Davis & Kuelthau’s Coley stays ready for everything

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For Sherry Coley, it’s all about solving clients’ problems.

A member of Davis & Kuelthau’s litigation team in its Green Bay office, she works with businesses of all sizes on complex business litigation cases ranging from contract disputes and business torts to real estate foreclosures and product liability.

“I’m focused on helping my client find a resolution to their problem, whether that means going to trial – which is rare – to coming up with a deal,” Coley said. “I know I’m the person that clients don’t like to call since that means they have a problem to deal with, so I work with them to get through their issue.”

Coley didn’t start out as a business litigator. She initially did transactional business law and then helped a colleague with a litigation case.

“I was hooked and made the switch to being a trial lawyer,” Coley said. “I enjoy helping my clients reach a resolution whether it’s at trial or through a settlement. I want to help them resolve their issue and be creative in coming up with solutions.”

Coley’s practice is varied and she works with a variety of businesses ranging from small companies looking to collect on unpaid contracts to large manufacturers who may need help defending a product liability lawsuit. Product liability cases are an intriguing challenge since Coley needs to meet with experts to learn how the products were designed and how they work, as well as taking a thorough look at all of the paperwork that came with a product.

“A lot of it involves talking with clients and touring the plants to see how things are made,” Coley said. “It’s fascinating and it’s great to see how different products come together.”

While she estimates only about 5 percent of her cases make it to trial, Coley said she always needs to be prepared to take a case to a jury. She’s had cases settle the day before a trial starts and even after the trial has started.

“I’m glad for my clients that the case is settled, but the trial is the show and you’re ready to go,” Coley said. “I’m congratulating them that the case has settled, but inside I feel a bit sorry that it won’t go to trial. That’s just the life of a trial attorney.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What makes your work important to you?
Sherry Coley: Most clients come to me when they are in trouble, have a dispute with someone or are involved in a lawsuit, and they need help. What makes my work important to me is when I can help my clients resolve whatever dispute is plaguing them so they can focus on better and brighter objectives.

WLJ: Who is your hero in the legal field?
Coley: As a true trial lawyer, I’ll answer this question by reframing it slightly. My personal hero is my grandfather, Alvin Miller, who was a state senator in Iowa for over 20 years. He passed away from cancer when I was a senior in high school. He wasn’t a lawyer, but inspired me to go to law school. He was a self-educated man, farmer, business entrepreneur and fierce legislator. Although he advocated for his constituents, he believed in an overall level of respect and common courtesy. Above all else, he had a sharp wit and humbleness. These are all traits that I greatly admired about him. If I happen to possess an ounce of this by sheer luck of genetics … I am grateful.

WLJ: What do you do outside of work to deal with stress from the office?
Coley: I enjoy spending time with my children and seeing the world through their eyes. Work is rather insignificant compared to time with them. Exercising by running, biking or golfing is another way I try to manage life working in a law firm. And, I would highly recommend having some good friends who know what kind of red wine and chocolate you like because there are some days when that is the best option.

WLJ: What’s one thing many people get wrong about what you do?
Coley: There’s so many movies and TV shows that deal with trial lawyers acting very flamboyant. All my non-lawyer friends think I shout ‘I object’ anytime a comment is made in court. Although this is far from what actually happens when I am in court, there are times I would love to channel ‘My Cousin Vinny’ as an opening statement.

WLJ: What’s your favorite memory from law school?
Coley: Academically speaking, I remember arguing in the 7th Circuit courtroom as a member of the Marquette Patent Law Moot Court team. It was both intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. As any graduate of Marquette Law School will likely admit, I also have many memories of Thursday night Bar Reviews. Of course what happened at Bar Review stays at Bar Review.

WLJ: Is there a certain case that stands out to you?
Coley: I will always remember my first jury trial as lead counsel. The trial was scheduled in December and it took four days. Every night I would prepare my outlines for the next day and I probably averaged three hours of sleep a night. I knew every document and transcript. I spent hours working on the video display and technology so I could seamlessly show the jury what the equipment looked like that was part of the dispute. The night before our last day of trial I was in the emergency room because my daughter, who was 2 at the time, needed stitches. She was a trooper and handled it like a pro. And I survived my working mother guilt because she fell while she was at daycare. I finished up my closing argument preparations after she went to bed, and got up early the next day to head to court. She happened to wake up early, too. I was able to get a great big hug before heading out to court and ultimately landed a jury verdict in my client’s favor. I suppose I remember this case because it helps me believe that hard work pays off. It also helps me remember to keep things in perspective for those moments when you have an unexpected visit to the emergency room.