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Prosecutor recovers, flourishes after job setbacks

By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//February 16, 2009//

Prosecutor recovers, flourishes after job setbacks

By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//February 16, 2009//

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Not many attorneys would hold onto a job that delivered a paycheck that covered little more than the cost of transportation to work. Brook Teuber did, and it helped her land the career of her dreams.

Teuber is an assistant district attorney at the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office.

But getting there took sacrifice and dedication. ADA positions open up infrequently. So after graduating from law school, Teuber bypassed private practice, instead volunteering at the Waukesha District Attorney’s office.

After a few months, she landed an ADA job at the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office, but the position was 70 percent funded through a grant to battle crimes against women. After only a few years, the grant was unfunded, leaving Teuber with only a part-time position.

“I knew I wanted to be a prosecutor before I graduated from law school, so I didn’t want to leave,” explains Teuber. “I wanted to keep my foot in the door.”

So Teuber held onto her part-time ADA position and filled her schedule with another part-time, private-practice job.

“I’d get two paychecks a month,” she says, “and the joke between my husband and I was that the first paycheck from this 30-percent position barely covered the tank of gas to get to work after all the deductions were taken out.”

A full-time position eventually opened up, and Teuber has now been an ADA trying domestic violence, rape, and murder cases for nearly nine years. Despite the emotional toll from seeing the worst people can inflict on others, Teuber remains convinced she’s found her calling.

“Six years ago, I tried a domestic violence homicide case,” she explains. “Yesterday, I got a phone call out of the blue from the victim’s family to update me on how the victim’s kids are doing. Even though the family lost a member to domestic violence, they’re making it, and they’re happy. The life lesson is that people do go on, and really wonderful things happen. If I didn’t believe that, when I was devastated that I lost my grant, I don’t think I’d have stuck it out.”

Teuber credits her drive to her parents and the lessons she learned as a competitive swimmer through college. Role models have also made a difference, which is something Teuber strives to be.

“I’m really grateful for other women who’ve been great role models,” she says. “If it hadn’t been for the other ADAs and my mother, I probably wouldn’t be where I am. I like where I am, and it makes me want to give back to younger generations so they have opportunities and the same outlook on life. I really hope I’m a positive role model for other women.”

— G.M. Filisko

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