Scott T. Reigle is a shareholder in Meissner Tierney’s litigation practice group. Scott is primarily a commercial litigator who also advises clients on business strategy, regulatory compliance, and other best practices.

Where are you from?
West Bend, WI

What was your first job?
Aside from dog walking/snow shoveling/other odd jobs as a kid, my first job was as a summer caretaker of an abandoned farm that was being readied for sale.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love cooking on the smoker, especially when the weather’s good, and exploring all the cool out-of-the-way and unique places in southeastern Wisconsin with my family.

What is something on your bucket list?
Travel in Africa and the Middle East.

Why did you become an attorney?
Other than a lack of imagination? I’ve always really enjoyed a couple of things, and among them are: (1) intellectually challenging pursuits that require creativity and effort; and (2) helping people achieve their goals and solve their problems. Working in the law gives me the opportunity to do both every day.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
If I had to boil it down to a short answer, it would be a single word: communicating. I spend all day communicating with colleagues, clients, other attorneys, various third parties, and the list goes on from there. The form that communication takes varies – it could be through emails or phone calls, or through pleadings that get filed in court – and it is usually in the form of advocacy on a client’s behalf. When I’m not actively communicating with people, I’m thinking about how to more effectively communicate/advocate for my clients, which could take the form of research or reviewing evidence to find a better argument. It’s a never-ending process that basically every day fits into one way or another.

Why did you choose your areas of practice?
In some sense, my practice areas chose me. I always knew that I wanted to litigate and that business issues would be a natural fit for me given my family and educational background, and I’ve been lucky enough that my practice has largely focused on those areas. What I hadn’t necessarily considered was how much being in that litigation role would entail becoming a day-to-day advisor, and even a friend, to clients on business and personal matters, even when there’s not necessarily a threat of litigation. I think that the work I do with clients on the advisement side is the most rewarding part of the job because it allows me to help my clients in ways that either avoid problems in the future and/or set their business and themselves up for future success.

What is your biggest achievement, professional or personal?
It’s a cliché to say it, but it’s true: without a doubt, my family. I could talk about all the innumerable cases that I’ve won and the good outcomes achieved for clients, but nothing compares to the pride I feel in my family.

What activities do you participate in outside of the firm (professional)?
I’m an active member of the Fairchild Inns of Court, which is a trade group of local litigators, and a board member of the non-profit Milwaukee Crime Stoppers, as well as a number of other professional and community groups.

What is your favorite thing about MTFN?
That’s simple: the people. While MTFN has an amazing 175-year track record of professionalism, service, and success in our community, it is ultimately just a brand. A brand is meaningless if the people currently behind it don’t uphold and advance the ideals and standards that built the brand. The people at this firm live up to and exceed our firm’s reputation and do so in a friendly and collegial manner every day. Being around people like this takes the “work” out of work, and inspires you to be better yourself.

What has been the most impactful advice you have received about practicing law?
Your clients know how you pay for your office and your car, so you’d better either be worth it or be humble, and the best practice is to be both.

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