Volunteer work helps Lyons keep legal career in perspective

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Laura Lyons, an attorney with Bell, Moore & Richter SC in Madison, understands the importance of good role models.

For the past seven years she has been a Big Sister to the same girl in Dane County’s Big Brother Big Sisters Program.

“My Little Sister is now 16 and it has been a very worthwhile and fun experience working with her and watching her grow up,” Lyons said. “We help each other equally.”

Lyons also is a volunteer coach for fourth-graders in the Millennium Soccer Program, which brings affordable soccer to Madison’s low-income neighborhoods. She called the work “rewarding.”

Growing up in Janesville, Lyons had a built-in mentor and role model at home. Her father, Terry Lyons, is an insurance defense attorney – a path she followed.

“When we get together, we sometimes tend to talk shop about insurance law and my mom usually has to stop it,” said Lyons, who covers everything, “from dog bites to construction defense.”

Both of her parents “had such a positive influence” that Lyons seeks to give back in her many volunteer pursuits, which she said are a good counterbalance to the stresses of work.

“Kids put so many things in perspective,” she said. “If I’ve had a bad day at work, we [my Little Sister and I] may go somewhere and just have fun and you forget about the work on your desk.”

She also helps guide potential future attorneys through her role as a mock trial and moot court judge in Dane and Rock counties.

“It’s interesting to be on the other side of the bench,” she said, “and hear what some of these young adults are thinking and perhaps provide advice to help them hone their skills.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was your least-favorite class in law school?
Laura Lyons: Civil procedure. At the time, it just didn’t make sense to me. I wish I could have taken it while I was a law clerk. It made much more sense once I was working.

WLJ: If you weren’t an attorney, what do you think you would be?
Lyons: Probably a psychologist, although I’m not sure I have the patience or the tact required.

WLJ: What was the hardest case you’ve worked on?
Lyons: One of the most stressful cases was a high exposure, medically complex worker’s comp case a few years ago. It was the sort of case that is better in retrospect because I learned a lot and it was really interesting, but it was tough at the time. The applicant’s medical history was unusual and her claims were multi-faceted. The medical records alone took up over half a filing cabinet. I won, but it was appealed. Thankfully, I won again.

WLJ: What warning would you give to a student considering a legal career?
Lyons: I wouldn’t have a warning for them. If they want to go into law, they should go for it.

WLJ: What was your favorite toy as a child?
Lyons: My Strawberry Shortcake doll … until I washed her hair. That was a rookie move.

WLJ: What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?
Lyons: There is a lot of Audioslave on there. “Doesn’t Remind Me” probably gets the most play. I also listen to a lot of different stations on Pandora.

WLJ: What trait do you most like in others?
Lyons: Definitely candor. If I could pick two, I’d also say a good sense of humor.

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?
Lyons: Tiffany at the Rock County Fair. I distinctly remember fighting with my parents about whether her song “I Saw Him Standing There” was better than the Beatles’ original version of “I Saw Her Standing There.” I was on the wrong side of that argument.

WLJ: Which living person do you most admire?
Lyons: It’s a tie: my parents. If pressed, as we’re talking about law, I’ll say my dad. He’s smart, funny and can get along with anyone. He’s just an all-around great guy. He’s also fostered great client relationships throughout his career. Most of all, I really admire how he balanced his work, family and community obligations when my brothers and I were growing up.

WLJ: Where would you like to live?
Lyons: Right where I am! I love Madison. I always wanted to live here when I was a kid. If I had to move I’d probably go to San Diego.