Beachy takes on constitutional law in private practice

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Sara Beachy’s practice offers an “unusual” mix, she said, as she is in private practice but gets to work on significant constitutional law.

Beachy, 37, recently prevailed in federal district court while defending the Elmbrook School District’s decision to hold commencement in a local church against a claim that the district violated the Establishment Clause.

The case is pending in the 7th Circuit and, because the plaintiffs have brought similar suits in every federal circuit in the country, she thinks the case has a good likelihood to eventually go to the Supreme Court.

Beachy said she sees the case not just as a defense of the district, but also of the students, who were the driving force behind holding commencement in the church — largely because its large size enabled them to have more family members attend the ceremony.

Another area of constitutional law that comprises a significant amount of Beachy’s practice at Axley Brynelson LLP is the Takings Clause. She represents landowners, as well as government bodies and utilities.

“When a utility builds a transmission line a hundred miles long, there are so many owners involved that there is bound to be some who will litigate,” she said. “There are always a few on every segment.”

— David Ziemer

What was your worst law school course?

Property. It was five days a week and I had a newborn. It’s ironic that I now do real estate law.

What is the best part of being an attorney?

Having the chance, in every case, to become an expert in some new area of law or facet of life.

What is your favorite Supreme Court opinion?

Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971)

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?

Gone into the ministry or become a college professor

What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?

Hiking

What is the first concert you went to?

Morphine, in Chicago, with my now-husband

Who are your favorite writers?

Max Lucado, Anna Quindlen, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Shel Silverstein

What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue?

Cleanliness! Whoever said that cleanliness is next to godliness probably never hiked in the backcountry to remote mountain tops, invented a new recipe or finger painted with a small child. Life, if done properly, is messy.

What famous person would you most like to have a drink with?

Sandra Day O’Connor

How many countries have you visited?

Only Mexico