MacArdy finds ways to push herself

Listen to this article

Amy MacArdy never misses an opportunity to grow.

Despite a busy caseload, the associate at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren SC, Milwaukee, always makes sure to save time for pro bono work.

From obtaining restraining orders for domestic abuse victims to appellate cases, MacArdy said the experience is invaluable.

“As a young attorney,” she said, “you don’t sometimes get these opportunities to manage a case or get up in court and do everything.

“I also enjoy knowing that I am helping people who can’t afford to get help themselves.”

After graduating from Marquette University Law School in 2009, MacArdy spent a year clerking for Justice Pat Roggensack, during which she also gained valuable experience.

“That was such a wonderful experience,” she said, “and really made me enjoy litigation and appellate work in particular.”

Now that she’s juggling pro bono work and a practice focused on product liability litigation, MacArdy continues to grow through her work on an associates committee that communicates directly with firm leaders.

“I’ve been impressed with how firm leadership has embraced the group,” she said, “and being involved with it is a great way to show leadership within the firm.”

What is the best part of your job?

As a litigator, it’s winning. There is no better feeling.

What is the hardest part of your job?

If winning is the best, then losing is hard.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I would like to either be a partner in the litigation practice here at Reinhart or – my loftiest goal – being one of the youngest appellate judges in Wisconsin.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?

I honestly don’t know. Since fourth grade, I have only wanted to be an attorney. I honestly can’t pinpoint what made me think it would be a good career for me.

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

I honestly don’t have any songs on my iPod. I listen to audio books. Right now, it’s ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’

After reading all day at work, I find it hard to read books at home so I listen to them while I work out.

What trait do you most admire in others?

A sense of humor. I don’t like it when people take themselves too seriously.

What living person do you admire the most?

Both of my parents. My dad is an entrepreneur and I admire his work ethic and his ability to take risks. I admire my mother for her commitment to our family.