Reinhart’s Webb parlays IT background into successful litigation practice

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Every case that lands on Justin Webb’s desk is a sign that something has gone wrong for his client.

Webb, an attorney with Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren in Milwaukee, handles commercial litigation cases focusing on data privacy and security matters in both federal and state courts.

“In litigation, attorneys become involved because something hasn’t gone as planned and you are there to help your clients achieve their goals,” he said.

The skills that Webb uses in his practice everyday come from his previous experience as the information security officer at Marquette University, where he was responsible for the university’s cyber security.

That wasn’t all he did during his time at Marquette law, clerking for U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin Judge J.P. Stadtmueller.

“Working with Judge Stadtmueller allowed me to become very familiar with being in a courtroom. Walking into a courtroom is like second nature to me,” he said, adding he served as a judicial intern for Judge Diane Sykes of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley while attending Marquette University Law School.

While the subject matter can get complex and technical, Webb enjoys the process of writing briefs and putting together coherent arguments.

“It can be challenging, but it is one I enjoy,” he said.

Webb first became interested in law while taking a class focusing on psychology and the law while in college.

“I found it fascinating. I also enjoy writing, and being in litigation allows you to do a lot of persuasive writing,” he said. “Being an attorney allows me to help people and be a part of the legal process. It is also great to see the position you took in a case become part of the law.”

Wisconsin Law Journal: What makes your work important to you?
Justin Webb: I find the constant search for the ‘right answer’ fascinating, and I truly believe that the law is the great equalizer.

WLJ: Who is your hero in the legal field?
Webb: Thurgood Marshall, because of his dedication to civil rights.

WLJ: What do you do outside of work to deal with stress from the office?
Webb: Play with my three pugs, work in my vegetable garden, and nerd out about the weather and technology.

WLJ: What’s one thing many people get wrong about what you do?
Webb: A lot of people think litigation is all about oral argument, but so much of it is writing.

WLJ: What’s your favorite memory from law school?
Webb: Arguing Fisher v. Texas against a classmate (Nate Imfeld) in Dean Kearney’s Supreme Court Seminar.

WLJ: Is there a certain case that stands out to you?
Webb: The Supreme Court cases that we now look at as anachronistic and wrong stand out to me as a reminder that lawyers need to be willing to fight for the right and just outcome as long as it takes.