By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//August 30, 2011//
By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//August 30, 2011//
As a boy, Matthew Rosek wanted to be a pilot because he craved the excitement of flying.
As an adult, he’s happily discovered that trying cases — and winning them — brings an equally satisfying adrenaline rush.
Rosek, 34, of Waukesha’s McCoy Law Group SC, secured two zero-dollar verdicts in the past year.
In Culver v. Compass Properties Germantown, the jury found no negligence on the part of his client, Suburban Lawns, which had been hired to clear snow from a store parking lot, after a plaintiff slipped and fell. The plaintiff had demanded $242,000.
Then, in Alkaraki v. Dells Boat Tours, the plaintiff sought more than $1 million for an alleged back injury incurred during a jet boat adventure ride in the Wisconsin Dells. The jury nixed that request.
This year, in EA Restoration v. Diehm, a breach of contract case involving an unpaid draw on a construction project turned into a defect dispute, the defendant countersued, demanding $165,000. But in June, a jury wasn’t persuaded and instead awarded Rosek’s client $40,000 representing the unpaid draw.
When he’s not triumphing in court, Rosek spends time teaching and coaches the mock trial team at Carroll University.
“I’ve already sent four or five students to law school in the four years I’ve been doing it,” he said.
— Jane Pribek
What was your most useful law school course?
Civil Procedure
If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?
I probably would’ve been a pilot in the Air Force
What can you spend hours doing that’s not law-related?
Reading
What famous person you would most like to have a drink with?
Ronald Reagan. Or maybe Jesus Christ, although I don’t think he drank beer.
What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?
Going up to the north woods. My family owns a cabin in Eagle River.
What is the most overrated virtue?
I don’t think any virtue can be overrated.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Starbuck’s coffee in the morning
What is your most treasured possession?
My family. Everything else pales in comparison. I don’t form attachments to things.
What is the first concert you ever went to?
Journey at Summerfest
Who are your favorite writers?
George R.R. Martin, a fantasy writer who wrote “A Game of Thrones.” I also like Frank Herbert, who wrote the “Dune” novels. And I’m a pretty big fan of Isaac Asimov, too.
What word in the English language do you wish you had invented?
“Google” because then I could’ve trademarked it
What are you craving right now?
More coffee