Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

DeMarb goes for broke in commercial bankruptcy

DeMarb goes for broke in commercial bankruptcy

Listen to this article
Rebecca DeMarb (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)
Rebecca DeMarb (Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)

Rebecca DeMarb’s practice doesn’t allow her to plan ahead.

But it’s the uncertainty that commercial bankruptcy law brings that keeps her intrigued.

DeMarb is an attorney at Sweet DeMarb LLC, a boutique Madison firm dedicated to bankruptcy, debt relief and receivership. Some of her cases finish relatively quickly, while others go on for years.

“You never quite know what to expect or how you’re busy going to be,” she said.

It’s detail-oriented work, as DeMarb often drafts and reviews contracts, forbearance agreements, loan restructuring agreements or other documents to help solve a client’s financial problems. Though it’s got its fair share of transactional duties, the practice offers some time in court, as well.

“It’s a nice mix of work. I get to do a lot,” she said. “I work with businesses that vary in size, too, but they tend to mostly be middle-market, closely-held businesses. My practice is half bankruptcy and half receiverships.

“Mostly, it seems to be transactional law with the threat of going to court.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What career would you have pursued if you hadn’t become an attorney?
Rebecca DeMarb: I would have worked in higher education, most likely as a political science professor or maybe as a university librarian. I have always loved the rhythm of the academic year, as well as doing research and experiencing the energy on campus.

WLJ: What is your favorite book?
DeMarb: I have many favorite books, but if I have to name one it is ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood. That book not only introduced me to my favorite author and many additional books, but through it I gained a love of both science fiction and feminist fiction.

WLJ: If you could have drinks with anyone, who would you choose?
DeMarb: Bruce Springsteen, although I do feel like we’ve shared many drinks over the years even if he is not aware of it.

WLJ: If you could vacation anywhere, where would you choose?
DeMarb: I am looking forward to traveling more someday, and I especially want to drink wine in Italy and beer in Ireland.

WLJ: If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?
DeMarb: I am sure I could do amazing and influential things if I had superpowers, but what comes first to mind is the ability to live without sleep.

WLJ: What was your favorite toy as a child?
DeMarb: I don’t remember a lot of toys, but I do remember reading and climbing trees, and reading in trees!

Polls

Should Steven Avery be granted a new evidentiary hearing?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Legal News

See All Legal News

WLJ People

Sea all WLJ People

Opinion Digests