DeVougas gives back to community through work

Listen to this article

As a teenager, Steve DeVougas’ favorite movies were “Wall Street” and “Boiler Room.” Now, however, his career is more like “Law & Order.”

DeVougas, 28, thought he’d be a transactional attorney, but instead works in commercial litigation at Hinshaw & Culberson LLP, Milwaukee.

As he builds his practice, DeVougas said, “Just being able to use my law degree and experience to add to a lot of the good work that’s been going on in Milwaukee has been a highlight for me so far.”

Among his volunteer efforts, DeVougas serves on the Steering Committee for the Marquette University Law School Volunteer Legal Clinic, and is a volunteer coordinator for the Milwaukee Justice Center.

He’s also just stepped down from the board of ACTS Community Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that helps inner-city residents become homeowners.

He’s filled that time with increased involvement in the Wisconsin Association of African-American lawyers; he’s a board member and president elect.

“Growing up in Milwaukee and being visible, as a product of the community, and practicing here, has been probably the most rewarding thing. My history here runs deep. I’ve lived here my whole life, except when

I got my undergrad, and my family’s lived here for three or four generations now.”

—  Jane Pribek

What was your most useful law school course?

Legal Research and Writing. I took every writing course offered, and I use them often. Plus, in civil litigation, you really have to teach yourself everything anyway (laughs).

What was your worst law school course?

Property, especially when we got into future interests and the Rule Against Perpetuities

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

I am a super-duper music fan. I use music to set my mood. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Cee Lo Green.

What can you spend hours doing that’s not law-related?

I have to have my daily workout. It’s like coffee. And I’m an amateur cook. I watch cooking shows all the time.

If you could be a superhero, who would you be?

Growing up, I loved Spiderman, even though his personal life was a shambles. As a grown-up, I’m more into Superman. But I’m bigger than most people — I’m 6’6” — so people sometimes call me the Hulk.

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

Living: Warren Buffet, Michael Jordan or Hugh Hefner. Dead: Julius Caesar, Leonardo DaVinci, William Shakespeare and Machiavelli

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Maybe I’d be more serious. I’m kind of carefree and light-hearted.

What is your motto?

“It is what it is,” “Que sera sera,” or some variant of that. And “It could always be worse” — just trying to keep a positive outlook. Accept reality; it could be worse; there’s no reason to freak out.

Finish this sentence: Happiness is …

Finding your purpose and walking in it. When you’re doing what you feel you’re meant to do, with the talents and gifts you’ve been given, that’s true happiness.

What are you craving right now?

Today is a basketball day, so I’m craving the court. We play over lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.