Labor & Employment: Missouri

THE FIRM This St. Louis-based team is renowned for its expertise in employment litigation. It has been busy with a raft of instructions in connection with sophisticated discrimination lawsuits, class actions, and anticompetition cases. AmerenUE, Curry Investments, and North Kansas City Hospital are among its notable clients.

Sources say: "They are strong in the employment defense area, such as discrimination lawsuits." "They have a very solid client base and skilled attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel O'Toole is regarded as an "excellent litigator" and chairs the entire firm's litigation practice. He handles all of its employment matters for UPS.

Robert Kaiser advises small and medium-sized companies on both traditional labor issues and employment disputes. Recently, he was involved in representing AmerenEU in race discrimination litigation filed against it by a current employee.

John Vering operates out of Kansas City and is applauded for his "remarkable knowledge." He also elicits praise for his work ethic and sound writing skills.

THE FIRM The Missouri group of this national giant is principally based in St. Louis and is widely admired for its strength in employment litigation, covering wage and hour, discrimination, and wrongful termination. Housing some of the star employment practitioners in the field, the team has a fabulous reputation and is trusted by clients for the most complex of cases. It also has expertise in traditional labor issues and day-to-day employment counseling. Clients include Dickinson Financial, Tech Electronics and Maritz.

Sources say: "They are fantastic business partners, strategic and cost-sensitive." "Their strength is that they understand our business and culture, and anticipate issues which are unique to our business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jerry Hunter is much admired and remains a leading light in the St. Louis market. He is highly sought after to advise on both traditional labor issues and employment law.

The highly regarded Charles Jellinek draws praise for his results-driven approach to matters. He advises on both employment litigation and traditional labor matters, with a focus on labor-related counseling and labor relation issues. 

Daniel O'Keefe is recommended for his employment counseling and litigation work, particularly with regard to discrimination and anticompetition issues, in addition to an already highly respected commercial disputes practice. Clients particularly highlight his responsiveness and ability to reliably manage a case.

With more than 30 years' experience, Dennis Donnelly is deemed by peers and clients as a "father of the labor and employment community in Missouri." He advises on both employment and traditional labor issues, and is particularly respected for his work in connection with union and working force relationships. Sources also praise his commercial understanding and communication skills.

Kansas City-based Elaine Drodge Koch is head of the labor and employment group and focuses on employment litigation and day-to-day management counseling. She is particularly recognized for her wage and hour class action work, and is also applauded for her knowledge and proactive approach to contentious matters.

THE FIRM This Kansas City-based boutique remains a notable force in the market. The team is better known on the traditional labor side, but is also well equipped to handle all manner of employment work. It continues to be particularly strong in policy advisory work, wage and hour issues, and union negotiations.

Sources say: "Their strengths are a great knowledge of law and excellent people skills. Extremely professional service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Timothy Davis acts for clients on both employment and labor matters, including policy advising, union issues, and representing corporate clients in litigation and arbitration. Sources describe him as "very practical, responsive, and efficient," and also applaud his ability to "think strategically and help clients to navigate through tricky labor issues."

Robert Janowitz is a senior member of the team and draws particular praise for his depth of expertise on traditional labor matters, ranging from labor agreement negotiation to union relationships.

THE FIRM This Kansas City-based labor and employment practice benefits from the firm's strong national network of locations and inter-departmental expertise. It advises on all aspects of employment, ranging from employee-related litigation, noncompete agreements and OSHA matters to handbook revisions, contracts and counseling on employment termination. The group is also well equipped to handle the full range of traditional labor work.

Sources say: "They do a good job of notifying us of changes in applicable law. It is excellent work and excellent value. Big-firm expertise and service at mid-firm prices."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Finucane's practice blends both employment and traditional labor work with a focus on employment litigation, covering wage and hour disputes and a variety of discrimination claims. Interviewees agree that he is "very knowledgeable in all facets of employment law" and is "both personable and insightful: he understands the human nature that surrounds the law and deals well with the exceptions that arise with good verbal and written expertise." 

Randall Coffey is another key member of the team and is described as "an extremely effective defense lawyer: very practical and pragmatic, and civil in his approach." In addition to his expertise in employment litigation, he is also known for providing day-to-day employment counseling to a range of corporate clients.

James Holland is a rising star in the world of employment litigation. He stands out for his "demonstrated commitment to client service" and for his "thorough knowledge of the law and practical approach to legal issues."

THE FIRM This group is well known for its expert handling of employment and traditional labor matters. The results-driven team deals with a wide range of issues, including labor/union relationships, wage and payroll issues, employee benefits, and hiring and terminations. It acts for clients from both the public and private sectors, and has an excellent reputation for acting on behalf of clients in the healthcare space. Recent highlights include representing a client in the grocery industry in its dispute with union members regarding its collective bargaining agreement.

Sources say: "They are responsive – we do not have to wait to get a reply from them – and they have a very practical approach."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior team member Dennis Collins chairs the firm's labor and employment practice and is noted for his wealth of experience. Over the past year, he has led the team in defeating the Union's attempts to organize a distribution company's employees before the NLRB. 

Labor and employment practice head Kevin McLaughlin has a very active practice, and has handled noncompete cases and collective bargaining and discrimination litigation over the past year, among others matters. Clients describe him as "very responsive and very practical," and also applaud his solution-focused attitude.

THE FIRM This premier firm has a strong presence throughout the state, with superb teams in both Kansas City and St. Louis. The group draws on the vast resources of the firm's strong corporate practice to provide full services to leading clients in this space. It deals with both the employment and labor sides, and is especially recognized for its expertise in employee discrimination complaints and lawsuits, executive training, wage and hour issues and employee benefits. Clients include BJC Healthcare, Commerce Bank and Forest Pharmaceuticals.

Sources say: "This practice has really strong breadth and depth." "They are solid, responsive, and know our business well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Phillips is "one of the deans in this area and has tremendous expertise and judgment." He has developed a reputation as a go-to person for alternative dispute resolution, and is regarded as a mentor to many peers in the area.

Based in Kansas City, Mark Welker is a nationally recognized expert for employee benefits, and is heavily praised for his work: "He is practical and accessible – a really valued partner."

Robert Tomaso is one of the top employment names in St. Louis and has an excellent reputation for his class actions work, representing clients in discrimination lawsuits and traditional labor work. As a member of the firm's executive committee, he devotes some of his time to management and is also highly respected for his client development work.

Bradley Hiles is head of the labor and employment group and principally focuses on OSHA matters. In addition, he devotes considerable time to representing employers in union contract bargaining and employment discrimination cases. "He communicates well, has a solid understanding of law, and applies his knowledge of our business," commented one satisfied client. 

Rising star Amy Fowler is, according to one appreciative client, "proactive in addressing early settlement and sensitive to cost issues, and avoids unnecessary motion practice."

THE FIRM Based in Kansas City, this group provides a full service in the labor and employment arena, and enjoys an excellent reputation for its work. The team handles both traditional labor and employment matters, advising on issues concerning  labor negotiation with unions and employment-related litigations. It is also regularly called upon to assist with noncompete matters and compliance work.

Sources say: "They are excellent professionals who always give good advice." "They are excellent: professional and up to date with current law and issues."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rosalee McNamara brings a wealth of experience to bear on her labor and employment litigation practice. She is recommended for her work ethic and ability to "assess a situation and come up with a creative, thoughtful approach to help clients through difficult moments."

Practice head David Vogel draws praise for his "temperament in dealing with labor and employment issues." He concentrates on employment discrimination litigation and also provides training and counseling to corporate clients in order to avoid employment disputes.

The "very gifted" Jack Rowe is applauded for his strategic approach and thorough preparation. He concentrates exclusively on traditional labor relation and employment work, and is noted as a go-to person for management boards for labor negotiations.

THE FIRM Despite being a relative newcomer to the Kansas City market, this national labor and employment firm has been recognized as one of the leading players in town and houses some of the top talents in this field. The group is building a reputation for class actions in the wage and hour arena, as well as union-related traditional labor work. Active clients include Shelter Insurance, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and American Century Investments.

Sources say: "Because of their extensive network of offices, we are able to contact their lawyers and offices nationwide, which is very helpful and practical."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeannie DeVeney concentrates exclusively on employment litigation and counseling work, regularly defending employers against discrimination claims. Commentators describe her as an "extremely personable, bright and hard-working lawyer" who "demonstrates an accomplished set of trial skills."

Denise Drake is singled out for her creativity and wealth of experience in employment litigation. She predominantly focuses on large class and collective action cases.

Daniel Boatright covers both traditional labor and employment work, and is especially known for handling wage and hour matters. He elicits much praise for his level-headedness and steady presence in matters.

Harry Wellford is a well-regarded employment lawyer in St. Louis and is perhaps best known for his noncompete work. Sources describe him as being "very easy to work with, bright and accessible," and also single out his business-focused and solution-oriented approach.

Amie Needham advises clients on traditional labor issues and employment litigation, and also provides day-to-day counseling. She is "smart, responsive, and totally dedicated to our success," said one highly appreciative client. She is new to the team, having recently joined from Thompson Coburn.

THE FIRM This national labor and employment practice enjoys an excellent presence in Missouri. It has been very active in both Kansas City and St. Louis, advising clients on labor and employment issues, including employment litigation and wage and hour class actions. The group also routinely provides clients with day-to-day counseling and training, and also advises on handbook issues. Notable clients include American Water Works, Arrow Electronics and Union Pacific. 

Sources say: "A fabulous firm to work with if you have cases all over the US – a wonderful legal partner." "I have a very good impression of them – they are skillful and client-focused."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Matula is much admired as a "confident lawyer" who "has a very accomplished skill set." He focuses primarily on employment litigation and has a great reputation for his broad knowledge base. In the past year, he successfully defended ADT Security Services against a race discrimination claim made by a former employee.

The highly regarded Donald Prophete plays a significant management role in the firm and receives much praise for his contribution to this team. He is well known for his employment litigation practice, which focuses on discrimination cases. He is also particularly sought after for his retail and energy sector experience.

Anthony Byergo chairs the firm's national collective bargaining practice and is well respected for his traditional labor work. "He has developed a set of strong trial skills," market commentators note. Recent highlights include representing Tire Kingdom in a sexual harassment claim and retaliation claims brought by former employees, achieving favorable defense verdicts.

Patrick Hulla chairs the firm's Kansas City office and is noted for his wealth of experience in the arena, particularly in class action cases. Clients describe him as "easy to work with, responsive and practical."

Kerri Reisdorff is sought after for employment litigation matters and general counseling, and is also well versed in employment reduction matters. Interviewees praise her responsiveness and the practicality of her advice.

St. Louis-based Gregg Lemley is regarded as "a go-to attorney who is smart, responsive, rational and logical, and able to evaluate the situation and give practical advice." He is well versed in a wide variety of discrimination cases.

Since publication, Donald S Prophete has left this practice.

THE FIRM This broad-based practice provides day-to-day counseling and representation in employment litigation to a range of clients, and is particularly sought after for its expertise in OSHA and wage and hour cases. In a recent highlight, it represented Transit Management of St. Joseph in a dispute regarding the dismissal of an employee for threatening a supervisor.

Sources say: "A decent sized firm with resources – they are able to advise us on the full picture for us to make a decision."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Terrence Kilroy operates out of Kansas City and heads the firm's traditional labor practice. Clients single him out as "a very experienced and knowledgeable lawyer in this area," and "a strategic adviser." 

William Robbins is a very active player in labor and employment and has more than 25 years' experience under his belt. He assists companies on a wide range of matters, with a strong focus on traditional labor union work, regulatory advisory issues and compliance counseling. He acted as lead counsel in the aforementioned matter for Transit Management of St. Joseph. 

THE FIRM This boutique firm's growing labor and employment practice has become a significant force in the Midwest and represents an impressive range of clients seeking representation in employment litigation. The team advises on all aspects of labor and employment law, including various types of contentious discrimination matters and employee relationship issues. It is also sought after to assist clients with day-to-day counseling. Clients include Koch Industries, Humana Insurance, and Kansas City Southern Railway.

Sources say: "The results speak for themselves: they consistently rescue us from nasty situations." "A small group of knowledgeable, experienced and hard-working lawyers, who work extremely well together as a team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly regarded employment litigator Michael Blumenthal is noted for his "great presence" and "calm and very confident" manner, and is also described as "efficient, effective and experienced" by a host of impressed sources. He specializes in traditional labor matters, counseling and employment defense work, and has an excellent reputation in discrimination cases.

Paul Seyferth is particularly noted for his class action work, focusing on the healthcare sector, and is also sought after for his expertise in employment discrimination defense cases. Employers regard him as a "trusted adviser," while peers describe him as "thoughtful and intuitive" with "good judgment and excellent trial skills." Over the past year, he successfully represented McKeever Enterprises in an age discrimination lawsuit filed by former employees.

Charles Harris is a leading member of the firm's labor and employment team and has a good reputation for his employment litigation practice. Clients highlight his customer skills and describe him as "an excellent litigator and strategist."

Sources note that rising star Julia Kitsmiller is "absorbing experience and confidence along the way" in order to develop her employment litigation practice. Commentators also reserve praise for her strong writing skills. She has recently been involved in defending Kansas City Southern Railway against race discrimination claims.

Brent Coverdale is highly regarded for his practical day-to-day labor and employment advice to companies. Sources praise his knowledge and analytical skills, as well as the insight he brings to employment issues. His recent highlights include assisting Seyferth in the aforementioned age discrimination case for McKeever Enterprises. 

Kimberly Jones recently joined the firm from Husch Blackwell. She is highly regarded for her class action and corporate advisory work, and peers praise her "creative and thoughtful approach to helping clients through difficult situations."

THE FIRM This practice operates out of Kansas City and draws considerable resources from the firm's strong litigation practice. Its outstanding lawyers are best known for their expertise in employment disputes, including complex class actions. The team frequently handles EEOC matters, and recently successfully defended UMB Bank in a race discrimination case filed by a former employee.

Sources say: "They are very good litigators, who have the ability to work with government agencies to achieve a successful resolution. Certainly, their preparation in these matters is some of the best I have seen. They are very organized and good all round."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chair of the firm's labor and employment department, William Martucci is recognized as a preeminent figure in the employment litigation arena. He specializes in wage and hour, discrimination and unfair competition cases, and is singled out by peers for his "personable and thoughtful" approach to matters. Recent work has seen him defend Foot Locker Retail against harassment and retaliation claims brought by three individuals. 

Carrie McAtee debuts in the rankings this year, with sources praising her deep involvement in EEOC matters and her advice to companies on policy issues. "She is very smart, great to work with and extremely knowledgeable on Missouri law," say interviewees.

THE FIRM This Kansas City labor and employment group has a solid reputation in the market, and fields a team of excellent practitioners. It has one of the largest traditional labor practices in the region and is well versed in discrimination litigation and human resources counseling. Over the past year, it has been particularly active in noncompete lawsuits.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Wing is a key member of the group and advises clients on both traditional labor matters and employment litigation. He is best known for his expertise across a range of labor union issues, and is described by peers as "a very strong strategist and policy adviser." He is also noted for his strength in employment litigation avoidance.

Sue Willman is sought after for her expertise in employment law, providing all aspects of HR-related counseling to employers. She is especially knowledgeable on FMLA issues.

THE FIRM This practice remains a leading player in Kansas City, advising employers on both labor law and various types of employment litigation, as well as policy advisory work. It is defending Huhtamaki, a large packaging company, against a large-scale, nationwide collective action concerning working overtime without remuneration.

Sources say: "The firm has broad knowledge and talented litigators, and is able to provide excellent advice in this area."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Donnelly is widely recognized as a top-notch litigator and has a wealth of experience in both commercial and employment disputes. He enjoys a good reputation among peers for his extremely active insurance employment defense practice. Over the past year, he has been acting as counsel for Chubb Insurance, representing a wide range of insureds in numerous employment disputes.

Richard Connors is highly prized for his traditional labor practice and is described as "very insightful, creative and responsive." Clients also appreciate his experience as an in-house lawyer, which has informed his practical and efficient approach to matters. In a recent highlight, he assisted a large manufacturing company in a wage and hour compliance investigation by the Department of Labor.

Patricia Konopka is recognized for her employment litigation and counseling work, and praised for her confident manner and responsiveness. She is currently advising a publishing company on FMLA interference and retaliation claims.

Employment litigator and counselor Sara Welch provides services to a broad range of clients. She is defending a large airline against a race discrimination claim.

THE FIRM Despite suffering the sad loss of star individual Richard Jaudes last year, Thompson Coburn maintains a leading practice in St. Louis. The group advises clients across the nation on various matters, including labor and union relationships and employment litigation. It is also known for its HR-related counseling work.

Sources say: "I do believe that Thompson Coburn has an edge over competitors in the area of responsiveness and dedication to the needs of their customers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected Clifford Godiner is the vice chair of the firm's labor and employment department and concentrates on labor union-related matters and employment litigation. He is particularly well known for his employment benefits work.