University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
09/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2024 07:55
Appleton business attorney Barr named 2024 UW Oshkosh Distinguished Alumni
Scott Barr of Appleton, an attorney and managing partner of McCarty Law, will be honored with a 2024 UWO Distinguished Alumni Award on Homecoming Weekend.
UWO alumnus Scott Barr of Appleton pauses while traveling in Europe.
Barr '86 earned a degree in criminal justice from UWO, and juris doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law, where he wrote and served as an editor for the Hamline Law Review, and graduated with honors.
Barr has been with McCarty Law in Appleton since 1990. Currently, he is the managing partner, carrying a full-time law practice while overseeing the business with around 40 employees. He has significant management responsibilities for the firm and in his practice, he assists business owners and executives in a variety of business transactions, from formations of start-ups to mergers and acquisitions.
Barr has a rating of "AV" with Martindale-Hubbell, a rating given to approximately the top 5% of attorneys. The rating is based on reviews given by attorneys from other firms who are asked to review and comment on the attorney being rated. The "AV" rating means competitors have rated them as "preeminent" in legal abilities and having a very high ethical standard.
Community-minded
Barr is active in the community, serving as a board member, leader and supporter of organizations from the Fox Cities Marathon to the Attic Theatre.
He served many years on the UW Oshkosh Alumni Board and a term as president. He was part of the merging of Titan Alumni Foundation with UW Oshkosh Foundation and is a current Foundation Board member.
"My experience working with Scott has shown him to be both a strong leader and a good follower," said fellow UWO Foundation Board member Mike Hochholzer. "He is a person of high integrity, always seeking to do the right thing, meet the mission of the organization, and engage and support others."
Hochholzer, a UWO alumnus who earned a degree in finance in 1989, said Barr has been "an active, engaged supporter of UW Oshkosh through time."
Scott Barr and his wife have a great view of the tennis at Wimbelton.
Christine Gantner, UW Oshkosh director of advancement who has known Barr for more than 20 years, said she is hard-pressed to find a more loyal Titan, especially considering his demanding career. She is grateful for his commitment to UWO and his support and volunteer service to his alma mater.
Former executive director of the UWO Foundation, Greg Giles, said Barr is highly respected, with a proven track record who consistently goes "above and beyond" to ensure the university's continued success.
Importance of liberal education
During his time as a student at UWO, Barr said working three years as a community adviser (CA) in South Scott Hall taught him teamwork, problem solving, integrity, communication skills, hard work, giving back and the value of friendships.
"While I didn't learn to be a lawyer in undergrad, I did learn many of the soft skills necessary to do the job well, including critical thinking and clear and concise writing skills-all of those things that a liberal education is really about teaching you."
Scott Barr and his friends enjoy their time together at UW Oshkosh.
He was the first in his family to attend college and he says he owes a debt of gratitude to UWO for its "special ability to shepherd first-in-family students through the higher education process and set them on a path to success."
Barr said professionally, he is most proud of the faith his clients put in him-relying on him to help them through some of the most complex and important transactions their businesses will ever encounter.
He has played a lead role on projects worth over $1 billion as well as well as projects of lower dollar amounts, but that represent his clients' life work.
Away from work, Barr enjoys spending time with his wife, Barbara, and staying active by biking, playing tennis and running. One of his favorite hobbies is racing his amateur sports car.
The UW Oshkosh Alumni Association will celebrate the talents and successes of 13 alumni during Homecoming weekend Oct. 18-19.
There are four, including Barr, receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award.
There are two receiving the Alumni Outstanding Service Award, and seven being honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Learn more:
13 UWO alumni to be honored at Alumni Awards Celebration Homecoming weekend