Law firm founder brings unique perspective to classroom

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When Jessica King teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, she presents a view of the legal profession that expands far beyond the courtroom.

She’s been a state legislator and city council member, worked for large and small law firms, and was a bankruptcy trustee.

“It’s been such a wide variety, but it all comes back to advocating for others,” said King, who opened Compass Law LLC in 2009, specializing in debt reduction and bankruptcy cases. “I’ve even received thank you notes from clients later, thanking me for helping them.”

In addition to running her own firm in Oshkosh and teaching various civics and law related courses at the university as time allows, King also telecommutes for RSource, a Florida-based law firm that works with hospitals to help their patients get insurance companies to pay their medical bills.

“A lot of time claims are denied because of questions about information or paperwork,” King said. “People are so surprised when I call them and tell them I’ve been hired by the hospital to help them get their insurance companies to pay their bills. I just really enjoy what I do.”

Since many bankruptcy cases can be tied to unpaid medical expenses, King said she has a unique perspective.

“I’m seeing it from both sides: being able to help people get their medical bills paid as well as seeing what can happen when claims aren’t covered, namely bankruptcy,” she said.

After graduating from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, King worked for law firms in San Diego and Washington before returning home to Wisconsin. She started her own firm in Oshkosh and also became involved in local politics, first as a member of the Oshkosh Common Council and then as a member of the Wisconsin Senate after defeating Sen. Randy Hopper in a 2011 recall election in the aftermath of Act 10.

Her victory over Hopper gave the Democrats control of the state Senate. King’s term – and the Democrats’ place as the majority party – lasted just over a year. In the November 2012 election, Rick Gudex defeated King, and the state’s upper chamber reverted to Republican control.

King hasn’t ruled out a return to politics, but said right now she’s focused on her practice and other activities, such as launching Growing Oshkosh, a nonprofit urban organic farm.

“Growing up, my parents were both disabled,” King said, “and I think that just instilled in me a real desire to help others and make a difference.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: If you hadn’t become an attorney, what career would you have pursued?
Jessica King: I enjoy the creative process, so something in the fields of either art or chemistry.

WLJ: What app can’t you live without?
King: I can’t live without my memo app. I have six different lists running on my phone. Gone are the little reminder slips on my desk.

WLJ: What activity could you spend hours doing outside of the office?
King: I enjoy bonfires and hanging out with my friends.

WLJ: What was the first concert you attended?
King: My first concert attended was Joan Jett & the Blackhearts at the Fond du Lac County Fair for my 15th birthday. I still think she is awesome.

WLJ: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
King: I can’t wait to upload information straight to my brain. I’m sure in the future there will be an app for that.

WLJ: What do you see as your biggest accomplishment?
King: My biggest individual accomplishment was having the presence of mind at 17 to enroll in college, my road to opportunity. My biggest team accomplishment was winning the Wisconsin recall election in August 2011.

WLJ: Who is someone that you admire?
King: Mahatma Gandhi. I admire his career transition over time. I enjoy reading about his journey as a young lawyer working in South Africa.

WLJ: What’s your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?
King: I enjoy day-traveling and attending random festivals. I really enjoy watching people celebrate what makes them unique.

WLJ: What was the last book that you read?
King: I am learning to sail. I just completed “Sailing on a Budget: Moneywise Tips and Deals on Boat Purchases, Rental, Dockage, Destinations and More” by Anne M. Johnson.