Gatewood rolls with changes

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July was a busy month for Heather Gatewood.

She got married, left her law firm of nearly nine years and began work as senior legal counsel for Brownsville-based Michels Corp.

“I know the timing was just nuts,” Gatewood said, “but in the end it worked out pretty well.”

But July was just the latest twist in a career that took an unexpected turn right at the beginning, she said. It was not until her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology and psychology, that Gatewood considered law school.

“I was thinking medical school or neuroscience research,” she said. “I was very interested in the brain and how a brain works and human behavior and animal behavior.”

But after taking a few prerequisite courses for medical school, Gatewood said, she decided against a medical career. Instead, two senior-year classes — psychology and law, and criminal law — sparked her interest in a new career path.

An internship with Davis & Kuelthau SC, Milwaukee, turned her toward civil litigation. Gatewood took a job as a litigation attorney for the firm, focusing on commercial, environmental, construction, employment and municipal law matters.

That shift in focus, Gatewood said, helped her realize civil law fits her personality and skills. “It’s not always about fighting tooth and nail to the end,” she said.

The latest shift in her career, Gatewood said, has left her excited about gaining a deep knowledge of Michels to help the company.

“It’s just pretty rare when you’re working for a law firm to get to know the company so well because you’re working with so many clients and you’re just hired for a limited scope of work,” she said. “I really like thinking about the broader picture and what is really best for the company.”

While Gatewood looks forward to change, those she has left behind will miss her, said Kevin Lyons, a shareholder and attorney at Davis & Kuelthau.

“From her first assignment from me, Heather displayed the honesty, intelligence and positive attitude that made her a valued colleague and asset to the firm,” he said. “While I wish she were staying, I understand that each of us must make the best career decision we can.

“Michels is a fine Wisconsin company that has found and hired a fine Wisconsin lawyer who will, as she did here, put her client first.”