Milwaukee Attorney and Marquette Law School alum Mari R. Zimmermann has been practicing family law in the Badger State for more than a decade, putting children first. “If there are children, the goal is to not just meet my client’s interest but do so in a way that puts their children first,” Zimmermann said. Graduating from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Zimmermann initially intended to work in campaign finance law. She began shadowing her mother, Karen Zimmermann, during what was supposed to be a relaxing gap year post law school. “I saw the profound difference that (Karen) was making on a daily basis. I lost count of the number of people who told me Karen saved their lives or helped their children because of her work as a party attorney or Guardian ad litem, Mari Zimmermann said. Being a family law attorney is not easy, and isn’t for anyone, Zimmermann noted. “When the life someone has planned for themselves is being dismantled and rebuilt often for reasons beyond their control, it is disorienting and scary,” she said.

Since 1982, Karen Zimmermann has focused exclusively on family law. Whether representing a client in a divorce, custody dispute or a support and property division, Zimmermann said, “Kids always come first.” “It’s all about the client,” she said, noting that her children, Mari and Nathan, also work at the Milwaukee family law firm. Mari Zimmermann has also been named a Power 30 Family law and Planning Attorney by the Wisconsin Law Journal. Karen Zimmermann’s practice focuses exclusively on Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties, and is an experienced mediator, arbitrator and Guardian ad Litem. She is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and Milwaukee and Ozaukee bar associations. Zimmermann said over the past four decades, she’s found the work to be extremely fulfilling. Zimmermann also said she is very selective about the clients with whom she represents. “I only accept referrals, and they must agree to go to therapy,” she noted.