New award recognizes Wendel’s ongoing commitment to legal community

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By MaryBeth Matzek

Fifty years after graduating law school, Dane County attorneys are honored during a special reception commemorating their senior status. At this year’s event, Harvey Wendel received more than praise and applause for his years of service: the Harvey L. Wendel Service Award was created in his honor and he was named its first recipient.

Wendel, who is of counsel at Murphy Desmond SC in Madison, said the recognition was “a huge surprise.”

But his commitment to Wisconsin’s legal community runs deep.

Several years ago, Wendel started the Dane County Bar Senior Lawyers Section and began holding seminars for older attorneys wondering how to close out their practices.

“A lot of times,” he said, “sole proprietors especially aren’t sure how to transition out of the daily work.”

He also played a role in creating a Dane County Bar Association mentorship program that pairs young lawyers with older ones.

“The key is to find a mentor who’s not at their firm,” Wendel said. “That way they can talk more openly about what they’re happy with regarding their career and what they might not be so happy with.

“This year, we are up to 35 mentors and 35 mentees. It’s been a wildly successful program.”

Since 2005, Wendel has been a member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Board of Administrative Oversight, which monitors the Wisconsin Attorney Regulatory System.

“I really enjoy giving back,” he said, “to the profession that’s been so good to me.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was your most challenging case?

Harvey Wendel: A large real estate developers’ arbitration dispute in which I served as arbitrator. The case went on for over a year.

WLJ: If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what do you think you would have done?

Wendel: I probably would have owned a car dealership. I always loved cars and sales.

WLJ: What was your favorite class in law school and why?

Wendel: Real Property, Contracts, Legal Writing. I like to write and enjoyed learning about real estate, which led me to represent real estate developers.

WLJ: What is your favorite book?

Wendel: ‘Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.’

WLJ: What living person do you admire most?

Wendel: Leonard Cohen, the poet laureate of Canada. We’ve been a follower of his for years. He’s not just a poet, but also a skilled musician and novelist. We always see his shows.

WLJ: What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?

Wendel: Boating on the Madison lakes and giving lake tours as a volunteer captain in the Madison School and Community Recreation Pontoon Program

WLJ: What traits do you admire most in others?

Wendel: Hard work, honesty and integrity

WLJ: What is your most prized possession?

Wendel: My home, my health and my family

WLJ: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Wendel: Right here in Madison