A Champion for Civil Rights and Our Clients
Our beloved Jonathan S. Safran passed away on May 18, 2020, at age 62, after a brave five-and-a-half year fight with cancer. Attorney Safran practiced personal injury and civil rights law for more than 37 years following his 1983 graduation from Indiana University School of Law. The former shareholder and founding member of Samster Konkel & Safranspent his life fighting for our clients and was a champion for civil rights. Educated at Indiana University Bloomington’s Maurer School of Law, Attorney Safran became a household name when he successfully represented police beating victim Frank Jude.
Obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/jsonline/obituary.aspx?n=jonathan-s-safran&pid=196212611&fhid=5695
Post Wisconsin Law journal PDF: https://wislawjournal.com/2020/05/20/safran-prominent-milwaukee-civil-rights-attorney-has-died-of-cancer/
Attorney Safran had a reputation for care and compassion and an unbeatable work ethic. According to Partner Jerome Konkel:
“Jon was like the bloodhound. He handled cases in a methodical way and kept working the file. He just was going to follow the trail wherever it led, and there was no getting away from him.”
Notably, Attorney Safran applied the same dedication to every case he handled – whether it was a $3,000 car accident claim or a lengthy, $2 million lawsuit against the Milwaukee Police Department. In the latter cases, Safran not only achieved changes to policy and procedure but also became close with his clients, sharing hour-long phone calls with them long after their cases were over. His wife describes the comfort Safran gave to his clients as that of a psychologist.
For these accomplishments and many more Jon has been awarded with Leaders in the Law 2020 posthumous award by the Wisconsin Law Journal.
A former client agreed, explaining:
“Jon was someone I could call at any time of the day and talk to about what we were going through as a family. You’re giving someone the opportunity to get over depression, to get over the situation, by being a listening ear. Jon provided that to my family and many more.”
Attorney Safran took calls from clients and potential clients, day, and night, and always made sure to listen, whether or not our firm could help them. His former clients, colleagues, and family remain in awe of him.
He is survived by his wife and children, his brother, his niece, and his father, along with the following accomplishments:
- 95% of cases settled before trial
- Success in State and Federal court systems
- Active involvement in police reform
- Memberships in top legal organizations
- Civic engagement across Milwaukee
Jon was a passionate problem solver and spent his downtime camping with his wife and two children. He will be deeply missed, in the legal community and beyond
Attorney Safran’s memory and legacy remain strong at our firm. We will continue fighting important legal battles in his honor.
