Bob Bellin '69
Q. Why did you decide to go to law school?
After graduation from Marquette University I was working third
shift in a factory and taking evening classes for a master's degree
in business. There were a number of lawyers in these classes and I
was very impressed. That was probably one of the motivating factors
that started me thinking about becoming a lawyer.
Was there a law school experience that was particularly
meaningful for you, either at the time or in retrospect?
For me law school was an entirely new experience that began with
discovering a library that I never even knew existed. I was also
very fortunate to have a number of jobs doing legal research during
the first two years with some professors who really helped me
prepare for the practice. I also think the placement office helped
me a lot. I managed to get a clerkship in New York for the summer
between my second and third years.
Although that experience convinced me to come back to Wisconsin, it was really a formative one for me. I think on balance it more or less eliminated the "intimidation" factor of the New York silk stocking practice and, at least in my mind, removed some of the Harvard law mystique. Wisconsin stacked up pretty well!
There are so many student groups and activities. What
advice do you have for an entering student in terms of choosing
activities?
I made lifelong friends in law school and learned how to play
passable games of bridge and hearts... There is no question that
learning how to work hard and focus are skills that are invaluable
in the practice.
Paul Bellin '05
Q. Why did you decide to go to law school?
During my Peace Corps experience in Niger, West Africa, I observed
and learned a number of things about myself and West Africa. One of
the aspects of life that concerned me the most while abroad was the
rule of law, or lack thereof, I encountered quite frequently. And I
found that the law was often abused by those in power and
individuals were more or less powerless to do anything about it.
With this in mind, I thought the best way to empower myself, as
well as others, upon returning to the U.S. was to become a lawyer.
So my start in law was really grounded in human rights and a check
on the big government wheel (and individuals who turn the wheel).
Was there a law school experience that was particularly
meaningful for you, either at the time or in
retrospect?
I would say I probably encounter the Law in Action principle
more frequently than anything else I learned in law school since I
have graduated. Businesses seem to opt out of using lawyers until
they absolutely have to and most disputes are solved by the
individuals in a variety of ways, not necessarily the way the law
would decide it. Moreover, humans can be unpredictable and that
does not exclude our business partners. I feel like there are days
Professor Macaulay is
whispering in my ear when I have to work with certain business
partners.
There are so many student groups and activities. What
advice do you have for an entering student in terms of choosing
activities?
Strive to challenge yourself. UW offers a lot of activities for
students to learn and show employers a breadth of skill and every
student should take advantage of that. If one thinks Law Review
would be rewarding and challenging then go for it. But I would
advise students to be resolute and continue looking for ways to get
involved until they find something that suits them.
What advice do you have for someone just starting to consider law
school?
A. Be sure it's something you really want and are excited to do.
It also helps to understand what it is a lawyer does, whether it's
in business law or criminal, etc. If you haven't taken time after
undergraduate school to work or expand your horizons, do so. I
wouldn't recommend law school for anyone who is casually thinking
about it.