Lifetime Achievement Award
Kathy L. Nusslock. Law ’85
Milwaukee, Wis.
When Kathy Nusslock graduated from the Law School in 1985, there were few women with long tenures in the legal profession, especially as trial attorneys. Her distinguished career has included more than four decades of experience in complex business litigation, and she has been consistently recognized by her peers for her achievements along the way.
A 28-year veteran of the firm Amundsen Davis, Kathy says she relishes the intellectual challenge of litigation, which has involved learning about diverse topics such as the proper way to install a solar array and the velocity of waves at the breakwater that protects Milwaukee’s shoreline. “The continuous exploration and exposure to new and different concepts mean every day can be fresh and interesting,” she says.
She continues to live out the Marquette value of service by mentoring young attorneys, sharing her hard-won wisdom. She also urges current law students to get involved — “in the community, in a bar association, in an organization that piques your interest.”
Kathy has generously served her field and her local community in a host of roles. She is currently a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a board member for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, board secretary for the Milwaukee County Historical Society, and board president for the Dorothy Inbusch Foundation.
For Kathy, one of the gifts of Marquette was the friends she made in her time on campus. “Those relationships continue today, 40-plus years later,” she says.
What is a favorite quote that you’d recommend to a young professional?
“An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.” — Thomas Jefferson
Who has been an influential person in your life, and why?
The most influential person in my legal career is a former law partner, Robert Cook. Bob was a stickler for detail, hard work, and a belief in the rule of law.
