When the Law Firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry S.C. (LCOJ) opened its doors in November 1976, founders Herbert C. Liebmann III, Gregory B. Conway, and Thomas M. Olejniczak set out to build a firm dedicated to serving clients and the community. The firm's first office was located at 211 S. Monroe before relocating to 231 S. Adams Street in 1985. Nearly five decades later, LCOJ has grown to 56 employees, including 29 attorneys, while continuing to build upon the foundation established by its founders.

As the firm celebrates its 50th anniversary, its attorneys point to more than legal accomplishments as the reason for its success. They speak just as often about the people, the culture, and the commitment to giving back that have shaped LCOJ throughout the years.

For attorney Kurt Goehre, one of the most meaningful parts of his career has been working alongside colleagues who are committed not only to serving clients but also to serving the community.

"I've been fortunate to work with truly amazing people here at the firm over the years," he said. While exceptional client representation remains the firm's focus, he says many attorneys and staff dedicate their time to nonprofit organizations and volunteer efforts, something that has made him especially proud to be part of the firm.

Looking back over the firm's history, Goehre is equally appreciative of those who came before him.

He credits the founding attorneys and generations of lawyers who followed for making sacrifices that allowed the firm to grow into what it is today. Their influence extends far beyond the office, with former attorneys and partners serving in leadership roles throughout Wisconsin, including as State Bar President, District Attorney, Brown County judges, a Federal Court judge, general counsel, chief executives, and other executive positions. Maintaining that legacy, he says, is something today's attorneys work hard to continue.

That sense of teamwork is something attorney Matt Van Nuland experiences every day.

"What I appreciate most about LCOJ's culture is the positive work environment and the people I get to work with every day," he said. He describes his colleagues as supportive, eager to help one another, and always interested in learning and growing together. Because of that environment, he says work is both rewarding and enjoyable, even when the challenges are significant.

Attorney Steve Krueger agrees that the firm's culture is one of its greatest strengths. He appreciates how the entire LCOJ family celebrates each other's personal and professional successes while also coming together to support one another during difficult times.

He has also been proud to see the firm's willingness to embrace change over the past several years. From technology upgrades and office improvements to hiring new staff and implementing new initiatives, Krueger says the firm's collaborative mindset has made change feel like an opportunity rather than an obstacle. He credits the staff and attorneys for approaching each transition with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to growth.

For attorney Dave Weber, who has spent more than 20 years with the firm, one of LCOJ's defining characteristics has been its dedication to community involvement.

He says the firm has always encouraged attorneys to become active in the communities they serve, recognizing community service as an important part of being a lawyer and supporting that commitment through both encouragement and financial backing.

That support has allowed Weber to serve in meaningful ways throughout his career, including participating alongside his wife and fellow colleagues in a Habitat for Humanity home build, serving for nearly 20 years as a director of the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund to help expand access to legal services, and remaining active in Kiwanis.

Reflecting on his time at LCOJ, Weber says he is grateful to be part of a firm that measures success not only by the cases it handles but also by the positive impact its attorneys have on the communities where they live and work.

As LCOJ marks its 50th anniversary, one thing is clear: the firm's legacy is about more than practicing law. It's built on strong relationships, a supportive culture, dedicated service, and a shared commitment to making a lasting difference for clients and the community.