Michael J. "Mike" Spector

Spector, Michael J. "Mike" A retired Chairman of Quarles & Brady LLP, a leader in Wisconsin public education, and a long-time participant in and supporter of public life in the Village of Shorewood, died at home on October 31, 2014 of prostate cancer at the age of 74. He is survived by Joan, his wife of almost 50 years, their sons John (Marcie Berger) of Whitefish Bay, Tom of Boulder CO, and Joe of Miami FL, and their grandchildren Sarah and Michael A. Spector. Mike graduated from Shorewood High School, the University of Wisconsin-Madison (with High Honors in History), and the Harvard Law School, and studied British and American Economic History at the London School of Economics. During his 47 years of association with the law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP, he primarily represented school districts in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties (including in the Milwaukee Interdistrict desegregation litigation of 1984-87) and corporate clients. Between 1987 and 2002, he served as Q&B's Chairman during a period of substantial multi-office and lateral hire growth, and as one of the firm's appointees to the Greater Milwaukee Committee.. Mike was a practical problem-solver who led by example and always sought to bring out the best in those whom he managed. His leadership style emphasized common sense, a sensitivity to the long-term good of the organization, collaboration, inclusiveness and calm consensus-building. While on a leave of absence from Q&B between September 1973 and December 1974, he was selected to serve as a White House Fellow assigned to the U.S. Dept. of Justice. As a deputy assistant in the office of the Attorney General, he assisted three Attorneys General on, among other matters, the Watergate controversy. Mike's formal involvement with the Village of Shorewood included School Board Member (1969-73) and School Board President (1970-73); Member of the Shorewood Plan Commission (1977-81), Village Trustee (1982-85); Village President (1985-91); and a founder of the Shorewood Historical Society. While Village President, he was Chair of the Milwaukee County Intergovernmental Cooperation Council. Mike managed and coached various Shorewood Little League and Senior League baseball teams, and was very proud of Shorewood's Spector Field. Since retiring from Quarles & Brady in late 2002, Mike served as Chair of the statewide Governor's Task Force on Educational Excellence (2004); a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and its Vice-President and President ; the Executive Director of the United States Law Firm Group, Inc.; a Director of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc.; a Director of the Jewish Museum Milwaukee; and a Director of the BMO Bradley Center. He taught Education Law at Marquette Law School, UWM, and Cardinal Stritch University. Previously, he had also served as President of the Greater Milwaukee Association of Phi Beta Kappa, as a Director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, as a Director of the Council for Basic Education, Washington, D.C., and a Director of the National Association of School Attorneys. Mike thrived on family trips, playing golf, good books, and spectator sports ranging from WIAA State Tournaments to the Super Bowl. Mike leaves more than 10,000 slides and digital pictures and movies taken since 1954 of family, family trips, flowers, children's and grandchildren's sports participation, and friends. He was a man of love, generosity, curiosity, patience and empathy, and characterized by strong beliefs in community, patriotism, a strong work ethic, and meaningful friendships. Details of a memorial service will be forthcoming. Memorial contributions are suggested to: The Shorewood Historical Society, 3930 N. Murray Ave., Shorewood WI 53211; the Michael J. Spector Fund for Honors Excellence of the University of Wisconsin Foundation, 1848 University Ave., Madison WI 53726-4090; or the Jewish Museum Milwaukee, 1360 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee WI 53202.