President and managing partner
Godfrey & Kahn | Milwaukee
Nic Wahl is president and managing partner of Milwaukee-based law firm Godfrey & Kahn. He joined the firm in 1990, and his practice has focused on corporate/securities, mergers and acquisitions and real estate transactions. Wahl is the North American chair of TerraLex, an international network of over 130 law firms, and he serves on the boards of directors for the Milwaukee Country Club, Marquette University Law School and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. He is also general counsel for the Wisconsin State Golf Association and a police commissioner for Fox Point.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Kansas; J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Easy – starting pitcher for the Brewers. I would get the ball every five games and then get to play golf and cards on my off days. A shoutout to the Brewers for playing some great baseball this year.”
Cocktail of choice: “I’m a beer guy. Give me a Czech-style pilsner or lager any day. If that’s not an option, give me a bourbon old fashioned, traditional style.”
Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Everyone knows my least favorite word is ‘fine.’ It really means things aren’t that great but I’m not going to complain about it.”
Advice for first-time leaders: “Listen, listen, listen, and focus on helping those around you be successful.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Business Services | Law
President and managing partner
Godfrey & Kahn S.C. | Milwaukee
Nicholas Wahl has led Milwaukee-based law firm Godfrey & Kahn for more than a decade as president and managing partner. With 146 local lawyers, it is among the largest firms in the Milwaukee region and specializes in corporate/securities, M&A, banking, litigation, tax, estate planning, environmental, labor/employment and other areas of law. Wahl is a member of the American, Wisconsin and Milwaukee bar associations; sits on the board of directors for TerraLex; is a police commissioner for the village of Fox Point; and sits on the board of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin Law School, and the advisory board of Marquette University Law School.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Kansas; J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
First job: “Working summers on the graveyard shift at Fort Howard Paper Co. in Green Bay to help pay for school. I learned that work is hard and that I wanted a job which would challenge me mentally.”
Career advice: “Your integrity and reputation are everything – always conduct yourself with that in mind.”
Fun fact: “People seem to be surprised that I was a chemistry major. My concern is that they can’t believe I’m actually smart enough to have studied chemistry.”
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song: “I’ll change the venue to bottom of the ninth, up by 1 at American Family Field – I’m walking out to the mound hearing ‘Can’t You Hear Me Knocking’ by The Rolling Stones.”
