Michele L. Perreault

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Before becoming an attorney, Michele L. Perreault spent 10 years as a social worker, involved in domestic violence programs and also working for the American Red Cross. As a social worker, she found that her advocacy for people in need could only go so far. One of the greatest obstacles she faced was access to lawyers.

Perreault decided to best way to overcome that obstacle was to become an attorney. Now she is an associate at DeWitt Ross & Stevens S.C. in Madison where she splits her time between family law, civil litigation and serving as city attorney for Fitchburg and Brooklyn.

She was recently recognized as the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Attorney Hotline Volunteer of the Year, but her volunteer efforts go way beyond that. Perreault also serves on the board of directors for Fair Wisconsin, is involved with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services and works with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Q&A

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Wonder Woman

What is your motto?

I’ll try anything once!

What is your greatest extravagance?

red convertible (that my then-12-year-old daughter drove through the garage while “playing teenager” with her friends)

What’s the first CD you bought with your own money?

Probably U2, “Unforgettable Fire”

To what faults do you feel most indulgent?

Skipping the light beer for the really good microbrew

What was the worst U.S. Supreme Court opinion?

Dred Scott v. Sandford. Imagine a decision determining that the Constitution excluded a category of people from all legal protections. And that was before we enshrined such discrimination against a category of citizens in 2006! In retrospect, the Court in 1857 was perhaps ahead of its time and chose the wrong group.

What is your most treasured possession?

A cane carved by my great-great grandfather, and tossed over the goalposts at Camp Randall Stadium

What is the most insane question you’ve ever been asked?

When your twin sister gets hurt, do you feel the pain?

What is the first quote that comes to your mind?

“Ancient Chinese secret, huh?” ($1 to the first person who e-mails me with the reference)