Unsung Heroes – Human Resources

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Human Resources

Joyce M. Nordman
Recruitment Coordinator, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP “For the past 42 years, Joyce has been a tireless contributor to the firm in a variety of positions. Currently as one of the two Milwaukee-based Recruitment Coordinators, she works with our Associate Hiring and Compensation Committees to recruit the best and brightest candidates. Joyce is a very thoughtful, resourceful and respected member of the support staff, and has been for four remarkable decades. She instills a true sense of the firm’s legacy and history in all of our new associates, and is in many ways a true guardian of this firm’s great heritage and an unsung hero,” writes Steven J. Brandl, Executive Director, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

For Recruitment Coordinator Joyce M. Nordman, Michael Best & Friedrich is more than the name of the state’s third largest law firm. She still recalls the men behind the firm’s logo — John W. Michael, John S. Best and Herman E. Friedrich.

“There are very few people here who knew (them) and I’m one of those few people,” she said. “They are real people to me. They aren’t just a logo or a title.”

When Nordman has a chance to talk with associates, she likes to share information about the firm’s legacy. That kind of institutional memory is to be expected of someone who has spent more than 42 years working for the firm.

One year after graduating high school, she came to work as a legal secretary. She admits thinking about working for a law firm was a bit intimidating, but after a 15-minute interview with the attorney she would work for, her career course was set.

Throughout the years, her role changed and now she does recruiting. She also works with lateral hiring, associate evaluations, the compensation committee, the professional development committee, training programs, and CLE programs.

“I’m passionate about what I do,” Nordman said. “There are certain parts that I really love and I really love the people that I work with.”

Brenda Hodorowski
Human Resource Generalist, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

“Brenda does an excellent job in her role at the firm. She is very knowledgeable, professional and has a creative edge and fresh new outlook on H.R. perspectives. She is always willing to help out, even when the specific situation may be challenging. She is very innovative and also very friendly.”

Tanya Weinberger
Training Specialist, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

“Since my training, I have gone to Tanya on many occasions for help and she is always so willing to help and to explain what you did wrong and to help you understand the procedure so you will be able to do it on your own the next time. Every new employee that comes to Godfrey & Kahn feels the same way about Tanya. She is always so pleasant and always has a smile on her face. There are times when I feel Tanya has gone above and beyond her job duties to help anyone who is having a problem,” writes Beverly J. Mirek, co-worker, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.