Municipal practice keeps third-generation lawyer on her toes

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Holly Wilson doesn’t mind following in her father’s footsteps, even when it comes to choosing a practice area.

Growing up with a father and grandfather who were lawyers, Wilson said, she knew early on what path she wanted to follow.

“As soon as I was old enough to know what an attorney did, I knew that was what I wanted to do,” said Wilson, an associate at Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, Madison. “I saw how much they loved their jobs and helping their communities, and that really spurred my decision that the law was the way to go.”

Just like her father, Thomas Wilson, Holly Wilson chose to focus on municipal law.

“I really enjoy helping communities, and municipal law is a great way to do that,” she said. “Our firm represents several different municipalities in a lot of different areas.”

Though a lot of the work she does involves development and utilities, Wilson said, the practice has enough of a range that it’s like a general practice.

That leaves a lot of ground to cover. Wilson said one of her biggest challenges is being asked to answer questions on the spot on a variety of topics when she attends municipal board meetings.

“You prepare as much as you can on the different topics so you can answer questions immediately,” she said, “rather than say, ‘I’ll have to get back to you on that.’”

But the people she works with and for are part of the practice area’s benefits, Wilson said.

“I really enjoy working with municipal officials since they are so passionate about their communities. That really gets me excited,” she said. “We work with everyone from small, small towns to larger cities. It’s such a varied practice, and I’m learning so much.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was the last book that you read?

Holly Wilson: For work, I have been reading a lot of books on development agreements, but, to change the pace, I recently read ‘Dr. Sleep’ by Stephen King, the sequel to ‘The Shining.’ Caution: Do not read before bed.

WLJ: What app can’t you live without?

Wilson: This is an easy one: Wisconsin Public Radio. I listen to it every day on my bus ride in to work. I am 100 percent not a morning person, and WPR helps me wake up so I am ready for the work day.

WLJ: What was your least favorite class in law school?

Wilson: Any criminal law class. Although I recognize the importance of studying criminal law as an attorney, I could never see myself practicing as a criminal attorney.

WLJ: What’s your favorite vacation spot?

Wilson: My family took a two-week road trip out west after I graduated undergrad. We stopped at what felt like every national park between here and California. But our stay at the north rim of the Grand Canyon was by far my favorite stop and all around vacation spot. My sisters and I actually have plans, hopefully in the next five years, to hike rim to rim.

WLJ: What do you miss most from your childhood?

Wilson: Summer and winter breaks of course. Even though I had to work during most of them after I turned 14 (thanks mom and dad), I loved the freedom. You had whole days with no plans, to read books, watch movies or just hang out with friends.

WLJ: Do you have a word or saying that you tend to overuse?

Wilson: Definitely ‘unclear’

WLJ: Who do you admire?

Wilson: My parents. They epitomize the phrase ‘living the dream’ and just are exceptional human beings. Both are happy with their jobs, their kids and each other. They somehow adapt into the role I need at any given time: caretaker, mentor, financial advisor, counselor, dietician, friend, etc. I am very lucky.

WLJ: What’s your favorite stress buster?

Wilson: Listening to music or cleaning. Both take my focus elsewhere and help me restart my brain.