Unsung Heroes

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The Wisconsin Law Journal honored 30 Unsung Heroes at an event on Thursday at the Grain Exchange in downtown Milwaukee. More than 245 people were in attendance to honor the people who excel behind the scenes.

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Lifetime Achievement
Smith manned court’s front lines with kindness, deep knowledge

Throughout his 31-year career in the Milwaukee County Clerk of Court’s office, Jim Smith developed quite the following.

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Ace lives up to name in public defender’s office

An “ace” is typically defined as someone who is an expert at what they do. The dictionary entry is missing one thing, though: A picture of Gary Ace.

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Binns has a hat for every occasion at Reinhart

Ken Binns describes himself as someone who likes to stay in the background at work. But as the facilities manager for Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, Binns is at the helm of various front-and-center firm operations, from supervising front desk reception and client services to managing its catering team and overseeing office maintenance.

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Bose finds career satisfaction in winning clients’ trust

For Mary Bose, establishing a trusting relationship between a client and attorney is more than important: “It’s everything.”

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Cares, Knapp are Godfrey & Kahn’s discovery, tech gurus

Adam Cares and Bruce Knapp have probably processed billions of pages of documents – enough to fill more than one warehouse.

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Optimism, compassion make Casillas crucial to her team

Rachel Casillas loves the outdoors. Her list of favorites recreations includes camping, bicycling and hiking.

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Cieslak made life easier for attorneys, clients

Although Wanda Cieslak passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, her presence is still felt by those who worked with her.

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Daniels on front line in helping firm expand

She has never tried a case and her name isn’t on the shingle, but Jeanne Daniels still has been instrumental in growing Hupy and Abraham.

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To lawyers, Grencik unmatched in her work

When a client starts asking the legal assistant for advice, you know you’re in good hands.

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Hacker finds perfect fit at Remington Center

Peggy Hacker found her perfect job before graduating college.

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Hudson shines helping staff make use of latest technology

Since she was a child, Alexus Hudson has enjoyed trying out the latest electronic devices and learning about new technology. With her family’s encouragement, she has successfully turned her interest into a career teaching others how to use new electronic devices, software and more.

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Staying on schedule vital for IP paralegal Hughes

Organization is a must for Julie Hughes.

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Johnson dedicated to providing top service

Hard work and an emphasis on putting clients first led Jim Johnson from working as a warehouse clerk to a warehouse supervisor at Quarles & Brady in just five years.

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Kratochvil gives of herself in decades of service at Marquette University

Carrie Kratochvil was working for a lawyer in Racine County after graduating from Gateway Technical College in 1996 when an ad in the newspaper changed her life.

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Krimmer becomes IT man at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren

Meeting the information technology needs of a modern law firm is no small feat, but Andy Krimmer at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren is up to the task.

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For the record, Lewandowski shines

Anna Lewandowski stands at the intersection of where new business and records management meet for Michael Best & Friedrich.

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Neimon takes pride in helping hold court system together

Michael Neimon sees the court system as the glue that holds society together.

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Reeves makes sure lawyers stay in step with tech

As an IT computer-services specialist in the office of the State Public Defender, it’s Marshall Reeves’ job to ensure lawyers can do theirs.

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Roberts plays vital role in patent practice

While a lot has changed since Kelly Roberts began working as a legal assistant 30 years ago, one thing hasn’t: Her love of the job.

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Rullman accounting prowess starts with penny pinching

Barb Rullman started out her accounting career in a different place than where she is today.

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Sayers leads firm’s rebranding campaign

It’s one thing to take on a rebranding project for a law firm of more than 120 staff and attorneys.

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Sewell can fully well see attorneys’ needs

Although it’s often hard to predict exactly what sort of case will next come across the paralegal Peter Sewell’s desk, Sewell manages to stay unflappable amid the uncertainty.

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Flexibility, organization automatic for Simatic

Before Debbie Simatic begins her workday at Quarles & Brady, the executive assistant for human resources reads an inspirational quote to put her in the right frame of mind before she begins juggling various duties for C-Suite level executives.

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For Sweeney, success comes from small victories

Brenda Sweeney’s dream had been to be a teacher.

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Taibleson sets the table at Godfrey & Kahn

Before there was email or e-filing, Godfrey & Kahn had Saralee Taibleson.

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Updike stands out as firm’s go-to guy

Personality comes up a lot, both when Shawn Updike describes his job and when his boss describes him.

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Wehr is fearless, persistent in helping indigent defendants

Name it, and Emilie Wehr can probably find it.

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Wittkopf strikes balance working hard, having fun

Andrea Wittkopf strikes the right balance in the office between hard work and fun.

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Wrobel the face of district court

As a longtime employee working in the federal court system in Milwaukee, Kris Wrobel is constantly called to stay on top of emerging situations and think on her feet.

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GOLD SPONSORS

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2016 Unsung Heroes

(Staff photo by Kevin Harnack)

The Wisconsin Law Journal honored 26 Unsung Heroes at an event on Thursday at the Grain Exchange in downtown Milwaukee.

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Meet this year’s Unsung Heroes:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Morales dedicates life to Milwaukee firm (and Bloody Marys)

Maria Morales
Weiss Berzowski
Firm Administrator

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Sheldon leaves tough spot to fill

Sue Sheldon
State Public Defender’s Office
Recently Retired

Attraction to law came early for Bradford

Mary Kay Bradford
Legal Assistant
Michael Best & Friedrich

Bradshaw uses research skill to keep attorneys informed, prepared for trial

Jill Bradshaw
Law Library Manager
Godfrey & Kahn

Brickl’s energy, dedication create solid foundation at Murphy Desmond

Kathy Brickl
Office Manager
Murphy Desmond

Curns successfully blends marketing, technology

Jessica Curns
Marketing and Media Technology Coordinator
Godfrey & Kahn

Fischer builds client-centric niche in marketing

Pagette Fischer
Director of Marketing, Business Development
Davis & Kuelthau

Heyerholm wears many hats for Boardman & Clark

Rita Heyerholm
Legal Assistant
Boardman & Clark

Efficiency is cause of pride for Hullermann

Sara Hullermann
Judicial Assistant
Grant County Circuit Court

Jensen provides smooth transitions for pro-bono domestic abuse, guardianship projects

Staci Jensen
Legal Secretary
Quarles & Brady

Quarles & Brady’s Kirk doesn’t miss a beat

Kathryn Kirk
Legal Secretary
Quarles & Brady

Do-it-all Knous helps clients navigate immigration system

Kateri Knous
Paralegal
Quarles & Brady

Kohl fights for the little guy

William Kohl
Private Investigator
Kohl Investigations

Variety keeps Lison engaged, on her toes

Megan Lison
Paralegal
Hager, Dewick & Zuengler

Meyer at home with real estate transactions

Jennifer Meyer
Paralegal
Michael Best & Friedrich

Monaghan keeps state department on track

Kelly Monaghan
Office Specialist
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Nangle brings spot of sunshine to Bell, Moore & Richter

Shawn Nangle
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant
Bell, Moore & Richter

Paulsen’s work ethic a benefit to her firm

Donna Paulsen
Paralegal
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren

Raymond provides wit and wisdom

Tammy Raymond
Legal Secretary
Godfrey & Kahn

Rosenberg helps lawyers get in touch with tech

Rob Rosenberg
Company President
Rosenberg Consulting Services

Firm credits Sanfelipo for bridge to motorcycle enthusiasts

Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Senior Motorcycle Investigator
Hupy and Abraham

Seegert keeps Godfrey & Kahn on the move

Hope Seegert
Office-Services Manager
Godfrey & Kahn

Sommer can play ball with the best of them

Kristin Sommer
Legal assistant
Hupy and Abraham

Solraj at the base of data for the SPD

Chandru Solraj
Database Administrator
Wisconsin State Public Defender’s office

Sperl stitches together corporate career

Tracy Sperl
Administrative Assistant
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren

Wellskopf shines at putting spotlight on others

Jill Wellskopf
Director of Marketing
Hupy and Abraham

2015 Unsung Heroes

Members of Wisconsin’s legal community turned out Thursday to help honor the Wisconsin Law Journal’s 2015 Unsung Heroes. The yearly event was held in the Grain Exchanged Ballroom and honored 24 people who work behind the scenes and normally go unnoticed.

: Sara Wood-Cassidy, deputy Director of State Courts (left) talks to the honoree Holly Szablewski before the start of the program.
: Diane Schuck (center), an honoree, shares a laugh with associates.
: Jeanie Thomas (left) talks with her Daughter, the honoree Laurie Wagner.
: About 250 people gather to help honor the 2015 Unsung Heroes.
: Kris Yager (left) talks to the honoree Kathy Carufel before lunch is served.
: About 250 people gather to help honor the 2015 Unsung Heroes.
: Family, friends and associates gather to honor the 2015 Unsung Heroes.
: Terry Tadysak of Habush, Habush & Rottier addresses those in attendance while being honored with a lifetime achievement award. Linda Wells of the Wisconsin Department of Justice also was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
: Event goers applaud following remarks made by Lifetime Achievement winner Terry Tadysak of Habush, Habush & Rottier.
: Jocelyn Henning (left), an honoree, shares a laughs with family.

Overlays

Meet this year’s Unsung Heroes:

Lifetime Achievement Award
Habush Habush & Rottier
Terry Tadysak

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Lifetime Achievement Award
Department of Justice
Linda Wells

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Kathy Carufel
Corneille Law Group

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Mackenzie Erickson
Hansen Reynolds Dickinson Crueger

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Lynn Gehrke
Milwaukee County Law Library

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Joleen Gudel
Tracey Wood & Associates

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Jocelyn Henning
Wisconsin Department of Justice

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Mary Hermann
Milwaukee County Cicuit Court Branch 41

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Maribeth Karpinski
Lindner & Marsack

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Lorrie Kimball
Quarles & Brady

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Sheri Kotas
Quarles & Brady

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Laura La Rose
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren

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Lucy Listinsky
Milwaukee County Cicuit Court Branch 41

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Mary Lyles
Milwaukee City Attorney’s Office

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Janet Medlock
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

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Lynda Moser
Michael Best & Friedrich

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Louie Phillips
Boardman & Clark

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Adam Premo
Axley Brynelson

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Sheila Reiff
Walworth County Clerk’s Office

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Melinda Schroeder
Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic

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Diane Schuck
Boardman & Clark

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Holly Szablewski
First Judicial District, Milwaukee County

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Amy Thornton
Wisconsin Department of Justice

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Laurie Wagner
Quarles & Brady

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Unsung Heroes of 2014

Twenty-four of the Wisconsin legal community’s Unsung Heroes were honored Thursday with an awards luncheon at the Milwaukee Athletic Club in Milwaukee.

Meet this year’s Unsung Heroes:

: Honoree Cheryl Fritche, of Horizons Law Group LLC, with her husband, Ron
: Honoree Joan Zweber (center) with her Quarles & Brady LLP colleagues Vicki Hassi (left) and Ann Scholz
: Honoree Sandra Peterson (center), of the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office, with daughter Anna Peterson (left) and mother Mildred Mathison
: The honorees and colleagues from Michael Best & Friedrich LLP are (left to right) Jane Moberg, Lori Ott, Nancy Dragolovich and Phyllis Evans-Carr.
: Honoree Richard Gureski, of Godfrey & Kahn SC, with daughter Abigail (left) and wife Chrissy