Packard empowers clients facing challenges

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Growing up, Tamara Packard said she wanted to make a difference. She now gets to do that through her work at Pines Bach in Madison.

An attorney who specializes in civil litigation and appeals, Packard primarily handles cases involving employee and civil rights.

“I am glad I can make a difference where I can in my cases,” she said. “I like being able to empower people and help them get out of a situation where they feel like they have no control.”

Packard got to meet those goals last year in the case of Bukstein v Dean Health System. The dispute had Packard working as the co-counsel for a plaintiff who ultimately received $2.21 million from a jury for the breach of an employment contract.

Packard also represents licensed health-care professionals in misconduct investigations and proceedings before Wisconsin’s licensing boards and helps recent law school graduates and out-of-state attorneys who have trouble securing admission to the Wisconsin bar.

“Tamara is a passionate advocate who achieves outstanding results for her clients,” said Lester Pines, senior partner at Pines Bach. “But more importantly, Tamara has acted fearlessly in defense of our constitutional rights when they have been threatened or denied. Without a doubt, she will continue to do so in the future.”

In addition to her busy practice, Packard has handled numerous pro bono cases for the ACLU, Lambda Legal Defense Fund and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. In one of her most recent pro bono cases — Torres v. Seemeyer — she successfully argued the state of Wisconsin was required to issue birth certificates that list both same-sex parents as being the parents of a child born to one of the spouses.

“That case was a great fit. Lambda were the subject experts on the birth certificates, but not the trial process here in Wisconsin, so that was where I came in,” Packard said. “I am happy to contribute my skillsets on cases where they are needed.”

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Law, Packard started working at Legal Services Corp. in Michigan.

“When I heard there was an opening at Lester Pines’ firm I saw that as my dream job and I quickly applied,” she said. “I love being able to do trials as well as research. It has been such a good fit for my skills.”