Boardman Law Firm

Catherine M. Rottier, Partner

Commercial Litigation • Insurance Litigation

Cathy Rottier is a trial lawyer who primarily represents insurance companies and their insureds in the defense of liability claims. The range of cases is substantial, including farm loss claims, auto accident cases, premises liability cases, building construction claims, wrongful death suits, fire losses, and professional malpractice claims. In addition, she represents businesses and individuals involved in contract negotiations and business disputes, including disputes over the enforceability of employee noncompete agreements. Her appellate practice has included numerous trips to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago to argue for affirmance of successful outcomes achieved in the federal district court. In addition, Cathy has had the privilege of arguing before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Education

• J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School, cum laude, 1986; Order of the Coif
• M.A., American History, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., magna cum laude
• B.A., American History, St. Norbert College, DePere, Wisconsin, magna cum laude, May 1969. Recipient of the Basil Reuss Award for Excellence in History

Community Involvement

• Coached high school mock trial team for two years and served as judge of mock trial competitions for more than ten years
• Presenter at State Bar CLE convention programs

Awards

• Included in Best Lawyers in America
• Service recognition for work as a member of the Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners, 2001 through 2005

Writings, Seminars & Contributions

• Co-author of the Chapter on Bad Faith in the Law of Damages (State Bar of Wisconsin CLE Books)
• Co-author for several years of the article on torts for the Annual Survey of Wisconsin Law (State Bar of Wisconsin CLE Books)
• Author of article appearing in the Maryland Historical Magazine, entitled "Ellen Spencer Mussey and the Washington College of Law: A Study of Women Lawyers in the Nation's Capitol at the Turn of the Century"
• Co-instructor of a trial practice course for the UW Law School

Board Member

• Wisconsin Special Olympics, Board of Directors, 1988 to 1994
• Wisconsin Board of Bar Examiners, 2001 to 2005
• Referee for Office of Lawyer Regulation, 2005 to present
• Wisconsin State Bar - Litigation Section, Board member, 2007 to present

Other Memberships

• Wisconsin Defense Counsel, previously known as Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin, currently serving as President-Elect; will serve as President from July, 2009 through June, 2010
• Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association: Served as Committee Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect and President betrween 1996 and 2000
• Dane County Bar Association: Served as Judicial Selection Committee Chair and continues to serve as voluntary mediator through the Dane County Case Mediation Program
• Legal Association for Women
• James E. Doyle American Inn of Court: Served as Barrister and Master

Interesting Facts

• For eight years before law school, Cathy managed the two Lum's Family Restaurants in Madison. She grew up on a dairy farm near Green Bay, Wisconsin as one of 11 children. She learned early the virtues of cooperation and efficiency.