Monday Profile - Bill Stapleton

Residence: Ann Arbor What is your idea of perfect happiness? In a warm climate with my family watching Notre Dame win another national title in football. What is your greatest fear? That the above won't happen in my lifetime. What is the trait you hate most in yourself? Not having a 48 inch vertical jump. What is the trait you hate most in others? No sense of humor. If you suddenly had an extra room in your house, what would you do with it? Hopefully it would be big enough for a basketball court. What is your most treasured possession? My health. If you could do one thing professionally ...Play in the NBA. I hear it pays well. Your proudest moment(s) as a lawyer? Nothing in particular, I just enjoy getting good results for my clients. It's 7 a.m. Monday. How are you feeling? Really old. What would surprise people about your job? That I have eaten lunch at the Old Town approximately 3,750 times since joining my firm. Would you rather save money or time? Money so that hopefully I can retire by the time I'm 85. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Temperance. When and where were you happiest? When my three kids were born. What's your greatest achievement: Convincing my wife Robbie to marry me as I had two significant obstacles to overcome: 1. She knew me well in high school. 2. Her first choice was Bruce Springsteen. What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Can you believe that stunning girl in your speech class is going to marry you some day? What would be your ideal job? GM for the Pistons. What one thing do you wish people knew about your work? That it is a lot more fun practicing law in khakis and a polo shirt than a suit. What one habit do you wish you could break? The Old Town, but at this point chances are slim. What is something most people don't know about you? In high school I played basketball against Magic Johnson and he broke my hand while I was driving to the hoop (I didn't even get the foul call!) After high school his basketball career had a slightly different trajectory than mine. What do you wish more people understood? That I am always right when arguing about sports or politics. If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be? Forget dinner. I want to play hoops with Obama followed by beers with Bill Clinton and Jon Stewart. Who is your favorite character of fiction? Conor Larkin, Lisbeth Salander and Harry Bosch are three of my favorites. Favorite words: I love you Dad. Favorite movie: "Unforgiven," "Sling Blade" and "Dances With Wolves" are three of my favorites. Favorite place to spend money: I don't really shop. I leave that to others in my family and they are really good at it. What is your motto? Sports matter. Where would you like to be when you're 90? In Margaritaville searching for my lost shaker of salt. Published: Thu, Nov 1, 2012