Alexander C. Lemke is an attorney in Meissner Tierney’s litigation practice group. He focuses on assisting clients in complex commercial, intellectual property, regulatory, insurance, and employment litigation.

Where are you from?
I was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin. But, due to my Dad’s career we moved around the country quite a bit when I was younger so I lived in Columbus, Ohio, Richmond, Virginia, and New Hampshire, before we moved back to Wisconsin when I was ten years old.

What was your first job?
I was a lifeguard at the RecPlex in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I also worked as a laborer on my neighbor’s farm.

What are your hobbies?
My wife and I enjoying travelling around the United States with our children. Wherever we go, we try to find a winery or brewery to enjoy. As for individual hobbies, I enjoy golf and cooking. In particular, I enjoy making Cajun food. My wife’s family lives in Houston which has a growing Cajun influence and that is where I was first introduced to that style of food. It is an incredible blend of French and American influences.

What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to get my pilot’s license.

Why did you become an attorney?
I truly enjoyed the critical thinking aspects of my education and law seemed to be the next step for me. I have always enjoyed reading and writing and it seems to be a great fit on that basis. Before going to law school, I was an analytical chemist at a large firm in Texas. My favorite part of that job was interfacing with the clients and working to solve their problems, which is my favorite part of law right now—solving difficult problems.

Why did you choose your areas of practice?
Commercial litigation and environmental insurance coverage litigation seemed to be very natural fits for me. Prior to joining MTFN I clerked at the Wisconsin Supreme Court which prepares you for litigation—in particular appellate litigation which I do quite a bit of and enjoy very much. Furthermore, my chemistry background gives me a bit of an advantage in thinking through the implications of some of the complicated environmental cases we work on at MTFN.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
It varies quite a bit. As a litigator, I am usually preparing a brief on a motion or conducting some aspect of discovery to help advance our clients’ cases. There is also a good amount of time spent thinking through strategy to make sure we give our clients the best possible outcome we can.

What is your biggest achievement, professional or personal?
Probably convincing my wife to marry me.

What activities do you participate in outside of the firm (professional)?
I am involved in several legal extracurricular groups (the Milwaukee Bar Association; the Eastern District of Wisconsin Bar Association; the State Bar of Wisconsin; and the Federalist Society) where I will attend events and teach CLEs. I am also involved in other non-legal groups such as the Republican Party of Ozaukee County; the MMAC; and IBAW.

What is your favorite thing about MTFN?
The excellent colleagues, the excellent clients, and the commitment to excellent service.

What has been the most impactful advice you have received about practicing law?
Be respectful to everyone in the profession.

Alex can be reached at acl@mtfn.com. Learn more about our attorneys by visiting mtfn.com/attorneys.