I have been updating my website since my move and noticed that the last time I posted on my blog was in February 2020!? Pre-COVID??! What have I been doing for four-and-a-half years?
A lot.
In 2020 my father became unable to live by himself. I took him in and he lived with me until his death in May, 2024. Somewhere in the process, I shared with a client my frustration about balancing children, a business, and my dad’s needs. My client reminded me, “The days are long, but the years go fast.” How true. How very true. I am still in the midst of wrapping my head around all that has happened in the past few years. I know that my time at work declined as Dad needed more from me. I know that I got to a point where I was refusing to take on new work and my office door would remain locked for days on end. I know that my kids felt left out and left behind because so much of my time and energy focused on my Dad. I also know that having my Dad with me, watching Brewers games or John Wayne movies, are memories that I will never lose. I am grateful for those.
On a lighter note, I am so happy to be living back in my hometown of Lublin, WI. My office in Thorp is getting unpacked and set up. The fact that I am at a desk typing this gives me courage and optimism. I have so many goals for this new chapter of my life. I want to do more gardening, more fishing, more work with community non-profit groups. I want to explore area county roads on my motorcycle. I want to make new friends.
I have business goals too. I want to provide the people and businesses of this area the legal services that you deserve. Gilman, Withee, Owen, Stanley, Boyd, Thorp, and beyond, I am here to help. I suspect my process may be slightly different from other lawyers, so let me give you a preview. I never charge for an initial meeting. In my first meeting with clients, my job is to understand your problem and your goals. I may not have answers that first day, and might have to do some research to develop options for you. When I do have potential plans ready, you get to hear about all of them. I will explain the pros and cons of the options and you will choose how to proceed. How much will it cost? It depends on your choice, but all my work is performed on a flat fee basis. My bill is 100% predictable and I can always explain the reason for the cost. I offer payment plans. I never demand a down payment to start your work. While I am your attorney, we can communicate the way you prefer – in-person meetings, e-mail, phone – it is your choice. Except for carrier pigeons. I tried them once and it got messy.
It was over ten years ago that I started my solo practice and it has been so rewarding. Many of my clients in Superior became friends and vice versa. I hope to replicate the success I had there and continue my mission of providing client-focused services. I look forward to the next years and all the new opportunities I will have here. I promise not to take so long to post again.