Legal All-Star – Audrey Skwierawski – Wisconsin Court System

Audrey Skwierawski’s legal career began in Washington, D.C., at a labor firm. After being robbed twice, once at gunpoint, she saw it as a sign to return to Milwaukee and advocate for victims in the district attorney’s office.

Skwierawski noted how she worked for Milwaukee County District Attorney E. Michael McCann for several years after her father worked in the very same office.

“It wasn’t conscious, like I will work here because my dad did. It had more to do with my experiences as a crime victim in Washington, D.C.,” she said, noting “that really spoke to me.”

Skwierawski has since worked for both Democrats and Republicans under Attorney General Brad Schimel (she was appointed by former Gov. Scott Walker) and also worked for Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. She also worked under Democrat and former Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

“I love working for the government. It doesn’t matter if someone is a Democrat or a Republican, as long as the person does their job with integrity,” she said.

Skwierawski isn’t the only attorney in the family. Her brother, Andy Skwierawski, is an environmental litigator with Milwaukee-based Halling and Cayo.

Skwierawski said she has been grateful for the outpouring of community support since her father, Judge Michael Skwierawski’s passing in March.

Judge Skwierawski died on March 8, leaving behind a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s judicial system.

“Dozens are sending messages with how grateful they are for my how my dad helped them,” Skwierawski said. “It has been so heartwarming and overwhelming with the number of lawyers and judges to see how my dad touched their lives.”

When asked what advice her father gave her, she replied, “My dad used to say live every day as if everything you say and do will be on the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper.”