Unsung Heroes – Information Technology

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Information Technology

Suzanne E. Arbet
Information Technology Manager, DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. “Suzanne’s talents and character make her literally invaluable to the entire law firm. She is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable in her field. She has an unusual ability to translate ‘techno-speak’ into plain English. She is unflappable. Suzanne helps everyone — from the ‘old school lawyer’ who knows little about computers, to the savvy law student — use our computer systems to that person’s highest and best use. Suzanne’s flexibility, her sense of humor, and her genuine affection for the people with whom she works makes her one of DeWitt Ross & Stevens’ most valuable members,” writes Nancy C. Wettersten, Shareholder, DeWitt Ross & Stevens, S.C. When Suzanne E. Arbet was working on her master’s degree in French, she did not anticipate that she would eventually be translating “techno-speak” into English. However, DeWitt Ross & Stevens’ technology resources manager credits those language skills with helping her avoid getting bogged down in technical jargon while working with attorneys and staff at the firm.

Arbet has been with the firm 10 years. Prior to that, she worked for an information technology company that was providing Windows 95 technical support by phone. While she described that position as a great learning opportunity, Arbet said she was thrilled to come to the firm where she could work directly with people at their desks.

“This was really kind of like a dream job,” Arbet said. “I was doing over-the-phone technical support and was really looking to get into a place where I could help out people face-to-face.”

She noted that her position has given her an opportunity to work with a wide variety of people from those who are unfamiliar with computers to those who are seeking out the latest and greatest new devices.

“I really like helping people solve problems, helping people efficiently get their work done and get issues resolved,” Arbet said. “There’s a good feeling being able to help somebody with a problem.”

Melanie Austin
Technical Support Coordinator/Team Lead, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

“Melanie personifies service, expertise and integrity. Her success is rooted in her desire to truly serve others. She consistently places the needs of the attorneys and staff with our firm before her own. She works selflessly, diligently and effectively to ensure problems are solved quickly and completely. She is always cheerful, always available and always helpful, even when dealing with very difficult people. Melanie manifests an outstanding, caring attitude, along with solid technical expertise — a very rare combination,” writes Rick Thompson, IT Department Manager, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Jenny Hatlen
Project Administrator, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

“Jenny manages the IT projects for the firm and acts as a liaison between the IT Department and the rest of the firm. Jenny is able to corral the firm’s many IT projects and works with members of her team and others with the flair and enthusiasm of a newly-hired kindergarten teacher…. Jenny’s enthusiasm and exceptionally strong work ethic are motivating. She is an inspirational leader and a great friend,” writes Kathy Schroeder, peer, Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Kevin Hood
IT Manager, Habush Habush & Rottier, SC

“Kevin has been responsible for the development or our network systems, the development and management of our Web site, e-mail system, phone systems and the communication lines which connect all 12 of our offices throughout the state. Kevin seems impervious to pressure. At all times he maintains a good sense of humor. He is extremely task oriented and professional in his approach to all problems. Perhaps Kevin’s greatest skill is his ability to translate complex hardware and software issues into laymen’s language so that even a group of ‘personal injury lawyers’ can understand IT,” writes Michael J. Jassak, Corporate Secretary, Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Jody L. Owens
Network Analyst, Davis & Kuelthau, s.c.

“Jody Owens is as integral to our law practice as the technology system that she manages. Jody is, quite simply, the technology professional that every law firm wants.

She is knowledgeable and experienced; she is well educated in her discipline but, at the same time, understands how technology systems interact and how legal professionals need to use them. She understands that technology is not an end in itself; it has to serve the higher purpose of helping us to serve our clients more efficiently, more effectively and more economically…. She understands what legal professionals do and helps them to do it better,” write Kirk D. Strang and Denise D. Richardson, co-workers, David & Kuelthau, s.c.