Stephen P. "Steve" Hurley

Stephen P. "Steve" Hurley


Hurley Burish, S.C.

Recognized since 1995

Madison, Wisconsin

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense: General Practice

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2014 - Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2011 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
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Steve Hurley's more than 45 years of practice provides clients with the background necessary to litigate complex cases. Steve is highly regarded throughout the state for his expertise in criminal defense. His persuasive presentation in the courtroom and knowledge of the law make him an effective litigator for civil cases as well. Steve was nominated and elected by his peers to the American College of Trial lawyers. 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 stages: 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.

Steve was recently profiled by the Isthmus magazine in a cover story titled "Hurley for the Defense," available here. In addition, the American Bar Association Journal had a feature article on Steve's recent victory on behalf of a client. The article is available here.

The 2008 Wisconsin Super Lawyers® magazine featured Steve in its cover story.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 33 East Main Street, Suite 400
    Madison, WI 53701
Languages
  • English
  • French
Education
  • Knox College, B.A., graduated 1969
  • University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, graduated 1972
Bar Admissions
  • Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
Affiliations
  • University of Wisconsin School of Law - adjunct Professor of Law
  • American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • Federal Defender Services of Wisconsin, Inc - President
Court Admissions
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeal for the Eighth District
  • Supreme Court of United States of America

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2025 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2014 - Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2011 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice, Madison (2025)
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Madison (2025)
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Madison (2015)
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice, Madison (2014)
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Madison (2011)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Special Focus:
  • Non-White-Collar Criminal Defense
  • White-Collar Criminal Defense
Awards:
  • Wisconsin Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers: William Coffee Memorial Award
  • Univ. of Wisconsin School of Law: Warren Stolper Award for the outstanding adjunct professor of law
  • Admin. Office of the Illiniois Courts: Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Legal Defense Serivces
  • Academy of Television Arts and Sciences: Primetime Emmy Awards honor for contribution to Picket Fences, Outstanding Drama Series

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Publications

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