Hear to help: WHD’s Anzelmo listens to clients, guides them through problems

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Anthony Anzelmo grew up wanting a career in which he could help other people.

“When I was thinking of careers I knew I was strong in writing along with social sciences, and going to law school seemed the best fit,” he said. “Once I decided on law school, I knew I would be a litigator. It’s a great way to help others and be an advocate for them.”

A member of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek’s business and commercial litigation team, he handles cases related to construction services, insurance coverage, risk avoidance and product liability.

Anzelmo represents both businesses and individuals in commercial and contractual litigation. He has a special interest in landlord-tenant disputes where he represents creditors and property owners and title insurance claims.

Anzelmo said he feels like he’s making a difference when working with clients.

“I feel like I’m helping someone, and it’s so rewarding to be able to do that,” he said.

Being able to write well and listen to clients’ needs are vital in being a successful litigator, Anzelmo said.

“I make my client’s problem my problem. I really tune in to what they are saying and going through,” he said. “I tell them they need to provide me with all of the information. I’ll take that and then craft the best argument possible.”

Anzelmo has also learned to temper his client’s expectations.

“I try to limit the surprise factor. We talk about what’s going to happen and I hope that alleviates some of the anxiety,” he said. “When talking with clients I am realistic about the outcomes.”

Being a litigator, Anzelmo is often in court and said his job is never dull.

“In 10 years I don’t think I’ve ever looked at my watch, wondering how much time left I had before I could go home. I’m thinking all the time,” he said. “It’s an entertaining, yet challenging job, but I definitely enjoy it.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What makes your work important to you?
Anthony Anzelmo: At my Marquette University Law School commencement, Dean (Joseph) Kearney described the legal field as, among other things, a “helping profession.” This has proven true, especially for me as a litigator. I think any litigator would tell you that our clients are never in our offices to tell us that that everything is going perfectly well. They usually have some fairly significant problem and it’s meaningful that we have the resources to assist them during that time.

WLJ: Who is your hero in the legal field?
Anzelmo: The people who immediately come to mind are those who I have been mentored by over the years that are both really good lawyers and really good people. I’ve worked with, and still work with, some of the best lawyers in the state. And the very best ones perform a balancing act of being very hard working, generous and thoughtful in all facets of their life, not just at work. To me, that is incredibly impressive and motivational. I should add that any discussion of ‘hero’ has to include my parents and grandparents. They are not lawyers but, to be sure, I am always trying to emulate their work ethic.

WLJ: What do you do outside of work to deal with stress from the office?
Anzelmo: Being engaged to another lawyer is priceless in that regard. I have the ‘I know exactly what you mean. …” response pretty much on tap. My fiancée and I spend a lot of time just shaking our heads and laughing at the stories this interesting profession creates. Out of the office, I love to watch sports, lose golf balls, read, spend time with my board colleagues at Kathy’s House, binge Netflix and pal around with my family, all of which provide nice outlets.

WLJ: What’s one thing many people get wrong about what you do?
Anzelmo: In general I don’t think the culture at large has adapted to all of the specialization going on in our industry. I can’t speak for all of my colleagues, but generally I know that not every lawyer can answer every legal question. My firm can probably help with any conceivable problem, but I can’t personally. Regarding litigation specifically, I think it is a lot more unpredictable than most people understand. Forecasting outcomes and budgets is an incredibly challenging exercise because so much of the process is dependent upon the venue, judge, opposing counsel, etc.

WLJ: What’s your favorite memory from law school?
Anzelmo: I have many fond memories from Marquette, but one certainly stands out — getting to know my fiancée in Constitutional Law our 1L year. She sat next to me kind of by chance and

that’s where we really hit it off as they say. There’s no way to articulate how thankful I feel for that particular seating chart.

WLJ: Is there a certain case that stands out to you?
Anzelmo: Any case with a trial that goes to verdict creates unparalleled suspense because of that period between when you learn the jury has reached a decision and the moment the verdict is read. Victories in these cases are unlike anything else. There have also been a few cases over the years when, regardless of how the matter resolved, I received some form of very heartfelt ‘thank you’ at the conclusion. Those stick with me for different reasons obviously, but the messages are very memorable.