Steve Lathrop
Attorney
Steve Lathrop was born and raised in Omaha and is a graduate of Roncalli High School. Steve’s father was also a lawyer, which led him to a career in law. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979 and a law degree from Creighton University in 1981. He was admitted to practice law in the Nebraska State and Federal Courts that same year. Focusing on Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability and Workers’ Compensation cases. Steve has served as a board member of the Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys and was President of that organization in 2000.
Steve was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2006, 2010, and 2018, serving 12 years in all. During his time as a senator, he was elected Chair of the Judiciary Committee as well as Business and Labor Committees and served on the Legislature’s Executive Board.
Steve served as a state senator from 2007-2014 and 2019-2022. He has been the Chair of the Judiciary Committee for the last four years.
Bar Admissions:
- Nebraska
- U.S. District Court District of Nebraska
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit
Professional Associations and Memberships:
- Omaha Bar Association
- Nebraska State Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys
- Chair of the Judiciary Committee
Awards
- AV Preeminent award from Lawyers.com
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Civil Plaintiff
Education:
- Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska, 1981
Doctor of Jurisprudence - Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1979
B.S.B.A.
Areas of Practice:
- Car Accident Injuries
- Truck Accident Injuries
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Boat Accident Injuries
- Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Workplace Injuries
- Slip & Fall Accident Injuries
- Animal Bite Injuries
- Faulty Products Injuries
- Long-Term Disability
- Brain Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death
“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.”
“I had a wonderful experience with this office! The staff are always very nice and eager to help. My lawyer, Steve Lathrop, went above and beyond my expectations on my daughter’s case. I have only great things to say about him. I never had to wait for a call back, I never had to ask what something means because he was so quick to explain and answer my questions. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.”
– Jordan M. Tolstedt
Client Testimonials
Total reviews: 443 | Average rating: 4.9
Mary Petersen
Dave Eckley
I’ve had the pleasure of working with your firm twice now, and it’s always been a pleasure. Very professional and courteous, it’s like you took a bad experience and made feel comfortable. Thanks so much for your help.
Sarah Estudillo
Choosing to work with David was the best decision we made to help us navigate everything after a car accident. He made the whole process seamless and stress free. Couldn’t recommend enough!
colleen cohrs
Professional and caring.
Very detail oriented and fact finding is a priority.
I felt like I found the best, with the HOWL law firm.
Jeremy, Nichole, and Michael…. WOW!!!!!!
They walked me through hell, and have been there throughout the whole process.
I recommend this firm, if you want to know that you are important, and your case matters.
My case is at closing, and I feel comfortable with the case they worked for me….yet, I feel sad, like I am losing some great friends.
Call this firm….they are honest and good people first.
Tori Carsley
I can’t thank Jeremy, Nicole, and Andrea enough for the way they handled my case. After my car accident, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, but their team stepped in with confidence, compassion, and clear communication every step of the way.
They explained things in a way that actually made sense, fought hard to make sure I was treated fairly, and never made me feel like just another case number.
If you’re looking for attorneys who actually care and know how to get things done — these are your people
Linda Andrews
What a great service, thank you so much for the free ride. I appreciate it so much!
Landon
I would give more stars if I could best lawyers I’ve ever dealt with would 1000000% recommend
Jennafire Quinn
I got in a car accident and needed help. Mr. O’Brien helped me with recovering some funds from the accident and I greatly appreciate all they have done for me. They really took care of me.
Christopher O’Connor Sr.
I can express enough how thankful I am for this outstanding team. Quick to answer questions, honest in their evaluation of the case, and great at updating as things progress. I cannot express enough our gratitude for their help with a difficult situation.
H Frazee
Jeremy and his team Nicole and Andrea had no doubt they could help with my sons case. They were kind and very helpful and getting some justice for my little boy. After being attacked by a dog with negligent owners we wanted some kind of justice for our son. After reaching out , Jeremy stayed in touch the whole time and kept us updated every step of the way and my son was set up nicely with an education fund through the money he received . If you want a honest, diligent law firm that gets the job done then Hauptman, O’Brien injury lawyers are the best in Nebraska. These people are good at what they do
No Attorney Fees Unless You Win
It is very beneficial to seek legal counsel when you have been a victim in an accident. A person without legal counsel cannot achieve maximum benefits. It’s just the way it is…. Every day people don’t write the rules, but attorneys can help you live by the rules. Hauptman O’Brien attorneys are thorough, helpful, considerate and patient. I can strongly recommend Kyle McGinn. The process he assisted me with was arduous and lengthy. I am very appreciative of the outcome and the focus on my return to wellness.