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Fortney builds on previous experience

By: Allison Batdorff//September 26, 2013//

Fortney builds on previous experience

By: Allison Batdorff//September 26, 2013//

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Matthew   Fortney - Quarles & Brady LLP (WLJ Photo by Kevin Harnack)
Matthew   Fortney – Quarles & Brady LLP (WLJ Photo by Kevin Harnack)

First, Matthew Fortney embarked on a career as a construction engineer.

Then, he switched to a second career as an environmental engineer after earning a master’s in environmental geotechnical engineering.

Then, he went into law, graduating magna cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law in 2006. He then took a job as a real estate and environmental lawyer for Quarles & Brady LLP’s Madison office.

The third time is the charm, and Fortney said his favorite cases are big ones involving green technology, complicated entitlements and government approvals. For many of those cases, his former careers come in handy.

For instance, he performed the zoning and land use due diligence for a large Wisconsin wind farm and worked on the zoning for a $200 million public/private biomedical research building through the University of Wisconsin.

He is working on a highway construction project.

While his past experiences help, Fortney said, there has not been as much crossover between engineering and law as he thought there would be.

“But it helps me understand where the engineers and architects are coming from,” he said, “and being familiar with the building process helps as well.”

What is the hardest part of your job?

Balance. I have a 1-year-old at home, and sometimes it is hard to balance the demands of work with the desire to be there to put her to bed.

Where would you like to be in five years?

Right here in Madison. My wife and I moved here seven years ago and really enjoy our life on the isthmus. We both get to walk to work. Even my daughter’s day care is within walking distance.

Professionally, I am enjoying the upswing in the construction industry. I love to be a part of things that have tangible end results, something you can point to at the end of the day.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I have a minimalist streak and think I could be happy in a little cabin in the woods with a beautiful view and a vegetable garden out back. And Internet access of course.

What traits do you most like in others?

Empathy is essential and organization. My wife is a list-maker, very organized.

I admire that.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I don’t really care about brands too much, but for one. I am a total sucker for Patagonia. I should be their spokesman.

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