Steve Smith

Subrogation is Steve Smith’s arena—and he plays to win. With more than a decade of focused experience, he brings precision to every phase of the recovery process. From first notice to final appeal, Steve is hands-on and hard-hitting, dissecting complex cases, digging into technical evidence, and delivering results that stick. His clients don’t just get legal representation—they get a strategist, a tactician, and a closer.

He’s not limited by case type, jurisdiction, or complexity. Steve’s experience spans auto, property, workers’ comp, product liability, and health plan subrogation—earning him a reputation as the go-to litigator for national carriers who need versatility and results. With multi-state licensure and courtroom command, he doesn’t just represent—he leads. Driven by legacy and fueled by integrity, Steve approaches every case as a mission to protect what’s right, recover what’s owed, and reinforce the values that define excellent advocacy. He’s the quiet force behind tough wins and seamless strategies—delivering clear answers, confident action, and purpose-driven results every time.

Outside the courtroom, Steve stays sharp and grounded. He’s a Milwaukee Brewers die-hard, a devoted Oklahoma Sooners fan, and a weekend golfer who knows the value of a well-earned tee time. A Tolkien enthusiast and lifelong learner, he brings the same curiosity and discipline to his personal life that he does to his practice. For Steve, success isn’t just about wins—it’s about legacy, loyalty, and showing up for what matters most.

 

Steve's Philosophy

Subrogation is a craft—won through grit, guided by integrity, and driven by the belief that every case is a chance to make things right and set a higher standard.

Steve's Background

Education

  • J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law
  • B.A., Political Science, University of Oklahoma
  • International House LGS Sprachschule, Freiburg, Germany

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar
  • U.S. District Court Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Oklahoma

Memberships

  • Illinois State Bar
  • Minnesota State Bar
  • Wisconsin State Bar

Reported Decisions

  • Am. Fam. Ins. Co. v. NB Elec., Inc., 16 N.W.3d 837 (Minn. Ct. App. 2025), review granted (Apr. 15, 2025)
  • Zurich Am. Ins. Co. v. Infrastructure Eng’g, Inc., 2024 IL 130242, 248 N.E.3d 1072 (Amicus)
  • Henrikson v. Choice Prods. USA, LLC, No. CV 16-1317 (MJD/LIB), 2017 WL 449591 (D. Minn. Feb. 2, 2017)

Published Works

  • Mixed Damages and Made Whole in Iowa, Claims Pages, 2023
  • Equitable Subrogation Among Co-Insurers (and Duct Tape), Claims Journal, 2019

Speaking Engagements

  • Family Feud—Subro Style – 2024 – Subrogation Healthcare Alliance, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Stay Sharp: Subrogation Should Not Be an Afterthought – May 18, 2023 – Seminar presented at CLM Work Comp, Casualty and Risk Management Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Co-presented with Attorney Curtis DeVries.
  • Automobile Insurance Subrogation In All 50 States – April 25, 2023 – A webinar presented to the public.
  • How to Win Litigation and Evaluate Attorney Performance (Part 2 of Property Subrogation Series) – December 7, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Richard A. Schuster.
  • Navigating No-Fault Benefits (Health Subrogation Series Part 7) – August 23, 2022 – A webinar presented to the public. Co-presented with Attorney Nancy A. Case and Attorney Catherine Dowie.
  • Winning Cases In The Most Important, Least Appreciated State – Discovery – November 10, 2021 – Co-presented a webinar at 2021 NASP Annual Conference.
  • Changes to Michigan’s No-Fault Scheme – July 28, 2020 – Co-presented a webinar for the public.
  • The Unique Nature of Trucking Accident Evidence and Its Importance – October 29, 2019 – Seminar presented at 2019 Annual National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) Conference in Washington, D.C.
  • Iowa Workers’ Compensation Subrogation: Simple Steps to Avoid Subrogation Traps – June 12, 2019 – A webinar presented to the public.

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