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Former governor’s daughter finds her own place in the courtroom

By: Jack Zemlicka, [email protected]//March 23, 2012//

Former governor’s daughter finds her own place in the courtroom

By: Jack Zemlicka, [email protected]//March 23, 2012//

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Kelli Thompson (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)

A little fatherly advice went a long way in setting Kelli Thompson on her path to become Wisconsin’s state public defender.

While she was a third-year student at Marquette University Law School, Thompson said, her dad, then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, encouraged her to intern with either a prosecutor or State Public Defender’s office before she graduated. Thompson, now 42, was more inclined to work outside the courtroom, she said, but opted to try a clinical internship with the State Public Defender’s trial office in Milwaukee.

“I had no plans to be in a courtroom or practice criminal law,” Thompson said. “But my dad thought I should at least give it a try. And I got hooked.”

From 1996 to 2001, she worked as a trial attorney in the Milwaukee office of the SPD.

After a brief departure into public relations and an appointment as commissioner to the Wisconsin Personnel Commission, Thompson returned to the SPD in 2003 as an administrator.

She served as training director, legal counsel and deputy state public defender before her April 1 appointment to state public defender.

Though she didn’t initially see herself in a courtroom, Thompson said, it’s not surprising that’s where she wound up, given her father’s history as a lawyer.

“He never pressured me,” Thompson said. “But I used to see my dad in court, so it wasn’t a big shock for me.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: If you could develop one CLE course for credit, what would it be about?
Kelli Thompson: All attorneys could benefit from learning about compassion fatigue, the signs to look for if you or a colleague is moving down that path, and the resources available to lawyers. Also, understanding the circumstances of people in crisis. We have developed a training that actually puts participants in a simulated situation that our clients face, and it has been a tremendous teaching moment for all.

WLJ: What do you consider your biggest achievement to date and why?
Thompson: Anyone who knows me understands the importance I put on family. I have the wonderful opportunity each day to be reminded that the role I play in my kids’ lives is the most important role in the world.

WLJ: What is the one luxury item you cannot live without?
Thompson: My cell phone. Communication is so crucial both inside and outside of the office, and my cell phone allows me access to the SPD staff and my family.

WLJ: What is one thing attorneys should know that they won’t learn in law school?
Thompson: How to be a lawyer. Students need to know it can be both a calling and a business. They need to know that the personal relationships they develop as a lawyer can make or break their careers. It is important to know how to see things from the other side’s perspective so matters can be resolved effectively for clients. Also, at the public defender’s office, it is very important to work with clients in a very respectful and compassionate way.

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?
Thompson: My parents took us to Summerfest every year, so I had the chance to see a lot of concerts. But the first concert I actually went to with my friends was Duran Duran in Madison at the Dane County Coliseum when I was about 14.

WLJ: If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
Thompson: I would choose changing places with one of my children. Kids are able to see things with a unique perspective, and I am continually amazed at how they analyze complicated situations and work with one another to collaboratively solve issues. In addition, they are able to participate in so many fantastic activities today. More importantly, I would like my kids to see where I go every day and the important work all of my colleagues are doing each day by helping those who need assistance.

WLJ: What is your motto?
Thompson: I don’t really have a motto but I do like the thought, ‘You must do the things
you think you cannot do,’ from Eleanor Roosevelt. It seems to fit in line with what we do at the public defender’s office most of the time.

WLJ: If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
Thompson: I need to be involved in something that speaks to my heart and with which I feel very invested. I’m extremely interested in a number of causes, especially women’s health and literacy. I could see dedicating a career to helping advance these issues.

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