Relationships, public service define Bonniwell

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Nancy Bonniwell is dedicated to serving her clients, colleagues and community. A main factor in her success as partner at Weiss Berzowski Brady LLP, where she practices estate planning and business law, is her ability to build relationships with clients and understand their motivations.

“I can help families and individuals meet their goals and protect their families,” she said, “and also make sure they’re taking care of themselves throughout their lifetime.”

Bonniwell said her goal is that all clients feel secure and satisfied with every decision and with how she has helped them achieve their needs.

Michael Berzowski, a partner at the firm, said that interest in each client’s situation is evident. “She is an enthusiastic individual who thoroughly enjoys what she is doing, both in the practice of law and public service,” he said.

Bonniwell serves as chair of the Town of Delafield Board of Appeals and as secretary for the Tall Pines Conservancy Board of Directors. Her other memberships include the Pro Health Care Foundation Board, the Volunteer Lawyers Project, the Waukesha County Board of Assessment, and the Waukesha County Community Foundation Advisory Board. Bonniwell also volunteers her time representing women seeking temporary and permanent restraining orders against abusive partners, which she says offers her a sense of fulfillment.

“To tell you the truth,” she said, “it helped them, and it really helped me.”

She gains a similar reward from mentoring at the firm. Berzowski said younger attorneys rely on Bonniwell’s judgment and seek her out because she is a good listener who offers thoughtful, empathetic advice.

“She’s a good teacher,” he said. “She’s loyal, and she inspires loyalty. She is enthusiastic and has a capacity to get things done. She sets the example.”

Bonniwell added that she strives to help younger attorneys cultivate the skills necessary to approach legal challenges, such as how to interact with clients.

“I see that they are developing into really good attorneys,” she said, “and being independent thinkers and being able to serve their clients in the best way possible.”

Despite the breadth of her contributions, Berzowski said, Bonniwell approaches each task with targeted commitment. She is dedicated to teamwork and always keeps the best interests of her clients in mind.

“She doesn’t let ‘perfect’ interfere with excellence,” he said.