Music, law both passions for Waukesha DA Schimel

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Brad D. Schimel is an aggressive prosecutor and an avid bass player.

So it’s perhaps appropriate that the first concert the Waukesha County District Attorney attended ended abruptly in an infamous riot.

The rock show predated his hiring as an assistant district attorney out of law school and for the last 20 years, Schimel has worked to expand his legal repertoire. He was elected district attorney in 2006, is a founding member of the Waukesha County Victim Impact Panel for repeat intoxicated drivers and has worked with the 180 Juvenile Diversion Program, a second-chance opportunity for young non-violent offenders.

But Schimel also fuels his musical passion as the bass player in the classic rock and R&B band, 4 On the Floor.

Schimel showcased both his professional and musical experience in this week’s Asked & Answered.

Wisconsin Law Journal: If you could develop one CLE course for credit, what would it be about?

Brad D. Schimel: Civility in and out of the courtroom. Don’t get me wrong. I like most lawyers. The vast majority are friendly and treat people courteously, but those who don’t really make the rest of us look bad.

WLJ: What can you spend hours doing that isn’t law-related?

Schimel: Playing music.

WLJ: What is your favorite website and why?

Schimel: I like going to YouTube to check out music.

WLJ: Which actor would play you in a movie and why?

Schimel: Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” George’s sacrifices had such a positive impact on so many others. Wouldn’t most of us like to be remembered that way? Besides, he got to play the husband of Donna Reed. I admit it. I have an “old movie crush” on Donna Reed.

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

Schimel: The world is rarely black and white. Even people who do terrible things usually have something about their character that is redeeming or there is something about their act that is mitigating in nature.

WLJ: What is the first concert you went to?

Schimel: I won sixth row tickets to see Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult at the Milwaukee Arena over 30 years ago. There was a riot after Black Sabbath came on late and then ended the show early after some “fan” threw a beer bottle and hit the bass player on the head. My dad heard about the riot on the news the next morning. It seemed unlikely at the time that I would be going to any more concerts.

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

Schimel: Anyone who is vacationing on a Caribbean island.

WLJ: What is the hardest thing to tell a client?

Schimel: I don’t have clients in the usual sense, but crime victims look to me for help. One of the hardest things I do is to meet with parents who have lost a child. Whether or not charges ensue, there isn’t much I can say or do to ease their grief. It is also very difficult to convince a child abuse victim after a not guilty verdict that they did the right thing by disclosing the abuse. It can be a tough world for kids. Don’t pass up an opportunity to hug yours or tell them that you love them.

WLJ: What is the one luxury item you cannot live without?

Schimel: Heated seats on my pickup truck.

WLJ: If you were State Bar President for a day and could make one permanent change to the profession, what would it be?

Schimel: I’d advocate for a reduced membership rate for lower-paid government attorneys, such as newer Assistant DAs and Assistant Public Defenders. They aren’t able to take advantage of very many of the services provided by the State Bar.

Jack Zemlicka can be reached at [email protected].