Alumnus of the Year Award

Mark L. Thomsen, Law ’87
Milwaukee, Wis.

During his first year of law school at Marquette, Mark Thomsen took Torts with Professor James Ghiardi, who introduced him to the idea that the common law recognizes individual rights and causes of action to protect people. Mark has centered his legal career of more than 35 years around working for people to enforce and protect their rights while expanding the scope of justice.

Mark has represented clients in both state and federal courts, primarily focusing on personal injury cases and civil rights claims.

In 2017, Mark helped create a new statewide law firm, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP, with offices in Eau Claire, Madison, and Milwaukee. He is excited to continue growing this firm, diversifying its roster of lawyers, and expanding its practice.

Mark has served as a commissioner on the Wisconsin Elections Commission, the agency charged with maintaining the integrity of voting in state and federal elections in Wisconsin, since its inception in 2016. As the chair of the WEC during 2016-2017, he confirmed the statewide presidential recount, establishing the accuracy of the result and the reliability of Wisconsin’s system. Mark allows that his WEC public service has continued to be “very interesting,” as he has experienced the elections of every year since 2016.

Through the WEC, he has been able to give back to fellow Marquette lawyers. He helped to set up an internship program where Marquette law students can work with the WEC. This program has given Mark the opportunity to mentor law students, introducing them to people involved in elections and politics and teaching them about Wisconsin election law, which he finds energizing and fulfilling.

Mark lives the Marquette mission every day by striving for excellence in all aspects of his life. As a servant leader in the Jesuit tradition, he serves in leadership roles — at his law firm and in the community — as well as serving his clients by fighting for justice.

Fun Facts:

What scholarship aid did you receive while attending Marquette?
Before law school, I was a steelworker for nearly eight years at Inland Steel in East Chicago, Indiana. When my plant shut down in 1984, Marquette let me in to study law with little, if any, scholarship dollars but provided me with a full ride for my last two years! For that, I am forever grateful.

Is there a book you would recommend to a young professional in your field?
Every adult should read and re-read Imani Perry’s South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation. It is the 2022 National Book Award winner for nonfiction.

Leave a congratulatory message for Mark!