Maher aids businesses when relationships fizzle

Listen to this article

Ann Maher sees herself as a problem-solver.

A partner in the technology, manufacturing and transportation group at Husch Blackwell in Milwaukee, Maher handles business litigation cases and advises clients in dealership, antitrust and distribution matters.

“I really like what I do,” Maher said. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I feel like I am always learning something new. It may be a topic I have worked on before, but there’s a twist or something comes up that never did before.”

The daughter of a personal-injury litigator, Maher grew up wanting to be in the courtroom and turned to business litigation.

“I often try to think about the judge or jury and what they may be thinking,” Maher said. “I sometimes need to use a lot of creativity in my arguments for my clients. It’s all about solving problems for people.”

While she still assists clients in litigation cases, Maher finds herself providing advice.

“They will call in advance of making a decision, such as walking away from a contract, and discuss possible ramifications,” she said. “It adds another element to the work.”

Steve Renau, communications manager at Husch Blackwell, said that although Maher’s clients come from a variety of industries, they usually have one thing common: they’re involved in a business relationship that’s breaking up.

“Relationships frequently end with a bang, not a whimper, and that is no less true for business relationships than for those in our personal lives,” Renau said. “When the end of a business relationship portends a struggle, leaders throughout the Midwest call on Ann to make sure their interests are protected and advanced.”

Recent examples of Maher’s work include her representation of a global professional-services firm against claims of malpractice and the assistance she provided to a grocery-store chain involved in a series of lease disputes. She also continues to advise clients in connection with Wisconsin’s Fair Dealership Law.

Outside of the office, Maher is involved with several organizations, including the Eastern Chapter of Feeding America.

“I always encourage younger attorneys to get involved with non-profits. It is a great experience. You can learn a lot,” she said.