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.

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