Stephen P. Hurley

Steve Hurley provides clients with the background necessary to litigate complex cases. Steve is highly regarded throughout Wisconsin for his expertise in criminal defense. His persuasive presentation ins the courtroom and knowledge of the law make him an effective litigator for civil cases as well. His reputation earns him many referrals from colleagues for both criminal and civil cases. Steve practices before agencies, state and federal courts, and has successfully represented clients at all states: from pre-suit or pre-charging negotiations, through appeals before the appellate and supreme courts. Various bar associations frequently request Steve to lecture on evidence, trial advocacy and criminal defense topics. Since 1989 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, a popular teacher on evidence and trial advocacy. In 1998 Steve was appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson as a member of the Criminal Penalties Study Committee, composed of judges, lawyers and corrections officials, which provided advice about implementation of Wisconsins Truth in Sentencing Law.

Steve was profiled by the Isthmus magazine in a cover story titled Hurley for the Defense. And the American Bar Association Journal had a feature article on Steves victory on behalf of a client who had been convicted in federal court for theft of honest services. The 2008 Wisconsin Super Lawyers magazine featured Steve in its cover story.

Steve has been awarded the Wisconsin Law Foundation’s Charles L. Goldberg Distinguished Service Award (2014), has been named one of Wisconsin Law Journal Leaders in the Law (2009), was awarded the William M. Coffey Defender Award by the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2007), and the Warren L. Stopler Award for the Most Outstanding Adjunct Member of the Instructional Staff, University of Wisconsin Law School (2004).

Steve is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and Knox College.