MEET MORE OF OUR 2024 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Sarah Whiting’s career has always been driven by a desire to help children and families. She started her professional life as a social worker with Wraparound Milwaukee, where she connected families with mental health, educational and legal services. After she graduated from Marquette Law School, she went into family law to continue serving families.
“Practicing family law can be emotionally grueling, but if you really care, it can be incredibly fulfilling,” says Whiting, who represents people in cases including divorce, paternity, grandparent visitation, child support and more.
She founded her own firm before joining MacGillis Wiemer as a partner in January. Together with her team, she co-founded Wisconsin Family Law Resources to promote interdisciplinary solutions for clients.
“Children are watching, and they deserve our best.”
She brings her experience in social work – and her bachelor’s degree in psychology – to her work as a lawyer, focusing on child-centered resolutions for her clients. And she also is helping train lawyers and professionals with diverse backgrounds as an instructor for UW-Milwaukee’s Family Mediation Certificate course.
“The best outcomes are when parents can set aside their own feelings and goals and put the kids first,” she says. “I’ve witnessed many cases where families come together for the sake of their kids.”
Q&A
Can you talk about any situations where you felt you had a really great outcome that was rewarding for you?
The best outcomes are when parents can set aside their own feelings and goals and put the kids first. When parents honor each other as co-parents and prioritize their children’s futures, it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s not always about fighting; I’ve witnessed many cases where families come together for the sake of their kids.
What advice would you share with a woman interested in exploring a career in family law?
I would say, shadow in family law first. Make sure it’s something you truly want to do. Volunteer, network, ask questions, and spend time in the courtroom. Practicing family law can be emotionally grueling, so you need to be certain it’s the right path for you. But if you really care, it can be incredibly fulfilling.
