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. He also served as a state senator from 2007 to 2014.
'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). '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 partner,' 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, which makes Hauptman O'Brien Wolf & Lathrop such a rewarding environment for our staff and our clients.'
When he isn't hard at work, Steve is an avid golfer and enjoys time with his four daughters and his grandchildren.
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
Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska, 1981
Doctor of Jurisprudence
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, 1979
B.S.B.A.
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
