Dodd puts science background to work in the courtroom

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Kimberly Dodd was studying bacteriology and genetics at the University of Wisconsin when she realized she didn’t want to spend her life in a lab.

“I heard there was a real demand for lawyers who have a background in the sciences and I thought, ‘That’s it,’” said Dodd, now a partner with Foley & Lardner LLP focusing on patent, trademark and copyright litigation.

She soon found she had an affinity for litigation.

“I enjoy the adversarial process of working on litigation cases,” she said.

Dodd uses her science background as she litigates highly technical cases. She studies up on an issue or topic, and then talks with experts to gain a thorough understanding before appearing in court.

“It’s definitely a learning process,” she said. “Once you understand the topic, you then need to be able to explain it to the judge so he can understand the arguments and rule on a motion, for example.”

Her previous studies and “those basic building blocks in science” certainly aid in that process, Dodd said.

“These cases can get complicated as you try to determine what may or may not be covered by a patent,” she said. “I never thought this is what I would be doing, but it’s been very enjoyable.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was your favorite class in law school?
Kimberly Dodd: Evidence because it was taught by Steve Hurley. He has great stories and is very charismatic. He also offered great practical advice about the practice of law.

WLJ: What would you have pursued as a career if you weren’t an attorney?
Dodd: Probably something having to do with computers, such as computer programming. I got hooked on computers at a young age because my dad was a computer programmer. I learned how to type at the age of 8 or 9 using a program that he wrote. I don’t think I would last at a job that didn’t involve sitting in front of a computer most of the day.

WLJ: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Dodd: Eternal youth. I have always been into sports and exercise. I wish I could be as fit and athletic as I was in my teens and early 20s.

WLJ: If you could have drinks with anyone, who would it be?
Dodd: Giannis Antetokounmpo (of the Milwaukee Bucks), but I suppose it would have to be smoothies. Like the sports media, I am fascinated by him.

WLJ: What is your favorite activity to do in Wisconsin?
Dodd: Sporting events. My husband and I attended the UW for undergrad and professional school. We have season tickets for Badger football games and attend basketball games when we can. We also love going to Bucks and Brewers games.

WLJ: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Dodd: Closer to the office. After my husband’s surgery residency in California, we could have searched for jobs in any state, but chose to search exclusively in Wisconsin. We have lived in the area for almost five years and love it. My only complaint is the commute between downtown [Milwaukee] and Brookfield.

WLJ: What was your favorite toy as a child?
Dodd: A soccer ball from a McDonald’s Happy Meal that was about three inches in diameter. At least that was the most memorable. My sister and I would play soccer for hours on weekend nights in our basement growing up. We now play pingpong.

WLJ: What activity could you spend hours doing outside of the office?
Dodd: Golf. I grew up playing golf during the summers. My mom dropped me off at the course every day on her way to work, and then picked me up on her way home. I don’t play much anymore because of work and kids (ages 6 and 8), but would love to get back into it. I hope my kids pick it up in the next couple years so we can all play.