About Steven
First of all, why do I do what I do?
The answer is really simple – my family, specifically my dad. Although he is no longer with us, his memory is a constant reminder to me about why I chose my career.
When I was growing up, my dad worked as an investigator for various attorneys around Wichita County and up in Oklahoma. I was lucky enough to join him on some of these outings. As I accompanied him on various trips I got to watch and listen to him fight for their clients who had been hurt and injured in accidents. During this time, I got to see the impact accidents really do have on peoples’ lives and the difference that can be made when they are handled correctly.
It wasn’t until after I was already an established attorney that I began to turn my practice towards estate planning and estate administration. Many years ago, I took on a wrongful death case which first led me down the path of probate. It was through this experience and the experience helping a close friend that I realized how much people need help with administering and handling their loved one’s estate after they have passed.
When my dad had to be hospitalized for COVID-19 and eventually passed away, and my mother had to go into a nursing home, I realized the real importance of proper estate planning. So, I took the time to read and learn as much as possible about these two new areas, so I could help everyone the way they need to be helped. What I learned during all this is that pre-planning is key. That’s why we talk about it so much. Getting a plan in place helps not only you but your entire family.
We typically only accept cases in these three main areas. While we do have resources and a referral network established for clients needing help with other areas of law, my focus on these three areas gives me the greatest opportunity to provide the quality, care, and attention that every case deserves.
That’s why I do what I do. By helping others, even in a small way, it’s like I’m back with my dad making a real difference in people’s lives, and hopefully making him proud.
My Family
While it was my dad that got me into personal injury, there are three reasons why I still do it today. My wife Sheri, and our two children, Jonathan and Kate. Sheri and I have been together since she was in college and I was a new, young lawyer (1994 – now) and we have been married for over 20 years! Sheri works as a principal at Holiday Elementary.
As of today, Jonathan is 19 and finishing his first year of college at Caltech in Pasadena, California. Kate is 16 and about to return home from a year studying abroad in Denmark. Both the kids are very busy with their own things. Jonathan is engulfed in his studies in college and Kate is enjoying her time abroad, traveling to different places in Europe and experiencing other cultures.
My Background
I grew up in Henrietta, Texas, and went to Henrietta High School, graduating in 1987. I attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1990 with a degree in political science.
I started Oklahoma City University School of Law right out of college. While attending law school, I worked with a solo practicing attorney my dad had done a lot of work for, and in 1994 I graduated.
After graduating, I continued to work with that same attorney. About a year into being a fresh new lawyer, the attorney I had been working with passed away, leaving me with a whole cluster of cases while still trying to “learn the ropes” of practicing law.
My Own Practice
This situation kind of thrust me into my own practice. As I began handling these cases, I decided to set my own firm up. So, I started my firm in 1994 in Newcastle, Oklahoma. I practiced solely personal injury there until my family and I moved back to Burkburnett in 2001 and I set up an office in Wichita Falls. In 2007, I had the opportunity to buy our current office and that’s where we have been since. In 2016 I expanded the practice into the areas of estate planning and estate administration and in 2021, we underwent a name change to what we are now, Booker Law.
My Role at Booker Law
Having a small law firm and currently being the only attorney, I wear multiple hats for the firm. On one hand, I am the CEO and strategist for the firm, meaning I handle the “big picture” items and the overall direction of the practice. On the other hand, I also handle many daily operations and critical work on the cases.
What do I actually “do” all day? First, I conduct the consultations and evaluate the client’s circumstances and problems. My expertise is evaluating these situations and developing a plan of action to solve these problems. I pass on those recommendations to my team, who then begins the necessary work to get the results we are looking for. The main thing I do is oversee and manage the cases and sometimes, I am the one drafting the documents personally. But often, I have my incredible team doing the legwork, allowing me to focus on strategizing to come up with the best solution for your situation.
Aside from the actual legal work, I work with my management team to develop the best, most efficient operating systems, to steer the overall direction of the firm, and to implement our marketing strategies.
Overall, my biggest pleasure is working with clients, educating them, and explaining complicated legal concepts in ways that are easier to understand. I strive to cultivate lasting long-term relationships with every single one our clients and live up to our mission statement and core values by helping everyone who comes into contact with us to leave in a better place than when they came.