David W. McCormack is an attorney in Meissner Tierney's litigation practice group. He represents businesses and insurers in a variety of matters ranging from basic contract disputes and collections to complex insurance coverage litigation.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Brookfield, Wisconsin and attended Marquette
University High School.
What was your first job?
I worked at the local pool as a lifeguard. There are many,
many songs I can't hear without picturing a hot summer day at
that pool!
Do you have any hobbies?
I like anything that gets me outside, particularly
golfing, fishing, trap shooting, and skiing. In my mind, the number
of golf strokes or fish caught is secondary to enjoying a beautiful
day outside with friends.
I also really enjoy music, and marched in the University of Wisconsin Marching Band.
What is something on your bucket list?
Call me old fashioned, but I would love to be there to see
Wisconsin win the Rose Bowl.
Why did you become an attorney?
After doing some soul searching at UW-Madison, I took a
Philosophy 101 course, and it really captivated me. I enjoyed
thinking critically, dealing with tough questions, and developing
arguments. I ended up majoring in philosophy, and law school was a
natural step (and helped quell my parents' concerns that their
son was a philosophy major).
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A lot of what I do revolves around developing and refining
legal arguments. In any case, one needs to understand the facts and
how the law applies to those facts. As such, I spend much of my
time reviewing and refining my understanding of the often-complex
facts and researching the applicable law. Finally, I explain my
understanding of the facts and the law through briefs or other
forms of argument.
What is your biggest achievement, professional or
personal?
A standout professional achievement in my mind was winning
my first Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals case. It was quite
vindicating to work on the case in the District Court, win in the
District Court, face an appeal, and have the Seventh Circuit
affirm.
What activities do you participate in outside of the firm?
I am on the committee for the Milwaukee Justice
Center's Run for Justice, a yearly event. I am also an active
member of the Milwaukee Bar Association, the Wisconsin Bar
Association, and the Independent Business Association of
Wisconsin.
What is your favorite thing about MTFN?
Without a doubt, it is the people. Not only do I have the privilege
of working with some of the sharpest and most knowledgeable
attorneys around, but they are also people of high character and
integrity. I am very fortunate to find myself in such excellent
company.
What has been the most impactful advice you have
received about practicing law?
It's easy to do an okay job, but extraordinary work takes
extraordinary effort.