November 2019 - Leaders in Law | St. Louis Magazine

S P EC IA L A DV E R T IS IN G S EC T IO N

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.

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 119

10/3/19 4:00 PM

LEADERS IN LAW

120

November 2019 stlmag.com

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 120

10/3/19 4:00 PM

S P EC IA L A DV E R T IS IN G S EC T IO N

Hais, Hais & Goldberger FULL-SERVICE FAMILY LAW 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 pension–benefits 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.

Before joining the firm, Samuel J. Hais 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.

Dzenana Delic received her bachelor’s degree from Maryville University. She graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law. During her time in law school, Dzenana served as a certified legal intern in Indiana and Illinois representing indigent clients in criminal law matters and was a participant in National Trial Advocacy Competitions.

She recently made partner in the firm.

Diana R. Mallon graduated from Washington University School of Law and Gonzaga University. She is a creative attorney with extensive training in social work and experience addressing family issues and finding compromises. She is a skilled negotiator, confident in litigation, and is particularly focused on working with clients in high-stress situations.

Caitlin Keene graduated from University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law and Baylor University. Most recently, she was the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office.

While there, she individually managed the Child Support Enforcement Office with a case load of more than 300 individuals, prepared case strategy for jury trials and probation violation hearings, and established paternity for the purpose of enforcing child support.

Daniel Zdrodowski is an experienced civil litigator who is not afraid to take on novel or unique legal issues. He is licensed in both Missouri and Illinois and has practiced in every court in the Greater St. Louis area.

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.”

Samuel J. Hais and Susan M. Hais

222 S. Central Avenue, Ste. 600 Clayton, MO 63105 314-326-4885 hhg-law.com

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

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 121

November 2019 stlmag.com

121

10/3/19 4:00 PM

LEADERS IN LAW

Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, P.C. BUSINESS & FAMILY LAW Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, P.C. is proud to celebrate 25 years of service to the Greater St. Louis area. The firm is unique in that, from its founding, it has been at the forefront of women in the legal profession while remaining a smaller firm with a scope of services typically seen in much larger firms. The practice has thrived for 25 years by always placing the clients’ needs first and striving for a reputation of practicing to the highest ethical standards with a thoroughness of preparation.

In January 1994, after months of planning and preparation, Don Paule, Alisse Camazine, and Tom Blumenthal, along with 12 other lawyers, formed this firm with the goal of providing high-quality

122

November 2019 stlmag.com

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 122

representation in a wide range of practice areas, including estate planning, probate, business, civil litigation, and family law.

Twenty-five years later, Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal has grown to 31 lawyers and has expanded its areas of practice to include immigration, real estate, insurance defense, municipal law, intellectual property, assisted reproduction technology, alternative dispute resolution, and elder and disability law.

The attorneys of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal look forward to many more years of providing a broad spectrum of legal services to the community while maintaining the integrity and personal service that have become the hallmark of the firm.

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

10/3/19 4:00 PM

S P EC IA L A DV E R T IS IN G S EC T IO N

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

SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT: Donald W. Paule, Alisse C. Camazine, Thomas M. Blumenthal; STANDING: Lauren E. Surdyke, Melissa G. Nolan, Eleanore I. Palozola, Kathryn L. Dudley, D. Keith Henson, Douglas R. Thornburg, Samantha B. Jones, Carl M. Markus, Bruce E. Friedman, Patricia L. Bland, Amy R. Johnson, Tim Schlesinger, Lisa G. Moore, Alan E. Freed, Lauren A. Gearhart, Amy Hoch Hogenson, Allison Schreiber Lee, Susan E. Block, Bernard W. Gerdelman, Debra K. Schuster, Bradley J. Sylwester; NOT PICTURED: Michael E. Bub, Joann N. Dyroff, Frederick B. Kruger, Aaron L. Rankin, Barton E. Saettele, David M. Slaby, Morgan E. Roehrig

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

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 123

November 2019 stlmag.com

123

10/3/19 4:01 PM

LEADERS IN LAW

S P EC IA L A DVE R T I S I NG S EC T I O N

Henry Miller (Grant, Miller & Smith, LLC) FULL-SERVICE FAMILY LAW

Henry (Hank) Miller

7733 Forsyth Boulevard, Ste. 1850 Clayton, MO 63105 314-721-6677 grantmillersmith.com

124

November 2019 stlmag.com

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 124

Henry “Hank” Miller has been practicing law since 1999. He approaches each case with the same basic premise: start from a reasonable position and work towards an amicable resolution. This is especially important in cases involving child custody. When parents decide to get divorced, kids are thrust into a difficult situation they did not create. They are already being pulled in two directions; we cannot make it harder on them by forcing them to choose sides. Parents owe it to their kids to do everything they can to maintain an environment where their kids feel allowed to love each parent. No matter what their differences, Hank encourages parents to interact respectfully with each other during and after the divorce.

Remember, you are the adults and your children are watching.

Hank has been involved in hundreds of child custody matters, and has witnessed how a disrespectful divorce “battle” can affect children. That’s why he makes children his first priority in any family law matter. Additionally, when two people approach their divorce or other family law matter as though it is a war, it only results in higher fees and the only people who benefit are the attorneys.

That being said, divorces can be very contentious and heavily litigated. The stakes are very high.

Decisions are being made regarding child custody and disposition of assets people have worked very hard to acquire. Family businesses must be valued and addressed. Retirement, college savings, and investments must be divided between the parties. Hank and his law partners, William Grant and Gregory Smith, bring more than 70 years of combined experience to the table. No matter how complex a marital estate is, Hank has the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to obtain the best possible result.

Hank has been named a Missouri Super Lawyer ® for many years. He concentrates his practice on family law matters of all kinds, including divorce, child custody, modification of a previous judgment, paternity, child support, adoption, and matters involving the juvenile (family) court. He has helped clients achieve the right result in both state and federal court for more than 20 years. If you have a family law matter or would like to know more about your options, contact Hank at 314-721-6677.

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

10/3/19 4:01 PM

SPECIAL ADV ER TI S I N G S ECTI ON

Michael Gross Law Office APPELLATE COUNSEL FOR BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUALS

Michael Gross

Michael Gross is an appellate lawyer. He has represented clients successfully in the Missouri Supreme Court, the Missouri Court of Appeals, the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. From bet-the-business corporate litigation to high-stakes divorce cases to white-collar crime and beyond, Mr. Gross has taken part in appeals from coast to coast.

Trial attorneys frequently turn to Michael Gross to defend large judgments they have won in trial courts. He also assists trial lawyers in optimizing their cases for mediation, writing briefs for critical trial court proceedings, and providing research and guidance before a case is filed. Mr. Gross maintains a one-lawyer office and is often opposed by attorneys from the largest law firms or the United States Department of Justice.

After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School, Mr. Gross served as law clerk to Chief Judge Marion C. Matthes of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He has spoken to lawyers about appellate practice at many continuing legal education programs.

231 S. Bemiston Ave, Ste. 250, St. Louis, MO 63105 314-863-5887 | grossbriefs.com

Growe Eisen Karlen Eilerts FULL-SERVICE FAMILY LAW

Mathew Eilerts and Gary Growe

Gary Growe and Mat Eilerts are proud to be selected for inclusion in the 2020 edition of 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.

120 S. Central Avenue, Ste. 150, Clayton, MO 63105 314-725-1912 | groweeisen.com

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

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 125

November 2019 stlmag.com

125

10/3/19 4:02 PM

LEADERS IN LAW

S P EC IA L A DVE R T I S I NG S EC T I O N

Holland Injury Law INJURY LAW For 27 years, William Holland and his associates have consistently provided outstanding results for injury victims. Whether helping victims fight their way through the insurance company maze or ensuring they receive timely and appropriate medical care, the lawyers at Holland Injury Law are always available to answer questions.

Backed by an exceptionally strong team, Holland Injury Law offers big-firm, state-of-the-art technology coupled with small-firm, personal support and guidance. The firm has been featured on local TV stations including KSDK, KMOV, and Fox 2 News for their work with high-profile personal injury cases. Bill Holland has been recognized as a Missouri Kansas Super Lawyer, a National Trial Lawyer Top 100 Lawyer, and a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Holland has personally recovered more than $100 million for his clients. Clients appreciate his passion: “I will always be grateful for William Holland and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a caring and professional attorney. William worked tirelessly on my wrongful death case and helped me through the most difficult challenge of my life.”

FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Julie Holland, April Dudley, Nancee Ripcse, Aliyah Brooks, Sharon Brooner; BACK ROW: John Moffitt, Bill Holland, Joe McDowell, Meghan Pohrer 130 S. Bemiston Ave, Ste. 706, St. Louis, MO 63105 314-888-7888 | stlinjury.lawyer

Frankel, Rubin, Klein, Siegel, Payne & Pudlowski P.C. FULL-SERVICE LAW

SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT: Elaine Pudlowski, Leonard Frankel; STANDING: Mayer Klein, Michael Payne, Mark Rubin, Julie Siegel

Leonard Frankel’s mediation experience includes employment law, personal injury, contracts, statutory remedies, and family law.

He co-authored Why Cases Settle, Why Cases Don’t Settle, and authored Presuit Mediation—A Missed Opportunity, both of which were published in the St. Louis Bar Journal. He has been named to the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers list since 2005. Frankel is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for his expertise in Mediation and Family Law Mediation. He was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Family Law Mediation in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020; and “Lawyer of the Year” in Mediation in 2013 and 2015.

Elaine Pudlowski practices in the field of domestic relations handling divorce, paternity, child custody, support, and adoptions. Elaine is certified as a court appointed guardian ad litem, mediator, and parent coordinator. She is a frequent author and lecturer on topics in family law. Elaine received the Women’s Justice Award in 2019 and is listed in the 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for her expertise in family law. Elaine earned a BA and JD from Washington University.

231 S. Bemiston Avenue, Ste. 1111, Clayton, MO 63105 314-725-8000 | frankelrubin.com

126

November 2019 stlmag.com

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 126

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

10/3/19 4:03 PM

SPECIAL ADV ER TI S I N G S ECTI ON

The Law Offices of John M. Lynch, LLC TRIAL ATTORNEY

John M. Lynch

When dealing with a serious criminal matter, personal-injury, or employment discrimination issue, you need an experienced lawyer to aggressively pursue your case. John M. Lynch is a proven trial attorney with a record of success in state and federal courts all over the country. 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 that benefit his clients. The media, judiciary, and peers recognize Mr. Lynch for his excellent legal guidance. Other attorneys often call him to assist with tough criminal cases or help with their civil litigation. His legal proficiency is demonstrated not only by his record of case successes, including acquittals for his criminal clients, but also the millions recovered for his civil clients. The result is his inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Mr. Lynch has received an AV Preeminent® rating, the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, a nationally recognized rating agency.

Mr. Lynch also serves as a high demand legal commentator, routinely appearing on many local and national news outlets.

5770 Mexico Road, Ste. A, St. Peters, MO 63376 314-726-9999 | lynchlawonline.com

Fisher Patterson Sayler & Smith FULL-SERVICE LAW

Portia Kayser

Portia Kayser is honored to be selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© for Municipal Litigation. Ms. Kayser represents cities and counties in Missouri and Illinois in both litigation and appeals. She joins her partners Michael Seck and David Baker (Overland Park, Kansas) and David Cooper, Justice King, Steven Pigg, and Terelle Mock (Topeka, Kansas) as being recognized as leaders in their fields.

Fisher Patterson has 110 years of history of providing clients with skilled, experienced, and dedicated representation in a variety of matters including government liability, professional liability, employment law, appellate practice, administrative law, law enforcement defense, construction, insurance defense, civil rights, corporate law, workers compensation, bankruptcy, and mediation.

With 19 attorneys working in Topeka, Overland Park, and St. Louis, the firm represents clients in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Fisher, Patterson, Sayler, and Smith, LLP—because experience counts.

1010 Market Street, Ste. 1650, St. Louis, MO 63101 314-561-3675 | fisherpatterson.com

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

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 127

November 2019 stlmag.com

127

10/3/19 4:03 PM

LEADERS IN LAW

S P ECI A L A DV ER TI S I N G S ECTI O N

Amato Family Law LLC FAMILY LAW Susan Amato’s practice focuses on resolving family law disputes through mediation, collaborative practice, and litigation. She has the experience necessary to assist you in selecting the process needed to resolve your family law matters and to guide you through the complex legal and financial issues that you face. She will help you to resolve issues around the parenting of your children and to focus on the future.

Susan 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, Susan has held the Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Review rating for professional excellence for fifteen years. She is a Certified Advanced Practitioner with the Academy of Professional Family Mediators and has been named by Best Lawyers® as St. Louis Collaborative Law Family Law “Lawyer of the Year” in 2015 and 2019 and as St. Louis Family Law Mediation “Lawyer of the Year” in 2016.

Susan L. Amato

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

The Shaw Law Group, P.C. FAMILY LAW The Shaw Law Group, P.C. provides high-quality, creative domestic relations legal services. Jennifer A. Shaw and Amanda G. Highlander are Metro-East natives who returned after law school to live, work, and volunteer in their hometowns. Jennifer started the firm, and Amanda joined later, solidifying a friendship that grew years before.

They believe lawyers can serve their communities and their clients with integrity and humor. Their innovative team is compassionate, diverse, and highly experienced.

The Shaw Law Group is rooted in tradition, yet they are forwardthinking. Their clients’ individuality and unique circumstances demand nuance. They believe in client-centered, zealous representation— guiding people through legally and emotionally complex family matters.

Sometimes competitive yet always empathetic, Jennifer and Amanda collaborate with clients to achieve a new family structure.

Recognized by Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Best Lawyers®, and U.S. News & World Report, they provide creative solutions for all aspects of family law.

Jennifer A. Shaw and Amanda G. Highlander

201 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025 618-655-0555 | jashawlaw.com

128

November 2019 stlmag.com

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 128

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

10/3/19 4:03 PM

SPECIAL ADV ER TI S I N G S ECTI ON

Newman Bronson & Wallis TRIAL LAW

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

The trial lawyers at Newman Bronson & Wallis represent individuals and families who suffer injury or death due to dangerous behavior.

They strive to make the community safer and are dedicated to preserving the people’s 7th Amendment constitutional right to a jury trial. They do this through advocating for the community’s best interests and by ensuring the civil justice system is doing what it should be doing: promoting justice and correcting injustice.

NB&W’s experienced trial lawyers hold dangerous drivers, corporations, tractor trailer companies, product and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and employers accountable for the harm they cause. NB&W has more than 80 years of combined legal experience recovering compensation for people injured by others’ disregard for the safety of the community. NB&W makes sure their clients’ voices are heard by working together to right these wrongs.

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

The Family Law Group, LLC FULL-SERVICE FAMILY LAW

Benicia Livorsi

The Family Law Group, LLC represents family members in crisis. Known for innovative advocacy, Benicia Livorsi initiated the United States’ first international extradition against a parent for financial non-support.

Recognizing the importance of supporting her community, Benicia has been a municipal prosecutor, a president of the local bar association, a foster parent for nearly a decade, and a guardian ad litem for nearly 20 years.

Benicia is a well-known appellate lawyer who has successfully won a reversal in the United States Supreme Court as well as successfully briefed and argued numerous cases in the Missouri appellate courts and the Missouri Supreme Court. The Family Law Group, LLC is primarily focused on matters related to family law such as divorce, custody cases, adoptions, juvenile cases, and similar matters in all levels of the judicial system within Missouri. Their office also handles criminal matters that typically affect family members, from minor speeding tickets to more substantial abuse allegations and DWI matters.

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.

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 129

November 2019 stlmag.com

129

10/3/19 4:04 PM

LEADERS IN LAW

S P EC IA L A DVE R T I S I NG S EC T I O N

Page Law PERSONAL INJURY & FAMILY LAW Page Law was named a 2020 Tier 1 Family Law firm by U.S. News–Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in the St. Louis area. Tonya was recognized for her outstanding work in the area of family law, while John was named for his high-caliber work in Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs. They would also like to congratulate Brad Wilmoth as a Best Lawyers selection for 2020, and Andrew Drazen and Sarah Wilde for their selections as Rising Stars

by Super Lawyers®.

John and Tonya are founding partners of Page Law, LLC, a personal injury and family law firm they started together in 2010. Tonya practices exclusively in the area of family law, representing clients throughout the state in high-end divorce and complex custody matters. She also has extensive experience with paternity, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, grandparents’ rights, adoption, and orders of protection. John oversees the personal injury side of the firm, handling serious injury and death cases, including tractor-trailer, motorcycle, car accidents, railroad, and train accidents, along with dog bite and medical malpractice cases.

Both John and Tonya have been repeatedly recognized as top attorneys in their field by St. Louis Magazine and Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers®, among others.

Outside the courtroom, John and Tonya are active in the legal community and stay busy with their two children, Speed and Ari, ages 8 and 5.

John Page and Tonya Page

9930 Watson Road, Ste. 100, St. Louis, MO 63126 314-322-8515 | pagelaw.com

There’s more to see online!

130

November 2019 stlmag.com

1119SLM_Lawyers.indd 130

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

10/3/19 4:04 PM