Krueger a true working man’s lawyer

Listen to this article

Steven Krueger has always been someone who likes rules.

When he’d take career exams in high school, the results would always direct him towards an analytical profession.

“I was pretty confident going into college that what I wanted to do is go on to law school and be an attorney,” Krueger said. “I knew probably since my junior year in high school that that’s what I wanted to do.”

Krueger, 38, is a partner in Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, in Green Bay.

“I love problem solving,” he said. “I like to be able to sit down with someone or a company and say ‘Let’s sit down and figure out a common sense solution to this. Let’s sit down and really analyze issues in terms of the pluses and minuses of being able to do things one way or the other,’” he said. “I find it really rewarding to have that experience of helping a company or an individual through a problem and not necessarily pushing them to litigation, but sitting down and saying ‘Here’s a common sense way we can resolve this.’”

A Waupun native, Krueger attended Marquette University for both his undergraduate and law school degrees. While in the law school, he was a lieutenant for the university’s public-safety department, where he oversaw more than 80 law-enforcement professionals.

“It gave me some practical experience in terms of problem solving,” Krueger said. “Being in law enforcement, you’re dealing with people’s problems, but more on an immediate basis, so having to make those quick decisions, having to come up with common sense solutions for the people you’re working with certainly shaped how I practice now.”

Krueger graduated from law school in 2007, in the midst of the biggest economic downturn the country had seen in decades. He took a job with a firm in Little Chute dealing with foreclosure cases. The experience led him to banking and financial law.

Krueger said he comes from a blue-collar background and is the first in his family to obtain a four-year diploma.

“I can have a conversation with anyone from a CEO of a company to a plumber,” he said. “I pride myself on being approachable and being a down to earth type of guy.”

Krueger is active in the State Bar of Wisconsin, sitting on two committees. He’s also chairman of steering for Leadership Green Bay, a leadership and professional organization.

He’s also chairman of the Gold Ribbin’ BBQ Fest of Greater Green Bay and president of the board of directors for Golden House, which provide assistance to victims of domestic abuse. Krueger said the scourge of domestic abuse really began to bother him when he was involved in law enforcement.

“Steve’s emphasis on excellent client service is most important,” said Tom Olejniczak, attorney and co-founder of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry.  “Beyond that, however, Steve is very involved in community projects and charitable endeavors. How else does one explain having 15 lawyers walk a mile in high-heeled, red, ladies’ dress shoes for one of his local charitable events?  This reflects his commitment to excellent client service and service to the community.”