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Byron C. Lichstein

By: dmc-admin//August 30, 2010//

Byron C. Lichstein

By: dmc-admin//August 30, 2010//

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When attorney Byron C. Lichstein joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin Law School at the beginning of 2004, he was the youngest clinical professor at the Frank J. Remington Center.

That made sense, since Lichstein has just gotten his law degree from UW the previous December.

“When I first started, I worked with people who had 20 or 30 years of experience,” he said. “Now, I’m not quite as green and we’ve hired a few people younger than me.”

Seven years on the job, Lichstein has carved out a nice career working an array of cases for the Wisconsin Innocence Project and the Criminal Appeals Project, many dealing with DNA wrongful convictions.

But he also values his time in the classroom sculpting the next generation of attorneys.

“Every group is a little different and to see them grow into their professional identity, I like being a little part of that,” Lichstein said.

What was your most useful law school course?

The summer after my 1L year I did a prison-based clinic called LAIP. I represented prison inmates on various legal issues. One of my supervising attorneys was John Pray, from whom I learned a lot about professionalism and diligence. He remains an important mentor and friend.

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

The new “Shout Out Louds” album, and “We Run This” by Missy Elliott.

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Cedric Daniels from the TV show, “The Wire.”

What is your motto?

I don’t really have one. I find life kind of confusing.

Who is your favorite Supreme Court justice of all time?

John Paul Stevens. I admire his intellectual honesty, fairness, and common sense.

What is the best part of being an attorney?

Working with people who are talented, but also humble and concerned about public service.

What is your current state of mind?

A little uneasy, because I’m not very comfortable talking about myself.

What is your most treasured possession?

The house I own with my girlfriend. I love my neighborhood.

What is your favorite website and why?

Theonion.com. Almost always cracks me up.

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