Client relationships key to DeVantier’s practice

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Melissa DeVantier relishes working closely with the clients of her business law and estate planning practice.

“I work with a lot of small businesses and enjoy watching them grow,” said DeVantier, an attorney with McCarty Law LLP, Appleton. “You form a lot of relationships with clients in business law. You’re watching their business grow from the ground up and it’s a great experience to be a part of.”

DeVantier helped one woman start up a daycare business. Later, when the time came for DeVantier to find childcare, she knew right where to go.

“The relationships you form with business owners is what makes this practice special,” she said.

In addition to her law degree, DeVantier also has a master’s degree in business administration, which she said is a definite plus for working with businesses.

“I speak their language,” she said.

DeVantier originally focused on business-related cases, such as contracts and financing, but said she soon realized estate planning would be a good addition.

“I was working with business owners and this was something they needed and it just seemed to be a good fit,” she said.

Unlike business law, she said, estate law can get emotional, though.

“I’ve had clients come in because of a guardianship issue related to an older relative, or a couple after a spouse gets a cancer diagnosis … Those cases can be difficult – not the law part of it, but just with the emotions involved,” DeVantier said. “But even with those cases, it’s satisfying to know you’re helping someone getting their needs met.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was your most favorite course in law school and why?
Melissa DeVantier: My favorite course in law school was Corporate Finance. It sounds dry, but it was actually very interesting. We discussed the rise, fall, mergers, acquisitions and hostile takeovers of some of the world’s biggest companies, and I thought it was fascinating to learn about the strategies involved. The class was a discussion format, and the professor was able to teach us a lot without the feel of long lectures.

WLJ: What do you see as your biggest accomplishment?
DeVantier: I read these questions aloud to my husband and he joked ‘Marrying me, of course!’ But actually, I think that’s true. That was a turning point in my life, and every day since has been filled with great blessings. He was a hard sell though – I had to jump out of an airplane (I took him skydiving for his birthday) to get his attention!

WLJ: What was your first concert?
DeVantier: I can’t believe I’m going to admit this in an article in a reputable law publication, but my first concert was Nelson (as in the Nelson brothers, twin sons of Ricky Nelson). What a flashback!

WLJ: What was the last book you read?
DeVantier: I’ve been trying to do a Bible study at night after my kids go to bed, and it is taking me an embarrassingly long time to get through it. The book is called “Learn the Bible in 24 Hours” by Dr. Chuck Missler, and it’s very good.

WLJ: If you could have drinks with anyone, who would it be?
DeVantier: This is a tough one, but I think I would have to say Barbara Bush (the young one). She has dedicated her life to serving the health care needs of the poor across the world through her nonprofit company, Global Health Corps. She was obviously raised in a conservative political household and is very close to her family, but has made some bold moves in contradiction to her family’s political positions. She has managed to bridge the political divide when it comes to her philanthropic activity. I just find her life fascinating.

WLJ: What app can’t you live without?
DeVantier: I think Facebook is the app I can’t live without. Most of my family and friends live far away, so seeing pictures and chatting online once in a while makes me feel more connected.

WLJ: What one activity can you spend hours doing outside of the office?
DeVantier: Playing with my kids. I have three young children and they are just a blast. They have so much energy, and everything is new and exciting to them. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

WLJ: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
DeVantier: I think about where to live sometimes, especially in February when it’s been freezing cold for months, but ultimately the answer is Appleton. My husband and I met while living in Chicago and we loved the city, but knew we didn’t want to raise a family there. Our families lived in different places, so we really could have gone anywhere. We picked Appleton and looked for jobs here, and we just love it. Great schools, great community, great (summer) weather and the ability to head up north for weekend family getaways. What more could we need?

WLJ: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
DeVantier: There is a lot of room for improvement, but the thing I pray for the most is patience. Patience with my kids, patience in working toward goals, really in every aspect of life.