Beachy makes most of time with law practice, family

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It was clear early on in her legal career that Sara Beachy was ready to overcome any obstacle that came her way.

During her first year at the University of Wisconsin Law School, Beachy was pregnant with her second child, Xander, but that didn’t stop her from also finding time to serve as co-president of the Law School Family Association.

And as if that wasn’t enough, she went on to help teach a course on the First Amendment and coach mock trials.

She graduated cum lade and is now a partner at Axley Attorneys in Madison. Her favorite parts of the job? Teaching and being a mentor.

“As a trial lawyer I get to learn about a complicated case or part of the law and then find ways to teach it to a jury of 12 regular people,” Beachy said. “On the mentoring side, I enjoy watching young attorneys tackle hard things and grow in confidence. I don’t think the early years of practice need to be a traumatic hazing ritual.

“If I can help someone else succeed, I will. This basic philosophy has served me well in law and life.”

Beachy started her career by spending her associate years at Axley. She then went on to serve as an assistant attorney general for the Wisconsin Department of Justice, where she represented state agencies in eminent domain, transportation and land-use litigation.

After returning to Axley, she continued her practice in the male-dominated field of eminent domain and condemnation, while also working on matters concerning land use and commercial litigation.

“Although the practice of law can be a competitive profession, Attorney Beachy is quick to share her knowledge and foster growth in other attorneys, both inside and outside the firm,” said Nicole Hadaway, marketing director at Axley.

Beachy is also quick to know when to say “yes” to family time, whether that means trekking up a 17,000-foot mountain with her daughter in Nepal or helping her son with Algebra.

When asked about how she balances all the demands, she acknowledges: “There is never enough time. I start by accepting that. Then I try to be deliberate about my choices.”

In addition to making time for her kids, Beachy said it’s also important to keep growing and adapting to the times. For her, most recently, that’s meant a return to a paper planner after years of using new technology to plan out her days.

“If something isn’t working,” she said, “do something else.”