Firm Overview

In 1976 Margaret Stafford left her job as an Administrative Law Judge with the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Division, and started a law firm. From the beginning, the firm, which later became Stafford and Neal SC , and now Stafford, Neal and Soule SC, has been committed to providing a high level of service to injured workers in claims for Wisconsin worker’s compensation. For many years, the lawyers in the firm also represented workers in claims for disability before the Social Security Administration. We now commit 100% of our time and energy to representing injured worker’s in claims for worker’s compensation in Wisconsin.

The firm grew. John Neal joined the firm in 1981, Greg Meyer (retired) in 1985, Helen Schott (retired) in 1991, Chuck Soule in 2004, and David Weir (retired) in 2007. Margaret retired in 2010.

Throughout the years, the firm has formally represented over 10,000 injured workers. Of those claims, over 95% have resulted in successful outcomes, either after formal hearing or by negotiated agreement. And for every injured worker that the firm represents, the firm gives advice and information on an informal basis to several more, by telephone or face to face meeting, at no cost to the client. From the beginning, the firm has elected to provide legal services to clients even if their claims were small. 1he lawyers at Stafford, Neal and Soule SC understand that in the long run, a client who is pleased with our service on even a small claim is very important to the success of the firm.

The lawyers at Stafford, Neal and Soule SC pride ourselves on the degree of direct, face to face contact we have with our clients. Our belief is that unless we spend significant time listening to and understanding our clients from the beginning of our relationship, we cannot expect them to listen to our advice as the claim progresses. When you call us, you will not need to identify yourself or explain the reason for your call to our staff. Your call will be immediately directed to your lawyer.

In its early years, the firm represented clients throughout the state, from Milwaukee to LaCrosse, from Beloit to Superior. Now the firm’s clients tend to be from the southern half of the state.

The firm shares its knowledge of Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation law and practice with other lawyers in the state through speaking at worker’s compensation seminars. We created and now update the Worker’s Compensation Handbook used by lawyers throughout the state and cited in published court decisions. Lawyers with the firm also speak to physicians and labor organizations, and advise the Labor members of the Worker’s Compensation Advisory Council as they negotiate changes in the law every two years.

John and Chuck appreciate very much the opportunity to assist injured workers, whether on a formal or informal basis, at what can be very difficult times in their lives. We try to give to our clients service at the high level that Margaret Stafford established more than 40 years ago.