We are thrilled to welcome Aisha Moe-Lindvall, former 2023 summer associate, to the WilliamsMcCarthy team. Aisha earned her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School, where she interned in the office of Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Jill Karofsy, researching relevant case law, and producing and revising bench memos. She plans to focus her practice on family law.
Aisha is thrilled to be practicing at WilliamsMcCarthy, and we thought this would be a great opportunity to get to know Aisha a little better.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
I graduated with my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison at the height of the pandemic, which presented challenges for everyone, including those of us entering the workforce. Given the time we all had on our hands, I read the book, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It details the role attorneys play in ensuring people get access to justice, and helping them through the complicated, convoluted, and sometimes unnecessarily complicated legal system. It was inspiring, and I decided then that I wanted to become an attorney. That’s when I started applying to law school.
Why do you think you are drawn to family law?
Family law is where you work most directly with people, especially families. There is no boilerplate for any family law matter because the circumstances of every family and individual are unique. Sometimes it is challenging to find the “right” solution because of the variability of all the circumstances of lives, so law is a tool in the toolbox to help people navigate those personal situations.
How do you describe your approach to working with clients?
The word that comes to mind is “compassion.” I try to keep compassion as my north star and ensure that every client feels heard and validated. I also think of “excellence,” in the context of wanting my clients to know that I have given them my very best. For many of the cases I handle, there isn’t one answer. What is right for one client may not be right for the next, and I want them to feel they’ve gotten the very best possible resolution for their circumstances.
Is there a client or case that stands out for you?
In law school, I had the privilege of working on a Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) case. SIJS is a federal immigration law that allows an undocumented minor without a parent here in the States to have a path to apply for guardianship and a green card. These children in SIJS cases have already endured such trauma, and it was rewarding to be a part of helping find hope and resolution.
When looking at summer associate positions last year, what drew you to WilliamsMcCarthy?
When I was applying for summer associate positions as second-year law student, I asked my husband where he wanted to live. As we looked at options, there were so many things that fit our growing family better in Rockford than in other cities we were considering like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Madison.
Having been a summer associate and now joining the team full-time, what do you like most about practicing law at WilliamsMcCarthy LLP?
All the people here are really nice. Having been a summer associate, the mentorship here is awesome. I appreciate the willingness of other attorneys who take the time to serve in that mentor capacity and offer professional and personal guidance. It’s so valuable to me as a young attorney.
When you’re not at work, how do you enjoy spending your time?
I love spending time with my family. I enjoy chess and played in law school, but it’s not something I do at home – I’m too competitive to play with my husband. As a mom, I love watching my daughter grow. I read a lot of baby books!
What’s something not a lot of people know about you?
While I was applying to law school, I taught high school math. I enjoyed teaching math because there is a right process and right answers. My high school students were inquisitive and wanted to learn. For those who struggled, it was an opportunity to help bolster their self-esteem as they worked through the process to master a concept.
What are your favorite things about our region?
As a woman of color and a Muslim, it’s wonderful that Rockford has an active Muslim community. The downtown is fun, there are a lot of festivals and a thriving art scene. This community is on the upswing, and the Mayor is invested in continuing that momentum. With growing industry and major health systems, more young people are moving here, which is great. Plus, my husband’s family is all from Rockford, so it’s nice to have grandparents, aunts, and uncles willing to babysit!
Is there anything else you want to add?
I’m not from Rockford, but I’m really, really happy to be here!
