Accordingly, I feel no shame nor do I feel embarrassment under situations that I probably ought to feel shame or embarrassment.

WLJ: Where and when are you most happy?

Guerin: I would have to agree with some of my senior peers that every day that we wake up able to take nourishment and a martini in the evening is about as good as it gets.

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