Stephen Goethel

Steve was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His passion for the law and the courtroom began while reading To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. Atticus Finch, the lawyer appointed to represent an unjustly accused African-American, became a motivating influence in his life and career.

His passion for trial work grew after graduating from Michigan State University. Steve worked his way through law school at night working days as a judicial clerk in the Oakland County Circuit Court. Working in the courtroom day in, day out allowed Steve to watch some of the finest (and worst) lawyers in Michigan use their skills trying cases. It was there his interest in personal injury and medical malpractice cases developed. Far and away the most gripping trials were the medical negligence, or medical malpractice cases. The effect on the victims was profound; the medicine interesting; and the trial work fascinating. The lawyers trying these cases were some of best in the business. At the end of the day he would leave Court to attend law school. The regular law professors didn’t work nights. Classes were taught by accomplished practicing lawyers who brought an immense understanding of the practice of law to the classroom.

In 1979 Steve graduated from law school and became a member of the bar. To continue his courtroom experience, Steve joined the Oakland County prosecutor’s office where he immediately began trying criminal cases and handling felony preliminary examinations. He left in 1980 to join the firm of Carlin, Ranno and Goethel in Southfield to pursue his interest in personal injury work which he has done ever since.

In 1983 Steve was invited to join his current firm, then known as O’Brien, Moran & Stein. The opportunity to work for three pre-eminent, nationally known lawyers was an honor and a privilege. It also gave him the ability to begin work for victims of medical malpractice.

Since 1983 Steve has handled hundreds of malpractice cases in virtually all areas of medicine from surgery to birth trauma to misdiagnosis to wrongful death. He has recovered millions for his clients.

He holds an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubble, the highest rating available for both legal ability and legal ethics, a rating he has held for over 15 years. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America as well as the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association.

His practice area includes all of Michigan. He has tried cases throughout the state. He takes pride representing the interests of the underprivileged and common individual against the large, corporate interests in health care and the insurance industry.