Military background keeps Page grounded as Milwaukee firm leader

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Bradley Page’s path to leading Milwaukee-based Davis & Kuelthau SC involved Army training, a stay in Hawaii and a bit of luck.

Page, a Wisconsin native with an interest in law, originally signed up for ROTC to help pay for his college education. After four years in school, however, he wanted a break and decided to go through officer basic training to complete his obligation to the military.

After three years stationed with the Army in Hawaii, he applied for a military program that paid for law school.

“They took only five candidates that year and I was No. 6,” Page said. “But then one of the people deferred their selection so I got in. It was serendipity.”

During law school, Page performed summer internships with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, which allowed him to keep a foot in both worlds.

“I always wanted to be an attorney,” he said, “but I enjoyed being in the military, too. I enjoyed the camaraderie.”

In 1995 a former law school classmate told Page about a job opening at Davis & Kuelthau. Eager to return to Wisconsin, he went for it.

Now he focuses primarily on commercial real estate. He was named president of the firm in October. He has served on the the board of directors for several years.

“I didn’t take the typical route to becoming a lawyer, but it’s worked out,” Page said. “I really enjoy what I do and working with clients.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What has been your most challenging case?
Bradley Page: Upon graduation, I was obligated to serve six additional years in the Army. My first duty assignment following graduation took me to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where I served as a criminal prosecutor. My most challenging case, not because of the legal principles involved, but because of the high profile, involved prosecution of a female military doctor who refused to serve during Desert Storm. Instead, she appeared on many talk shows and news programs speaking out against the first war against Iraq. There was a very high level of media interest in the trial when it finally reached that stage. (The woman eventually was sentenced to two years in prison.)

WLJ: What would you have done if you hadn’t become an attorney?
Page: At the time I decided to go to law school, I was on active duty in the U.S. Army. I was selected by the Army to attend law school on behalf of the Army. Had I not attended law school, I probably would have remained as a career officer in the Army.

WLJ: What was favorite toy as a child?
Page: I remember my first basketball, and I have always loved playing basketball. I did like the game Trouble a lot, though, too.

WLJ: What was your first concert?
Page: My first concert was Aerosmith in 1975.

WLJ: What app can’t you live without?
Page: I’m an avid sports fan. I love the Bleacher Report Team Stream app.

WLJ: What is your favorite vacation destination?
Page: Hawaii

WLJ: Is there a phrase that you tend to overuse?
Page: ‘What do you know?’

WLJ: Finish this sentence. Happiness is …
Page: easy to find if you know where to look.