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Lyons delights in the details

By: Allison Batdorff//September 26, 2013//

Lyons delights in the details

By: Allison Batdorff//September 26, 2013//

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Laura   Lyons - Bell, Moore & Richter SC (WLJ Photo by Kevin Harnack)
Laura   Lyons – Bell, Moore & Richter SC (WLJ Photo by Kevin Harnack)

Success in the law often is less about flash and sparkle than about having the stamina to sift through the kinds of details that could put some people to sleep.

Attorney Laura Lyons, who works on insurance defense for Bell, Moore & Richter in Madison, makes her living in the details. The more complicated the case, the more Lyons likes it.

In 2012, for instance, Lyons took on a complex case that included a mountainous pile of briefs submitted on the client’s behalf. But the effort paid off when her client, who was struggling with problems outside of the case, won.

“It took several hearings and numerous briefs to get the court to do what we wanted them to do, which was dismiss the case,” Lyons said. “I was glad I stuck to my guns even though it involved a lot of extra explaining all the way around.

“I like tough cases and a good challenge.”

Her attraction to the law and to fighting on behalf of a client might come from her father, who is an attorney in Janesville. Lyons said she initially rebelled against becoming an attorney but accepted her fate during her undergraduate years at Lake Forest College. She graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2005.

“I knew I just couldn’t fight it anymore,” she said. “I was made to be an attorney.”

What is the hardest part of your job?

Telling clients news that they don’t want to hear and/or results that they don’t agree with.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I love my firm. It’s a great place to be. I’ll be here in five years and well beyond.

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk

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

I’m not very good at relaxing. It’s hard to shut my mind off.

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

In terms of a person who is still alive, Betty White. She’s so funny and has had such a long career. I bet she has great stories.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Either a big mug of coffee and the Sunday edition of The New York Times or a really competitive, fun soccer game

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Well, that’s an interesting question. It probably depends on the day. With that in mind, I’d probably say conscientious or persnickety.

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