Murdock rises early in career

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Andrea Murdock’s career is proof that mentors matter.

If not for a seventh-grade social studies teacher who presented a unit on the American justice system, Murdock said she might not have been inspired to pursue a career in law.

If she hadn’t clerked with attorney Harry Van Camp, of DeWitt, Ross & Stevens SC, as an undergraduate, she might not have found her niche in construction law, Murdock said.

And if she hadn’t then clerked with Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Patricia McMahon, she said she might not have been as well prepared to start a busy litigation practice.

Murdock joined her present firm, Halloin & Murdock SC, about a year after her husband, Anthony Murdock, founded it with Scott Halloin in 2006. In just six years’ time, the firm has grown to include eight lawyers.

Murdock focuses on construction law litigation and construction-related insurance coverage disputes.

She has tried half a dozen cases and settled many more.

“I love the process of going to trial,” she said. “Assembling your facts, both the good and the bad, with the law and presenting it to a judge, jury or arbitrator.

“It’s very satisfying to advance cases forward, hopefully to a positive resolution.”

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

Andrea Murdock: Becoming partner at a law firm and having the opportunity to try so many cases. I’m 32 and I think at my age that’s quite out of the ordinary, compared to my colleagues.

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

Murdock: The impact of insurance coverage on construction litigation. Because so many construction firms are teetering on the brink of insolvency in the current market, the availability of insurance coverage can have a major impact on case development and resolution.

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

Murdock: How to interact with other attorneys and advance your clients’ interests. Just because you can do something under the statutes or case law doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what best for your clients.

TDR: Which words or phrases should advocates avoid or do you have a word or phrase that’s a pet peeve?

Murdock: I avoid the word ‘clearly.’ I think when using it in a brief, what it actually conveys is you don’t really believe what you’re saying. And if something is clear, I shouldn’t have to tell someone that.

TDR: What was your least favorite course in law school and why?

Murdock: Criminal law. Although I found it interesting, I knew I wasn’t going to pursue it as a career.

TDR: Who are your heroes?

Murdock: My parents. They taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice for the sake of a higher goal, which served me well in law school and continues to influence my legal practice today.

TDR: What is your definition of success?

Murdock: Reaching a point where I feel that I’ve accomplished something I’ve set out to do, and feeling happy with it. But each new day and each new year brings something new that I add to my list.

TDR: What are your words to live by?

Murdock: Take it one day at a time.

TDR: What book is sitting on your nightstand?

Murdock: My Kindle, so there are about 20 books on my nightstand right now.