Lubenow takes risks and finds success

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Breaking away from an established Illinois law firm and forming what has become Smith Amundsen in Wisconsin were two of the riskiest things Patrick Lubenow ever did.

“It was scary at the time,” Lubenow said. “If this would have failed, we would have lost our homes, everything we had we would have lost.”

What started as a firm with a few dozen lawyers in 1997 has grown into a team of 150 attorneys, with Lubenow as a managing partner in the Milwaukee office.

“I am proud of what my partners and I have accomplished,” said Lubenow, who practices primarily construction law, representing architects, contractors and engineers in cases involving construction defects, accidents and other claims.

The Daily Reporter: What do you consider your biggest career achievement to date and why?

Lubenow: My biggest career achievement was becoming a founding partner in this law firm. That’s really probably my greatest career achievement, demonstrating my skill to handle large exposure, complex litigation in construction, professional liability and medical malpractice litigation and become a founding partner.

TDR: What is the top legal issue construction firms need to be aware of today and why?

Lubenow: You’d be surprised how many companies do work without written contracts. So I always harp, ‘Get a written contract. Know what your contracts say and what they mean.’ Indemnity clauses also are a big issue. I always tell my clients, ‘If you don’t have to sign that, you do not want to sign a contract indemnifying someone else for their work. And if you’re being forced to, talk to your insurance company.’

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

Lubenow: A private practice law firm is a business. I am reminded of that every month when our accounting department sends me my accounts receivables report.

You have to be a smart businessman. In private practice, if you don’t understand that, you won’t be in business very long. Law school doesn’t teach you the business side of running a law firm. It’s a little bit of an eye-opener.

TDR: Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Lubenow: I have been told by friends in my Chicago office that when I leave a message I always begin with the word ‘say.’ ‘Say, this is Pat Lubenow. I am calling about …’ They think that is a very Wisconsin thing to do.

My kids also tease me when I use the word ‘whatchamacallit.’

TDR: Where would you like to live?

Lubenow: I like college towns. I loved living in Madison when I was in college and law school. To me, college towns are vibrant, youthful. There’s a lot going on.

Austin, Texas, is another state capital, college town. I love Austin. Towns like that would be my choice. I like skiing and like Boulder, Colo., and the Denver area. There is good skiing nearby. I will definitely live in a warm climate part of the year.

TDR: What are your words to live by?

Lubenow: What I always tell my kids: ‘Work hard doing something that brings you satisfaction. Be positive. Make friends. Have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously. And have a strong faith in God.

TDR: What book is sitting on your nightstand?

Lubenow: I don’t have a book on my nightstand. Usually when I go to bed, I’m exhausted and I just fall asleep. That doesn’t mean I don’t like to read. I read for enjoyment more on the weekends or in airplanes. I like to read history or biographies.

I recently read a biography on Paul McCartney. I was told by a friend that ‘Killing Lincoln’ is a good book. I plan to read that.