Schuster combines clients’ needs, legal acumen to run successful practice

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John Schuster knows business.

After graduating from law school, he earned his master’s degree in business administration specializing in entrepreneurship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Schuster said that decision has given him an edge.

“This background has given me a tremendous advantage as a business attorney and has made me very good with financial numbers,” said Schuster, the owner of Caliber Law in Oshkosh. “By getting a background in high growth business management and finance I knew I could give clients more advanced advice on how to get ahead in their business, plan, and solve their legal problems.”

Schuster initially became interested in business law during his contracts class in law school.

“Contracts always just made sense to me,” he said. “I also really wanted to help business owners.”

I love watching people and my clients succeed, and I really enjoy being part of their success,” Schuster added. “I also enjoy being able to help my clients through legal issues, if they arise.”

From drafting contracts to helping clients resolve business issues and partnership disputes, Schuster’s practice covers the entire business law spectrum.

“I wanted to be the absolute go-to person for all of my business clients, whether it is transactional or litigation,” he said. “I also wanted to be absolutely responsive to their needs.”

In Schuster’s practice, he works with a wide range of small- to large-sized businesses, and enjoys working with businesses that want to grow.

“I really enjoy helping companies deal with the challenges that come with business growth,” said Schuster, adding that his MBA comes in handy when helping clients. “My ability to understand both the legal and practical side of businesses, from their operational challenges to their financials, really gives me an edge and allows me to provide great advice to my business clients.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What makes your work important to you?
John Schuster: I really like working with people and their businesses and helping them succeed. Whether it is working with a new business or start-up, working with a mid-size business on its next stage of growth or dealing with any of the disputes that can arise as someone operates a good business. I believe I can play an important value-add role in helping my clients succeed.

WLJ: Who is your hero in the legal field?
Schuster: I admire any attorney who is a clear thinker, understands that there is often more than one solution and approach to any problem and, most importantly, puts their clients first above themselves. I think an essential attribute of a great attorney is to be a really great listener and anyone who can put all of these traits together is what I consider to be a great attorney if they have a good background in the area they are advising in.

WLJ: What do you do outside of work to deal with stress from the office?
Schuster: I really like spending time with my wife and twin boys. Our twin boys are 4-years-old and have lots of good and great energy, so nothing is better than wrestling with them, playing catch and teaching them how to be great thinkers after a long day of work.

WLJ: What’s one thing many people get wrong about what you do?
Schuster: Most people think that all attorneys in general are not very nice, are aggressive, and are only looking out for themselves. I do not find this to be the case with great attorneys. The great ones are the ones that are the most accessible and see themselves as being equals with their clients. I can’t believe how many people tell me they are shocked at how accessible I am as a person. I believe that all good attorneys should be accessible in addition to doing great and careful work.

WLJ: What’s your favorite memory from law school?
Schuster: I was able to write a perfect score on my contracts exam. I was told that the reason I was given a perfect score is that my essay answers were extremely accessible and could be understood by any client. This lesson stuck with me throughout the rest of my law school career — and everyday I try to give very simple and clear answers, which are much more useful to my clients.

WLJ: Is there a certain case that stands out to you?
Schuster: Right now I am currently working on the deal to bring the Bucks D-League team to Oshkosh. I truly enjoy working with all of the smart, practical people I am working with on the deal. It is a great opportunity for Oshkosh, the Fox Valley and everyone involved, and I am also excited about all of the growth, development, investment and additional jobs it will bring to the area — not to mention the great basketball.