Steve Lathrop

“The emotional toll of fighting back to claim what you should be awarded can be daunting, and a big part of providing legal service comes down to reassuring people it’s going to be okay, we’re going to find a way, and this is all going to work out in the end,” explained Steve. “Clients worry about how they’re going to pay the bills, not just the medical bills, but how are they going to make the rent. Empathy matters a lot and combined with the skill to get a result that helps, a good lawyer can do more than just win a case, a good lawyer can help to restore the balance in a client’s life.”

“Nobody ever wants to see people suffering, which is why I get the most satisfaction out of helping people that have had catastrophic injuries. Severe injuries do a lot of damage to the person who has been injured and to their families as well. Helping clients navigate their way through an emotional crisis, a financial crisis, and a legal battle that are all taking place at the same time is something that lets me put my extensive legal experience to work in the best ways possible.”

“Having a background as a trial lawyer is very important in helping people,” Steve explained. “Most people don’t want to go to trial. I understand that, but being able to avoid trials often requires the help of a lawyer who will go to trial confidently when necessary. I think my background in trying a lot of cases early on, knowing how to litigate a lawsuit – that’s the kind of background you need to get each client the compensation they deserve. That tenacity and the compassion to care about each client as an individual person are the two most important things to being a successful attorney. I think that second part comes naturally to any good person, the first part is a matter of study, hard work, and real world experience.”

Steve has built an enduring legacy on the legislative side of Nebraska’s law as well, having served as a state Senator for the Omaha-based 12th Legislative District (2007-2014 and 2019-2022). “What I think is interesting about the time I spent in the legislature, is that it was an extension of my service as a lawyer,” said Steve. “The things that were important to me when the legislature was making policies that govern working people, are the same things that matter to the people I represent here. I understand what it’s like to not have health insurance but to need care, what it’s like to be hurt and need workers’ comp benefits – making sure access to those things is always protected has been a primary focus of mine, locally as a legislator, and individually as an attorney at the firm practicing law for nearly four decades.” 

“From my point of view Steve is the perfect attorney,” said Tim O’Brien. “His legal expertise and legislative experience are well known, but what many people don’t know is that he is one of nine siblings, and four of them are attorneys. That background makes him exceptional at building consensus, sharing a common vision with everyone at the firm, and fostering the kind of cooperative culture that makes Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop such a rewarding environment for our staff and our clients.”