Attorney Stephen Buser

Over $10,000,000 Recovered For My Clients

Over 45 Years of Trial Experience

Serving Southern Illinois, the Metro East, and St. Louis

Awards & Recognitions:

• Admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court (2005)
• 5-star reviews on Avvo
• Tried more than 50 jury trials in Illinois and Missouri
• Editor-in-Chief, Illinois Bar Journal (1998–2000)
• Past President, Monroe County Bar Association
• Past Chair, Illinois State Bar Association Tort Law Section Council
• Past Chair, Illinois State Bar Association Civil Practice & Procedure Section Council
• Appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness (2015–2024)
• Appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions, Civil Cases (2006–2015)
• Member, American Association for Justice Nursing Home Litigation Group

Bio

Stephen Buser brings more than 45 years of experience representing individuals and families affected by serious injuries and wrongful death. Before joining Hipskind & McAninch, he led his own personal injury practice in Columbia, Illinois, where he maintained direct responsibility for every case he handled.

Over the course of his career, Stephen has tried more than 50 jury trials in Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri, and that courtroom experience shapes how he handles every claim. That extensive courtroom experience informs his approach to every case, from the earliest stages of a claim through trial. He understands how insurance companies evaluate cases, the evidence they look for, and the factors that influence settlement negotiations. When an offer isn’t fair, he files suit and tries the case.

Stephen approaches each case with thorough preparation and focus on building the strongest possible foundation. He works closely with doctors, safety experts, economists, and other specialists to get to the bottom of what happened and show what a claim is really worth. 

Whether a case ends in a settlement or a verdict, he prepares every one as if it’s going in front of a jury. His commitment to preparation, attention to detail, and decades of trial experience have earned him a reputation as a trusted advocate for clients facing complex and high-stakes personal injury matters.

Client Testimonials

Stephen’s commitment to his clients is unwavering, as he draws on decades of trial experience to ensure they receive candid advice, thorough preparation, and the justice they deserve. Here’s what some of Attorney Stephen Buser’s clients have to say about him:

“Such a caring and considerate attorney. Works hard for his clients. Kept me informed for the past 26 months. His staff is awesome, Very efficient and quick to reply. I would highly recommend.him.” – Adele C.

“Takes the time listens to you explains everything clearly in regular contact never leaves you just wondering” – Jen B.

Case Success Stories

Stephen handles personal injury, wrongful death, and nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a contingency basis, which means clients don’t pay any attorney’s fees until the case is won. With more than 50 jury trials behind him, he has the experience to take a case as far as it needs to go.

Educational Background

• Juris Doctor, St. Louis University School of Law, 1978
• B.S., Journalism, University of Kansas, 1975

Certifications and Specializations

• Admitted to practice: Illinois Supreme Court (1978); U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (1979); Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (1981); Missouri Supreme Court (1996); United States Supreme Court (2005)
• Member, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, St. Clair County Bar Association
• Member and Past President, Monroe County Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, Western Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group

Published Works and Speaking Engagements

Throughout his career, Stephen has written and spoken widely on tort and trial practice. He also held senior editorial roles in the Illinois legal community, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Illinois Bar Journal from 1998 to 2000, and as an editor for several Illinois State Bar Association section publications.

His published articles include:

• “Illinois Nursing Home Litigation,” Illinois Bar Journal (2000)
• “Illinois Premises Liability: Update and Review,” Illinois Bar Journal (1989)
• “Illinois Tort Law in Review,” Illinois Bar Journal (1988)
• “Failure to Warn in Toxic Tort Cases,” Trial Magazine, American Association of Justice (1987)
• “A Primer on the Use of Structured Settlements in Litigation Practice,” Barrister Magazine, American Bar Association (1984)
• “Strict Product Liability in Review,” Illinois Bar Journal (1981)

Professional Memberships and Accreditations

• American Association of Justice Nursing Home Litigation Group 1999-present
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association 1978-present
• Illinois State Bar Association Civil Practice Section Council 1978-present (Past Chair)
• Illinois State Bar Association Tort Law Section Council 1978-present (Past Chair)
• Illinois State Bar Association Trial Briefs Co-Editor 2008-2010
• Illinois Bar Journal Editor 1998-2000
• Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys 2006-present
• U.S. District Court of Southern Illinois Lawyer Association 2017-present

Ethical Standards and Client Commitment

Stephen is known for his straightforward approach and commitment to keeping clients informed throughout their cases. He provides candid advice, sets realistic expectations, and helps clients make informed decisions based on the facts and the law. His clients value his accessibility, responsiveness, and willingness to address difficult questions directly.

Having represented injury victims and families for more than three decades, Stephen understands the significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges that often follow a serious injury or unexpected loss. He is committed to guiding clients through the legal process with clarity, professionalism, and personal attention.