RISING YOUNG LAWYER – Kathleen Bodenbach – Axley Attorneys

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Kate Bodenbach was born to practice law.

Bodenbach, an associate attorney at Axley Attorneys, is an expert problem-solver and says that her job is all about balance.

“Balancing how to convey the breadth of a legal issue while also narrowing in on the point,” she said. “Balancing short-term and long-term goals as I build my practice. And, of course, balancing work and play.

“The legal field is stressful and fast-paced, so it’s important to me to balance that with active steps to protect my mental and emotional health,” she said.

Bodenbach came to Axley in a nontraditional way. She was practicing litigation in the Milwaukee area, and Axley Attorneys’ Waukesha office was in need of a business associate. A partner at the firm found her on a Google search and passed along Bodenbach’s contact information to Don Murn, head of the Waukesha office.

The two met for lunch and instantly bonded.

“Many people have helped me get to where I am today, but professionally Attorney Don Murn stands out,” Bodenbach said. “Don took a chance on me when I came to work at Axley and never held back in offering me opportunities, responsibility and challenges,” Bodenbach said. “Don’s near-constant support and guidance has helped me become a more confident lawyer and person.”

Murn’s daughter, Tracy, is also an associate attorney at Axley, and said Bodenbach is wise beyond her years.

“She is moral, ethical, intelligent and, as an added bonus, fun,” Tracy Murn said. “She has the confidence of an attorney much farther out in their practice, which has made it fun as Kate and I catapult our practices into the next phase.”

Outside of the office, Bodenbach enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading a good book, watching movies, Wisconsin sports, and shopping with her mother.