RISING YOUNG LAWYER – Brian Anhalt – Godfrey & Kahn

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Brian Anhalt has become an essential member of Godfrey & Kahn’s Corporate and Securities practice.

As an associate, he is a go-to resource on a variety of regulatory issues.

“What is remarkable about Brian’s rise within the firm is that he flew under the radar his first few years in practice,” said Godfrey & Kahn Shareholder C.J. Wauters. “As someone who tends to be more reserved, Brian wasn’t always top of mind when lawyers around the firm built their teams.

“Yet once his colleagues see firsthand what Brian is capable of, they never want to let him go. This has resulted in Brian having one of the broadest bases of experience of any of our corporate team associates.”

Anhalt’s practice is primarily dedicated to advising clients on securities offerings, corporate governance, compliance and reporting. Despite practicing in a technical area, he is able to distill complex sections of law for clients and colleagues in a way that makes securities law feel approachable.

Although he’s only been out of law school for six years, Anhalt shows the maturity and judgement of a seasoned lawyer. He attends board meetings and leads other important projects for some of Wisconsin’s largest and most recognizable companies, tasks typically left to more senior attorneys.

Anhalt also stands out from his peers for his willingness to tackle new challenges head-on. When a departure left the firm without a resource on Hart-Scott-Rodino filings, he was the first to raise his hand. Anhalt taught himself yet another technical area of the law and sought out additional training when necessary.

His willingness to help isn’t just limited to billable work. Legal Talent Director Kelly Conrardy said that Anhalt can always be counted on to interview a law student or take a candidate to lunch or dinner. He is “a truly genuine person who always displays a willingness to help,” Conrardy said.