Hupy takes community service to heart

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Michael Hupy has tried and settled numerous million-dollar personal injury cases since he started practicing 39 years ago.

His is a resume punctuated with many highlights, including a $5 million structured settlement when a large truck crashed through the wall at the House of Peace in Milwaukee and a $20 million award for an injured child.

But, Hupy said, the victories have not clouded his view of his primary mission.

“The only reason the legal profession exists is to serve our clients and the public,” he said. “To serve, educate and protect the public is an important obligation of every lawyer.”

That obligation, for Hupy, extends beyond the courtroom.

He is active in numerous community causes, including a Watch for Motorcycles awareness program, America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin and the Boy Scouts. He recently donated $100,000 to the Milwaukee Justice Center, which uses volunteers to offer legal aid to Milwaukee County’s low-income litigants. His law firm also donated more than $150,000 to more than 100 community organizations in 2011.

“I was drawn to the Milwaukee Justice Center because I saw a need that we as lawyers are obligated to fulfill,” Hupy said. “It was an opportunity to give back in an important way.”

Jim Temmer, executive director of the Milwaukee Bar Association, said Hupy has been a tireless supporter of the Milwaukee Justice Center, which the bar runs.

“When he became aware of our needs, he immediately stepped up and helped out,” Temmer said. “He made a very generous financial donation and has supported us in so many other ways as well. The MJC would not be where we are today without Michael’s support.”

Offering support to those who need it is just another way for attorneys to fulfill their obligations, Hupy said.

“Besides serving clients,” he said, “attorneys should also volunteer their time and money, if possible, to serve the community.”