Assistant DA leaves capitol for the courtroom

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From Chuck Stertz’s days working in former Sen. Russ Feingold’s Washington, D.C., office, where he served four years as legislative clerk and correspondent, to his current role as an assistant district attorney in Outagamie County, the 2009 University of Wisconsin Law School graduate said he likes “being able to get in there and help people.”

That desire inspired him to accept an internship at the DA’s office in Appleton, which eventually led to his full-time position.

“I wanted to interact with judges and other attorneys in person, not just through documents,” he said, “and thought that would be a great opportunity to get some time in court.”

Working in prosecution has been a good fit, he said.

“I really like that I’m making the community better,” Stertz said. “I enjoy the fast pace of the practice and the nonstop stream of work.”

He said he is proud of his work with the county’s mental health court, which connects nonviolent criminals who have mental health issues to community resources, rather than sending them immediately to jail or prison.

“It’s a way to work with people one-on-one and help them improve their lives,” Stertz said.

And although he’s busy in court, Stertz still makes time to get involved in professional organizations. He is set to take over as president of the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Young Lawyer Division on July 1. He also serves as the district representative for the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division representing attorneys in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“I love the opportunity to help out young lawyers as they get started in their careers,” Stertz said. “It goes along with everything else in my life; helping others.”

Though he enjoyed his time in D.C., Stertz said he’s glad he left the capitol for law school.

“I really enjoy being a lawyer and having the interaction in court with judges and other attorneys,” he said. “It’s also fun, especially when you have to make arguments on the fly.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was your least favorite class in law school and why?
Chuck Stertz: Contracts. It was the only class during my first semester of law school that I was not able to choose my own seat. I ended up in the far back of the room and had a hard time concentrating on the lectures. I likely would have enjoyed the class more had I taken the course second semester or later.

WLJ: What app can’t you live without?
Stertz: Text messaging

WLJ: What was the last book you read?
Stertz: “Bartimaeus” by Jonathan Stroud

WLJ: What was the first concert you attended?
Stertz: Semisonic

WLJ: Who is someone you admire?
Stertz: Everyone who dedicates their nonwork hours volunteering for community organizations unrelated to their work. Truly selfless volunteering, completely unrelated to career advancement

WLJ: What do you miss most about your childhood?
Stertz: Practicing for high school sports. Games were fun, but the camaraderie and hard work in practices are what I miss.