Rebecca Mitich calls herself a deal attorney — she wants to make things happen, rather than get in the way.
At Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek SC, she is a member of the Milwaukee law firm's commercial real estate, commercial finance, and condominium and homeowner's association law teams, but her passion is community economic development.
Taking her real estate skill set to create positive change in low-income communities is her personal mission every day.
Prior to her law practice, Mitich spent several years working in nonprofit development at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning in Chicago. After earning a master's degree in education during a study abroad program in Poland, she began teaching English and realized how much she enjoyed working with people.
That spurred her to study law and satisfy her desire for a career that was intellectually stimulating and driven by service. Although she's only been practicing law for six years, it's her transferable skills and commitment to the community that have contributed to her success as an attorney.
"Rebecca is a natural leader. As a champion for firm recruiting, an elected leader amongst her associate peers, and a shining example in her community, Rebecca is always demonstrating with poise, confidence and strength the qualities it takes to be a successful professional," said Brad Dallet, president of the real estate practice at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek.
The most rewarding part of her job is putting her stamp on the city through the physical developments that she can point out to her three young sons. Like Progressive Community Health Centers' new clinic on Lisbon Avenue, which has allowed the center to triple its service capacity and bring health care to an underserved population.
Mitich also serves the community as an active member of the board of directors of Northwest Side Community Development Corp. (NSCDC) and the resource development committee at the Urban Ecology Center.
"She has a well-rounded view of what it takes to get projects done. She's candid and when she has something to say, people really tune in," said Howard Snyder, executive director of the NSCDC.
Mitich is proud of her work representing the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority in establishing its Small Business Credit Initiative and assisting developers and lenders in complex transactions.
When faced with obstacles, she remembers to remain calm and look at the situation with a different perspective, also leaning on the wisdom of her colleagues.
"Obstacles are never obstacles forever," she said.