Laubmeier works his way up from courier at Madison firm

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As an undergraduate studying finance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, John Laubmeier knew he was more interested in dealing with companies’ legal problems than he was in solving the routine questions of daily operations.

“I decided I didn’t want to be the one that says, ‘Where do we want to invest this?’ and ‘How are we going to fund this diaper production?’” said Laubmeier, 31. “I wanted to help the business out with its legal issues.”

When the liquor store where he worked while going to school was robbed, Laubmeier decided it was time to see what life was like at a law firm. He went to work at Stroud, Willink & Howard LLC as a courier.

During law school, he took on legal duties at the firm as a summer associate. Since graduating in 2005, he has been an associate at the firm handling civil litigation, including construction defects, contract interpretation, business torts, commercial leases, fair dealership claims and the economic loss doctrine.

Last year, he prevailed in a jury trial in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, where he was representing a large retailer on a defective product case. Issues included implied warranty, express warranty, defective product and a breach of contract claims. He successfully won a verdict with no liability for his client.

— Tony Anderson

What was your most useful law school course?

Trial Advocacy

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

I would have pursued teaching and coaching sports.

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

Afrojack — Aces High

Do you have any tattoos?

No

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

Playing with my 7-month-old daughter, Sydney

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

Probably Superman for the ability to fly

What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?

Go to Devil’s Lake State Park with my family

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

The ability to dunk

What trait do you most like in others?

Trustworthiness.  If someone is not trustworthy, not much else matters.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A day with no plans whatsoever to spend with my wife, daughter and dog.

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents, for teaching me to work hard, be honest, and be kind.

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Determined