Thompson writing his own legal success story at GTW

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For Scott Thompson, a job at his high school newspaper led him to pursue a career in law.

Thompson, an associate attorney at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs’ Madison office, wrote about state and national politics for the paper.

“Looking back, I see a clear cause-and-effect relationship between my time on the paper and my career today,” he said. “I did not recognize it at the time, but I was observing the law in action, and I was fascinated.”

Thompson’s professional career began in public affairs as an environmental political organizer. For two years he fought to expand renewable energy in Wisconsin. It was at that point he transitioned into a career in the law.

His colleague, Nikki Schreiber, said that Thompson is not only a great lawyer but also a helpful mentor.

“He truly cares about each and every one of his clients and makes it a point to get to know them,” she said. “Scott works above and beyond the hours of duty for his clients to make sure nothing is missed and every client is represented to his full potential.

“His work ethic is like no other and he is a force to be reckoned with. If I know of anyone personally who needs a lawyer or if I needed one myself, Scott would be my go-to.”

The pandemic has shifted the practical realities of practicing law, Thompson said, as Zoom is now commonly used for hearings, depositions and meetings.

Trials are also on hold. But that hasn’t stopped him from growing his employment law, personal injury and civil rights practices and succeeding during adverse times.

One of the hardest parts of Thompson’s job is the constant learning that is required to prepare for each case.

“Every case I litigate presents new wrinkles, and uncovering and understanding those wrinkles is a constant challenge,” he said.