Anderson O'Brien, LLP, a full-service law firm based in downtown Stevens Point, is celebrating 140 years of continuous legal practice in central Wisconsin. Since its founding in 1886, the firm has served individuals, families, and businesses across Portage County and surrounding communities, marking a milestone that places it among the oldest continuously operating law firms in Wisconsin.
The firm's longevity reflects its deep roots in the region. Over the past 140 years, Anderson O'Brien has represented multiple generations of central Wisconsin families and businesses, building long-term relationships that often span decades. This continuity underscores the firm's role as a community institution in Stevens Point and throughout central Wisconsin.
Anderson O'Brien's history began in 1886 when brothers Byron B. Park and Gilbert L. Park opened a practice at 933A Main Street. The current office at 1257 Main Street is located near the original site. From its earliest years, the firm adopted a collaborative model, a departure from the isolated practice common among attorneys of that era. The Parks built a team-based approach that leveraged the combined knowledge of multiple lawyers to serve clients effectively.
The firm also prioritized mentoring young attorneys early on, hiring law students as clerks before they entered practice. Over 140 years, Anderson O'Brien has grown alongside central Wisconsin, adapting to changing legal needs while maintaining its presence in downtown Stevens Point. What began as a two-attorney office has evolved into a team of 15 attorneys who concentrate in distinct areas of law, including personal injury, litigation, business and corporate law, estate planning, elder law, family law, employment law, real estate, tax planning, and workers' compensation.
The milestone is significant for central Wisconsin, as few legal practices in the state have maintained uninterrupted service to the same region for more than a century. Anderson O'Brien serves clients in Portage, Adams, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood counties, and its attorneys participate in local organizations, nonprofits, and civic activities throughout the area.
The firm has received AV Preeminent peer-review recognition through Martindale-Hubbell, and individual attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers. These accolades reflect the firm's commitment to high-quality legal representation and community service.
As Anderson O'Brien enters its 141st year, it remains focused on serving the next generation of central Wisconsin clients, families, and businesses while adapting to evolving legal challenges. The firm's enduring presence in Stevens Point underscores its dedication to collaborative legal representation and long-term community relationships that have defined its practice for more than 140 years.
