Unsung Heroes – Law Firm Administrator

Listen to this article

Law Firm Administrator

Tom N. Landgraf
Director of Administration and Operations – Milwaukee Office, Foley & Lardner LLP “With nearly 750 personnel, Tom’s assignment present him with many interesting and challenging aspects of running a large law office, including financial and budgetary reporting, administrative support, human resources, office services, billings and collections, technology, procurement and facilities, library services and records management…. In 2002 the Milwaukee office decided to remodel nine floors of attorney office space, requiring Tom to enjoy a second full-time job by overseeing and coordinating the remodeling project over the past four years…. When someone asks him what he does at Foley, he simply replies in an unsung manner, ‘just trying to keep people happy,’” writes Nancy J. Sennett, Milwaukee Managing Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP.

Nine years ago when Tom N. Landgraf became the director of administration and operations at the state’s largest law office, he knew that he would keep on the move, working with a combined staff of nearly 750 people, including 250 attorneys. However, Landgraf did not know at the time that in addition to overseeing Foley & Lardner’s administrative operations, he would also oversee and coordinate staff movement as the firm renovated nine floors of its Milwaukee offices.

During the past four years, he has worked closely with the contractors and architects to ensure the project yielded results that would work for the staff, who spend a great deal of time in those offices. He also coordinated all the moves as people had to vacate their floors from six months to one year during the renovations.

“It’s been a challenge doing it all, but it’s been fun. … It’s like two full-time jobs, that’s for sure,” Landgraf observed.

He acknowledged that handling everything has involved delegating a lot of work. He originally came to Foley because, “I thought it would be challenging, and there would be a lot of opportunities working with a highly motivated group and a professional group.”

That has proven true, said Landgraf, noting he has enjoyed the challenges of balancing the staff’s wants and needs.

Jessica A. Beyer
Office Manager, The Schroeder Group, S.C., Attorneys at Law

“Jessica’s career began with a position as the firm’s receptionist…. It was not long before Jessica assumed the position of Administrative Assistant…. She is an integral part of the team and has been in large part responsible for the growth and the success of our firm…. Jessica currently handles employee benefits, maintains technology and information systems and oversees the accounting functions of the firm…. All of us at The Schroeder Group know what a gem we have in Jessica Beyer,” writes Sandy McGee, Chief Operating Officer, The Schroeder Group, S.C., Attorneys at Law.

Kelly Hackl-Crooke
Office Administrator, Laufenberg & Hoefle, S.C.

“When I made the decision in early 2000 to establish my own litigation practice … my long-time legal assistant Kelly Hackl-Crooke agreed to take the leap with me…. She applied her outstanding organizational skills and considerable talents to the new challenge…. As the practice grew, she assumed responsibility for recruiting, interviewing, training and supervising paralegals, legal assistants and receptionists…. None of this would be possible but for the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day efforts of our staff under Kelly’s direction. She is truly our ‘unsung hero,’” writes Lynn R. Laufenberg, Senior Member and President, Laufenberg & Hoefle, S.C.

Susan King
Paralegal/Administrator, Alex Flynn & Associates, SC

“Sue provides the administrative support that keeps the office running on a day-to-day basis…. There are no simple tasks considering the high pressure nature of a busy civil and criminal litigation firm. Sue’s intelligence, diplomacy, and overall competence have contributed greatly to the success of Alex Flynn & Associates. Not only does Sue accomplish these tasks above and beyond expectation, but she is a continual support system to each of the four law firms housed in the building. Her presence in the building makes coming to work every day a joy,” writes Alex Flynn, and all of the lawyers at 1223 N. Prospect Ave., Alex Flynn & Associates, S.C.

Tom R. Schoewe
Director of Finance, Quarles & Brady LLP

“Tom has oversight for 85 accounting personnel including six direct reports. Given the amount of time that Tom has spent in and around Quarles & Brady, it should come as no surprise that he is an invaluable resource to the firm. Tom is quietly self-confident, extremely diligent and very bright…. He is a patient listener and has a penchant for following up on issues that require considerable thought and analysis to resolve. Tom’s reputation among his chief customers, attorneys, is second to none. Simply stated, he is a star among highly capable and competent professionals,” writes Ann Murphy, Milwaukee Office Managing Partner, Quarles & Brady LLP