Quarles’ Katayama classic in every sense

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It’s no surprise that Alyce Katayama’s role model is her mother, who took charge when her father, a naval officer, was away overseas.

“She just did what she needed to do, and I just thought that was what women did,” Katayama said.

It’s an example she has kept in mind at Quarles & Brady, where she became the firm’s first female partner in 1982.

Her colleague Joe Masterson, a business and securities lawyer and fellow partner at the firm, often consults Katayama because of her specialty in health care law. He said he has never been disappointed.

“She’s very good at making whatever time is necessary and appropriate to help a colleague like me understand a client’s needs and therefore contribute to a good solution,” he said. “She’s never too busy to do what it takes.”

And Katayama maintains her high standards in her endeavors outside of Quarles, writing scientific papers and finding time to work with community groups. One of those organizations, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, is especially close to her heart.

“I love classical music,” Katayama said. “I was raised with a lot of exposure to it. I studied piano. I think it’s a very enriching aspect of being alive. I’ve tried to indoctrinate my children.”

Mark Niehaus, executive director of the orchestra, said Katayama is the best kind of board member because she not only appreciates and promotes the orchestra, but she also has helped with the organization’s internal workings.

Katayama, who has been on the orchestra board for 12 years, has helped set up bylaws and governance regulations.

“She’s one of those people who asks, ‘What can I do to help?’” he said. “She’s a great example of being a propulsion engine and catalyst for our initiatives and strategic objectives.”

Katayama said she now considers herself to be much more fortunate than her mother was. For one, Katayama said her late husband was at home more often than her father had been.

“I probably had more child-rearing support than anyone I know,” she said.

Altogether, Katayama said, her experience as a woman working in the legal field has largely been a good one. She said she has enjoyed the full support of all the men in her life. More than anything, she said, success comes from grit and dedication to one’s clients.

“Work hard, become an expert in your specialty area or niches, be a good servant to your clients, and treat your clients as if they are your best friends,” she said. “And eventually many of them will be.”