February 2018 Leaders in Law

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LEADERS IN LAW These local firms represent knowledge and experience in different areas of laws. Use the following pages as an additional tool in your search for quality legal representation.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LADUE NEWS

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Samuel J. Hais and Susan M. Hais

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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Hais, Hais & Goldberger Hais, Hais & Goldberger is a full-service family law firm, limiting its practice to complex divorce cases and modifications of decrees, custody, property division and support, business and professional practice valuations, stock options, tax-related divorce issues, pension problems and enforcement of decrees. Its core staff of full-time attorneys and paralegals has provided in-depth client services, meticulous case preparation and complete litigation management throughout the firm’s 38-year history. Additionally, the firm employs an extended group of financial experts, tax- and pensionbenefits professionals, therapists, psychologists and vocational experts to provide the highest level of preparation possible in its trial presentations.

Since launching the firm in 1979, founder Susan M. Hais has represented many of St. Louis’ most prominent citizens from a great variety of professions and occupations, and has been personally responsible for the establishment of an impressive array of legal precedents in the areas of divorce law, child custody, benefits, grandparents’ rights, property division and spousal support.

Samuel J. Hais, before joining the firm, was a judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit, St. Louis County, where he was a founding member and judge of the Family Court of St. Louis County for many years.

Samuel and Susan have both written and lectured extensively in the area of family law.

In 2007, the firm was proud to welcome partner Elliot Goldberger, who has practiced law for more than 25 years, concentrating on family law.

Most recently, Erin Zielinski was named a partner of the firm.

She is a veteran of the practice of family law with 15-plus years of experience. Rounding out the associate attorneys are Dzenana Delic, Bradley Bodeux and Michelle Weldon, all fine young attorneys, accomplished in the practice of family law.

The guiding principle of Hais, Hais & Goldberger has always been to provide services in the practice area of family law in the most effective manner, with the utmost level of professional integrity, at the fairest and most reasonable cost.

The practice keeps as its credo the words of Abraham Lincoln: “Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith, let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it.”

222 S. Central Avenue, Ste. 600, St. Louis, MO 63105 314-862-1300 | hhgc-law.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

February 2018 stlmag.com

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Lieser Law Firm, LLC

FROM LEFT: Alex Lamb, Shaun Lieser, Katie Burton, Sarah McNaught

A serious injury can leave the victim and their family physically, emotionally and—many times—financially devastated, with nowhere to turn. That is why attorney Shaun Lieser and his team work hard to provide clients with solid guidance and protection. Their compassionate approach and sound strategy for achieving positive outcomes offer clients a sense of relief and justice.

Shaun founded the Lieser Law Firm after the sudden loss of his mother, dedicating his practice to assisting individuals and families suffering catastrophic loss as a result of negligent or wrongful conduct.

Shaun says with conviction, “I’ve experienced tragedy first-hand. My firm’s success is driven by my life experiences, which provide me with great empathy and passion for my clients. My personal understanding of pain enables me to value what has been lost and then articulate those losses in an impactful way to an insurance company, judge or jury.”

Attorney Alex Lamb, a graduate of University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law, joined the firm in 2016 and is a survivor of a serious crash resulting from another’s negligence. From his own experience, he also brings to the table first-hand knowledge of what it means to live through a life-changing event.

Office manager and paralegal Sarah McNaught continues to help the firm with day-to-day case management. Katie Burton is relatively new to the law firm and is the firm’s first voice of contact. Her outgoing yet calm demeanor puts clients immediately at ease.

The firm’s team feels they have a responsibility to protect their clients by holding others accountable for their actions. Through accountability, the firm minimizes clients’ unexpected emotional and financial burdens, while raising the standard for acceptable conduct in the community.

At the Lieser Law Firm, you will receive peace of mind and straightforward advice. Time is your most precious asset; don’t spend any more of it wondering what to do for yourself or your family after experiencing a serious personal injury. Make the decision to meet with Lieser Law Firm and let them ease the burden.

1034 S. Brentwood Boulevard, Ste. PH-1C, St. Louis, MO 63117 314-878-3200 | lieserlawfirm.com

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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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The family law department of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, PC PICTURED, STANDING, FROM LEFT: Amy H. Hogenson, Alan E. Freed, Kathryn L. Dudley, Allison S. Lee, Tim R. Schlesinger, Bruce E. Friedman, Jessica N. Wagner, Lisa G. Moore, Amy R. Johnson SEATED: Susan E. Block, Alisse C. Camazine

Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, PC When you go through a divorce, you can expect a challenging period of stress, anxiety, anger and fear, as you face decisions that can have a profound effect on you and your children. That’s why you need to have a team that you can depend upon—professionals who have the experience to provide you with sound legal advice and who will respond to you promptly with the answers you need.

The attorneys of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal are in the relationship business. They do what they do because of their clients. They listen to them; they learn from them; they respond to them; and they act. That’s how good relationships are supposed to work, and Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal’s attorneys take those relationships very seriously.

The family law attorneys and mediators of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal have nearly 300 years of combined legal experience. Add to that a highly trained staff of legal assistants and paralegals, and you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that they have the ability to listen with understanding and respond with confidence.

The family law team at Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal knows what you are going through because they have walked down the divorce path many times before.

In addition to family law, Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal also has attorneys who deal in corporate, tax, estate planning, immigration, real estate and insurance defense. They represent clients in the negotiation, drafting and enforcement of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. They provide mediation and collaborative divorce services. This means that you will not have to go shopping for law firms to deal with your other legal concerns or with other matters that may arise in your divorce case. Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal is a full-service firm that can handle all your needs.

Talk to one of the firm’s attorneys about any of your legal issues and let them give you the peace of mind that comes with quality legal service.

165 N. Meramec Avenue, Ste. 110, St. Louis, MO 63105 | 314-727-2266 1001 Boardwalk Springs Place, Ste. 111, O’Fallon, MO 63368 | 636-443-2050 pcblawfirm.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

February 2018 stlmag.com

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FROM LEFT: Gerry Schneller, Kevin Wilkins

Wilkins Schneller Law Wilkins Schneller Law is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm that represents individuals who have been seriously injured by the wrongful acts of others. With experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases in state and federal courts throughout the country, including serious automobile and trucking collisions, railroad injuries, product liability and wrongful death, attorneys Kevin Wilkins and Gerry Schneller take great pride in being the voices and advocates for individuals seeking justice and compensation against insurance companies and large corporations.

Recently, it has been the firm’s Maritime and Jones Act practice that has brought it much recognition. Having obtained one of the largest Jones Act judgments of all time, at $35 million, the firm was recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for having obtained one of the “Top 5 Verdicts” in the state of Missouri. It was also recognized as the “Maritime Law Firm of the Year” by Global Law Experts.

Wilkins Schneller Law regularly receives referrals from other leading personal injury law firms throughout the country who recognize the firm’s unique experience in maritime law. This highly nuanced

area of law protects workers injured on the rivers and navigable waterways of the United States. The firm has not only helped traditional maritime workers such as deckhands, engineers, mates, cooks, pilots and captains working in the inland marine industry, but also equipment operators, steel workers, carpenters and laborers working on or around the rivers and waterways when building, repairing or demolishing bridges.

Kevin and Gerry have had great success at taking what some would consider a traditional workers’ compensation case, such as a laborer injured while working on a bridge project, and instead filing it as a Jones Act case, which is much more favorable to the injured worker. In doing so, they have been able to maximize the injured employee’s recovery and secure their right to a jury trial. Given the nuances of the law, lingo and river industry, the attorneys at Wilkins Schneller Law have the experience necessary to handle even the most complex cases. They approach every case as if it were going to trial and treat every client as if they were family.

1926 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 314-588-8000 | midwesttriallawyers.com

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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTNEY DE MIK

PICTURED, FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: James W. Stevenson Jr., Matthew J. Barnhart, Mary C. Sabatino BACK ROW: Dana C. Hibbs, C. Zachary Vaughn, Lisa A. Reynolds, Brent L. Salsbury

Wiedner & McAuliffe Wiedner & McAuliffe was founded in 1974 as a two-person law firm with a core mission to provide high-quality, creative, cost-controlled defense solutions and strategies to its clients. Since then, the practice has grown to more than 70 attorneys dedicated to representing employers, insurers and third-party administrators throughout the Midwest, focusing on workers’ compensation claims, self-insured and insurance defense, coverage, property, medical risk, transportation, construction and other liability disputes. With offices in Kansas City, Rockford, Chicago and St. Louis, the firm is uniquely situated to provide regional coverage and regularly appears in courts throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana, Wisconsin and wherever clients’ litigation needs require service and strategic excellence. The firm’s mission in this regard has never changed.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Wiedner & McAuliffe in its list of “Tier 1 Best Law Firms.” Most Wiedner & McAuliffe partners are AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell; the firm’s attorneys have also been honored with distinctions by Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Rising Stars and St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40.

With a technological and service platform second to none, indepth insight and understanding of clients’ needs in a complex and evolving environment, Wiedner & McAuliffe provides a teamcentric approach to legal representation, grounded in over 45 years of experience, integrity, value and predictability. With Wiedner & McAuliffe, you get a legal team that becomes part of your team.

8000 Maryland Avenue, Ste. 550, Clayton, MO 63105 314-721-3400 | wmlaw.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Sindel Noble Sindel Noble is a second-generation Martindale-HubbellÂŽ AV-rated law firm focusing on criminal defense, DWI, personal injury, and probate and family law. The firm prides itself on providing intelligent, aggressive and ethical representation for its clients. The diverse backgrounds of the lawyers enable them to provide comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses.

The partners at Sindel Noble and their primary areas of practice are Richard Sindel in trial and appellate criminal law and Travis Noble in DWI litigation and criminal law.

Richard Sindel has argued two landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and cases in federal courts throughout the country. His argument before the Supreme Court in Bullington v. Missouri was considered one of the 10 best by The American Lawyer magazine.

He also works with the Midwest Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries to exonerate the wrongly accused, and was instrumental in securing the release of Ellen Reasonover after she had spent 18 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.

Travis Noble has developed a reputation as one of the top DWI trial lawyers throughout Missouri and the United States. He has tried cases in almost every county in the state, and has identified weaknesses and developed winning defenses in cases that on the surface seemed virtually impossible to win. He has been recognized by lawyers and judges as one of the top trial lawyers in Missouri.

The partners of Sindel Noble believe that prospective clients should look for lawyers with experience and expertise in their needed legal field. They suggest that potential clients research the background and reputation of the firms and lawyers before making their decisions.

Travis Noble

8000 Maryland Avenue, Ste. 910, Clayton, MO 63105 314-721-6040 | travisnoble.com

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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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FROM LEFT: Joseph J. Kodner; Cary J. Mogerman; Penny Robinson; Allan H. Zerman; Mary E. Niemira

Zerman Mogerman LLC Zerman Mogerman LLC is a leading St. Louis practice devoted exclusively to divorce, marital and family law, and all of its related complexities.

Founded by two of the most highly regarded divorce lawyers in Missouri, the firm represents clients in dissolution of marriage proceedings; legal separations; proceedings to modify existing decrees; proceedings to enforce rights under existing decrees; proceedings to collect child and spousal support; negotiating and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements; and in cases involving custody and support of children, whether in divorce or paternity matters.

The central focus of the practice is complex divorce cases. Such cases typically involve substantial financial questions. This can include the valuation and allocation of an interest in a closely held business or a professional practice; assets that are part of a complex pre-existing estate plan; a substantial income and lifestyle; a difficult dispute over the custody and support of children; a novel issue of law; or all of the above.

Allan H. Zerman and Cary J. Mogerman are Fellows of the American

Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Mogerman is a Diplomate, and Zerman a Diplomate Emeritus, of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, an organization with membership limited to 100 divorce trial lawyers throughout the United States. Attorneys in the firm are listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Missouri Super Lawyers” and maintain a reputation for leadership and excellence in marital and family law.

The dissolution of a marriage represents the unwinding of an economic partnership as much as it does the end of a relationship originally founded upon love and trust. The attorneys of Zerman Mogerman LLC are highly skilled negotiators, and while most of their cases are resolved privately via negotiated agreements, the firm also excels in handling complex divorce trials, as well as cases in mediation and collaborative law. If you have questions about an important family law decision in your life, call for a consultation. The firm’s attorneys provide needed guidance in complete confidence.

100 S. Brentwood Boulevard, Ste. 325, St. Louis, MO 63105 314-862-4444 | zermanmogerman.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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FROM LEFT: Jillian A. Wood; John D. Kershman; Paola A. Stange; Kirk C. Stange; Kelly M. Davidzuk

Stange Law Firm, PC When going through a divorce or family law matter, it can feel like your whole life is hanging in the balance. Not knowing what will happen to you or your family can be overwhelming. It can have even worse effects on the children involved.

Kirk and Paola Stange founded their first firm location in 2007 with a vision of helping divorce and family law clients who are in need. The firm now has locations throughout the Midwest in cities such as St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, Wichita and beyond. Stange Law Firm is one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country, according to Law Firm 500.

Attorneys at the firm have spoken on legal topics for organizations such as the Missouri Bar, the National Business Institute, mylawCLE and others. The Missouri Bar recently recognized Kirk Stange in 2017 for “his service on behalf of the legal community.”

Because of the firm’s hard work in divorce and family law, the partners have been recognized as follows: • Founding partner Kirk Stange was named to the Super Lawyers list published in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine from 2015 to present.

• Founding partner Paola Stange was named to the Rising Stars list published in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine from 2013 to present.

• Partner Jillian Wood was named to the Rising Stars list published in Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine from 2015 to present.

• Partner John Kershman was named to the Rising Stars list published in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine from 2010 to 2015.

• Partner Kelly Davidzuk has been named Lead Counsel Rated since 2017.

The attorneys at the firm are here to help guide their clients through whatever their family law matter may be, including divorce, child custody, child support and other domestic matters. The attorneys’ main focus is on the client, and this is why the firm offers clients 24/7 online access to all of their files.

Whatever the family law matter may be, Stange Law Firm, PC is here to help you rebuild your life.

MISSOURI OFFICES: St. Louis County (Clayton), West County (Ellisville), Jefferson County (Arnold), St. Charles County, Franklin County (Union), Lincoln County (Troy), Boone County (Columbia), Greene County (Springfield), Jackson County (Lee’s Summit & Kansas City, by appointment only), St. Louis City (Downtown, by appointment only) ILLINOIS OFFICES: St. Clair County (Belleville), Madison County (Edwardsville), Sangamon County (Springfield), Monroe County (Waterloo, by appointment only) KANSAS OFFICES: Johnson County (Overland Park), Sedgwick County (Wichita) 855-805-0595 | stangelawfirm.com

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The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Amato Family Law LLC The attorneys of Amato Family Law LLC focus their practice on the resolution of family law disputes through mediation, collaborative practice and litigation. They have the experience necessary to assist you in selecting the process needed to resolve your family law matters; to guide you through the complex legal and financial issues you face; to help you to resolve issues around the parenting of your children; and to help you focus on the future.

Susan Amato is a recognized trailblazer in mediation and collaborative law on the forefront of introducing, developing and utilizing these methods in the St. Louis legal arena. A graduate of Washington University School of Law, she has been featured in U.S. News & World Report by Best Lawyers® in the areas of Collaborative Family Law and Family Law Mediation, being named the 2014–2016 St. Louis Collaborative Law: Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” and the 2016 St. Louis Family Law Mediation “Lawyer of the Year.” She also holds the Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent® peer-review rating for professional excellence.

FROM LEFT: Ann Vatterott; Susan L. Amato

230 S. Bemiston Avenue, Ste. 510, Clayton, MO 63105 314-727-7122 | amatofamilylaw.com

Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP John Rogers founded Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP in January of 2017. Previously, John was a founding partner of Rosenblum, Schwartz, and Rogers, PC and continued as a managing partner through the firm’s evolution into RSRG Law Firm. He was with the firm for over 17 years. His new firm is designed to provide more direct contact with his clients, advocating for a more personable and comprehensive legal solution. John believes the attorney you hire should be the one that handles every aspect of your case. His focus continues to be giving high-end legal representation to those accused of committing criminal offenses.

John exclusively concentrates on the areas of federal and state criminal law, representing individuals and businesses charged with white collar, murder, sex and drug offenses. He has tried more than 125 jury trials and has prevailed in appellate arguments before the Supreme Court of Missouri and the Seventh and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeal. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

John Rogers

120 S. Central Avenue, Ste. 160, St. Louis, MO 63105 314-354-8484 | rsblawfirm.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

February 2018 stlmag.com

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The Law Offices of John M. Lynch, LLC If you are dealing with a criminal charge or serious personal-injury recovery issue, you need an experienced lawyer to aggressively protect your rights. John M. Lynch is a proven trial attorney with a record of success in state and federal courts. As a former police investigator, federal drug task force agent and insurance defense attorney, he understands how the other side views an issue. Clients benefit from his breadth of legal knowledge and ability to offer a candid perspective for realistic solutions.

The media, judiciary and peers recognize Lynch for his excellent legal guidance. Other attorneys routinely call upon him to assist with tough criminal cases. His legal proficiency is demonstrated not only by his record of case success but also by the recognition that he has gained from his peers, such as inclusion in the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. He also has received the AV PreeminentÂŽ rating, the highest possible rating by Martindale-HubbellÂŽ, a nationally recognized rating agency. Lynch also acts as a legal commentator, routinely appearing on local and national news outlets.

John M. Lynch

7777 Bonhomme Avenue, #1200, Clayton, MO 63105 314-726-9999 | lynchlawonline.com

The Family Law Group, LLC Benicia Baker-Livorsi is a former assistant prosecuting attorney for St. Charles County, working primarily in the criminal non-support division. In this capacity, she initiated the first international extradition in the United States for failing to pay child support when she fought to bring Dr. David Goldberg back to St. Charles County to face multiple felony charges of failing to support his children.

Benicia previously served as a municipal prosecutor for the City of Overland and has served as St. Charles County Bar President. She is a Missouri Guardian ad Litem and a zealous advocate for the welfare of children. She has focused her practice primarily on serving parents and children in the local family courts.

Benicia is a well-known appellate lawyer who has successfully won a reversal in the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as successfully argued several cases in the Missouri Supreme Court and even more in the Missouri Court of Appeals.

Her practice is primarily focused on matters related to family law in all levels of the judicial system within Missouri. Her office also handles criminal matters which typically affect family members, from minor speeding tickets to more substantial abuse allegations and DWI matters.

Benicia Baker-Livorsi

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#6 Westbury Drive, Ste. D, St. Charles, MO 63301 636-947-8181 | familylawgroupllc.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Growe Eisen Karlen Eilerts Gary Growe and Mat Eilerts are proud to once again be selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America. Growe and Eilerts, along with the highly rated and respected partners at Growe Eisen Karlen Eilerts, offer clients true value through their passionate and skilled representation in complex civil litigation, including a wide variety of commercial, family law and personal injury cases. As recognized leaders in their field, the firm routinely receives referrals from other professionals in the St. Louis area, including many lawyers.

“What our firm brings to the marketplace is the expertise and good judgment that comes from handling a wide variety of cases from start to finish,” says Eilerts. “We pride ourselves on being totally prepared each time we walk into the courthouse, which enables us to evaluate likely outcomes and help our clients avoid unnecessary risks associated with the litigation process.”

The reputation of the firm and the courtroom skills of each of the firm’s attorneys give clients comfort and confidence that their cases will be handled with competence and care.

FROM LEFT: Mathew Eilerts; Gary Growe

7733 Forsyth Boulevard, Ste. 325, St. Louis, MO 63105 314-725-1912 | groweeisen.com

Newman Bronson & Wallis The trial lawyers at Newman Bronson & Wallis have a long history of dedication to preserving the public’s constitutional right to a fair trial. They do this through advocating for clients’ best interests and by ensuring the civil justice system is doing what it should be doing: promoting justice and correcting injustice. The firm of NB&W does this at no cost to you—now or ever—unless they recover, because they believe that every person is entitled to qualified legal representation.

While no magic eraser exists, the law provides that those who carelessly cause harm to others be held responsible for the injuries they cause. Medical expenses, missing days of work due to disability, and pain and suffering mean bills are piling up. This stress only adds to losses after a traumatic or injurious event.

NB&W’s experienced lawyers hold drivers, truckers, product and pharmaceutical manufacturers and employers accountable so that the community stays safe for everyone. They have over 70 years of combined legal experience recovering compensation for people injured by others’ carelessness, recklessness, negligence or disregard for safety. NB&W makes sure their clients’ voices are heard by working together to right these wrongs.

FROM LEFT: Lauren E. Bronson; Marc S. Wallis; Mark I. Bronson

2300 West Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 314-878-8200 | newmanbronson.com

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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