Pen, paper Gleisner’s tools of the trade

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Legal writing can be a tedious exercise, but attorney William C. Gleisner III has always taken pleasure in putting pen to paper.

He spent seven years as chair of the Amicus Curiae Committee of the Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and throughout the last two-plus decades has researched or written briefs for more than 100 appellate and Wisconsin Supreme Court cases.

In addition, he co-authored a 1,400-page, multi-volume reference on the use of electronic and digital evidence and helped draft the electronic discovery rules petition that the state Supreme Court will review on Sept. 30.

It is no surprise that the Hartland attorney is most content immersing himself in the law. Given his fondness for lengthy briefs on complex subjects, Gleisner likely enjoyed the chance to avoid writer’s cramp while crafting responses to this week’s version of Asked & Answered.

Wisconsin Law Journal: What do you value most about being an attorney?

William C. Gleisner III: Most of my professional life has been devoted to civil rights work on behalf of the disabled or work on behalf of the injured. I know I have made a difference and that is why I went to law school.

WLJ: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Gleisner: Whether in litigation or life – make a decision; and once made, execute without hesitation or regret.

WLJ: What is your favorite website and why?

Gleisner: www.wisbar.org. It’s a great way to keep up with my profession.

WLJ: Which actor would play you in a movie?

Gleisner: Jim Carrey. He has a personality and a sense of humor I like to think I have when I am at my best.

WLJ: What is one thing attorneys should know that they won’t learn in law school?

Gleisner: Civility. Most lawyers don’t have a clue. No matter what the provocation and no matter how stressful the circumstances, one must always act with civility. Lawyers in this country will never be respected until they can emulate the lead of most English Barristers.

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?

Gleisner: Lawrence Welk, no joke. My parents were sadists!

WLJ: If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?

Gleisner: A Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. I don’t care who. I just want to see what it feels like to be at the center of the justice system.

WLJ: In three words or less, describe your legal career?

Gleisner: A real privilege.

WLJ: If you could change one thing about Wisconsin’s legal system, what would it be?

Gleisner: The election of judges. Politics and justice don’t mix.

WLJ: Where and when are you most happy?

Gleisner: When I am researching and writing about the law – whether it be a brief, an article, a treatise; it doesn’t matter, and it doesn’t matter whether I’m being paid to research or write. I love the science and scholarship of the law, and would prefer to do nothing more than immerse myself in the law.