07/30/2018
Steve Henning recently received the prestigious Charles Evan’s Hugh Justice award at Delta Upsilon’s 2018 Leadership Institute. We took some time to interview him and learn more about our incredible brother.
So Mr. Henning, where are you from?
Mr. Henning: I grew up in Kearney, and completed both my undergraduate and law degrees at UNL.
What did you do after college?
Mr. Henning: After I received my law degree I moved out to Los Angeles to practice law with a mid-size law firm. 21 years ago myself and three other lawyers started our law firm - Wood, Smith, Henning and Berman. We had a distinct vision about our firm and spend a great deal of time doing strategic planning to create a truly unique firm where teamwork was celebrated coupled with cutting edge technology. We started with a total of nine lawyers and one office; fast forward to today, we have 22 offices in 16 states and are one of the 200 largest law firms in the nation. We are a full-service civil firm handling many different types of litigation - from business, employment, construction, environmental, professional liability to medical negligence. We are really proud of our results, and I’m proud of the type of firm we have built. We have extremely talented lawyers.
How are you still involved?
Mr. Henning: I’m still just as active as a lawyer as the day we opened the door to the firm. While I handle a diverse caseload, I continue to have responsibilities for management as one of the firm founders. I’m am surrounded by really smart lawyers whom I consider good friends. In fact, one of my partners is a friend from my undergraduate and law days in Nebraska. Together, we continue to grow personally and professionally, handle complex and diverse matters and have a lot of fun practicing law. I’m a firm believer you should enjoy what you do, and I love the practice of law.
When you were rushing Greek houses, what made you choose Delta Upsilon?
Mr. Henning: Of all the houses I rushed, I was most impressed with the men in Delta Upsilon. They were smart, innovative group of guys with varied interests. I really liked the guys that rushed me, I felt like it was a place I could belong. Pledging Delta Upsilon was an easy choice. In meeting the men at the Leadership Institute, my impressions remain unchanged. They continue to impress me.
One of the bonuses of the fraternity is a supportive alumni network. They were always there as an undergraduate to give advice and support where needed, and continue to be a great network following graduation. I remember distinctly the first weekend in the house we all were invited to Dick Campbell’s home - I think we practically lived there that weekend! It remains a great memory.
Me: We still have our new members do that every year!
Mr. Henning: That’s great!
How does DU still influence you?
Mr. Henning: When I look at DU it means the world, it’s because it’s near and dear to my heart, through the fraternity I learned a number of lessons in leadership, but more importantly I made lifelong friends with deep honest relationships that will last a lifetime. This weekend alone of I’ve talked with a number of my fraternity brothers. If we talk weekly, or as years go by we’re there to support each other.
What advice do you have for future members to succeed?
Mr. Henning: Work on building relationships with others. Unplug and spend time getting to know your brothers. Avoid cliques - you have amazing individuals in your chapter - get to know them. Take advantage of everything the fraternity has to offer, reach out to alumni in areas of interest. Seek out mentorships and credential yourself for whatever lies ahead in your career. Alumni are available to help undergrads however they need to succeed in their careers and lives.
