Milwaukee Judge Michael B. Brennan to Return to Work as a Trial Lawyer

Joins National Trial Firm Gass Weber Mullins

Milwaukee, November 6, 2008 - Circuit Judge Michael B. Brennan announced today that he will return to a career as a trial lawyer, joining the Milwaukee-based national trial law firm, Gass Weber Mullins.

After nine years as a judge and currently serving as presiding judge of the Civil Division, Judge Brennan wanted to return to private practice: "I am excited about returning to the courtroom as an advocate, using all I have learned as a Judge," said Brennan. "The judicial perspective on a client's case at trial is unique. The judge knows which arguments won, and why, and has talked with hundreds of jurors on the same questions. I will bring that knowledge to the trial of complex commercial litigation and appeals. Clients need the best technical legal guidance -- how their facts will play out under the applicable law with a judge and jury -- but also the prudential advice to avoid civil and criminal minefields as a problem gets solved."

Local and national companies recognize Brennan's excellence. Said Jim Stern, Executive Vice President and General Counsel and Secretary of A.O. Smith Corporation, "I've known Judge Brennan his entire professional career. He is one of the brightest, most practical and insightful lawyers I've known, and his judicial insights and broad experience will benefit his future clients."

Brennan's work and writings have drawn the attention of court watchers locally and nationally, earning him recognition in the Wall Street Journal, and prompting many to urge him to run for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Marquette University Law School Dean Joseph Kearney said about Brennan, "Judge Brennan's legal and other abilities have made him one of the most respected trial judges in this region. His departure from the bench is a loss to the Wisconsin citizenry, especially those involved in the judicial system. I have no doubt he will excel in his return to being a practicing lawyer."

Judge Brennan has presided over nearly 300 trials, has written 30 articles and has delivered 40 speeches on a variety of legal topics. Said Brennan, "Throughout my career as judge, I've written articles, essays and reviews about the historic and unique role of lawyers in our society. That won't end. I'd like to reclaim the role lawyers play as statesmen, helping to shape the law for future generations."

A Northwestern Law School graduate and Law Review editor, Brennan began his legal career with Federal Judge Robert Warren. After two years assisting the Court with a broad range of trials and substantive legal issues, Brennan moved to Foley & Lardner and handled complex commercial and constitutional cases. While at Foley, Brennan also served as a public service prosecutor in the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, which enabled him to try a number of cases as the lead trial lawyer. In addition, Brennan taught the Federal Courts class at Marquette University Law School.

The Honorable Daniel Manion of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals then asked Brennan to join his appellate court staff, and Brennan spent two years living and working in Chicago and South Bend, Indiana. After completing this Seventh Circuit clerkship, Brennan returned to the District Attorney's Office, trying 60 cases to courts and juries, handling federal appeals and running a John Doe investigation.

Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson recognized Brennan's outstanding work on a state law reform committee and task force, appointing him to the trial bench in December 1999.

Brennan's new colleagues are thrilled by the prospect of working with Brennan. Said Ric Gass, one of the founding members, "Adding a talented judge and experienced trial lawyer like Mike Brennan gives an enormous benefit to our clients. As trial lawyers, we try to anticipate which facts and arguments will resonate with juries and judges. Mike has tried numerous cases as an advocate and presided over hundreds more as a judge. Adding his experience and insight to our team of trial lawyers makes us an even stronger firm."

About Gass Weber Mullins

Gass Weber Mullins was founded in 2004 and concentrates in complex litigation for corporations, organizations, public entities and individuals across the country. The firm's trial lawyers specialize in trying their clients' toughest cases and have tried several high-profile trials including the Miller Park crane accident and the WEPCO environmental pollution case that resulted in a record setting verdict.