With a team of 90 attorneys dedicated to work on a wide variety of litigation, this area is at the heart of the firm. The depth and diversity provided by the sizable group is a major draw for clients, and the ensemble houses a number of leading white-collar crime specialists to complement the stellar general commercial litigation practice. Jeffrey Demerath is one such expert, and has garnered a superb reputation in the white-collar crime arena. Clients praise his diligent trial preparation, asserting that “he digs into the details of a case until he knows it back to front.”  James Martin is also highly praised in this area: peers are impressed by his down-to-earth personality and ability to disarm juries with humor. These qualities also translate well to tense negotiations, in which clients say he is a reasonable and levelheaded facilitator. Commentators sing the praises of  James Virtel, highlighting his incredible judgment and vast experience of work on commercial and class action litigation. He is particularly strong on products liability work involving the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Paul Kovacs's practice takes in construction, medical malpractice and products liability litigation. Interviewees agree that he can communicate the important points of a case succinctly and clearly to a jury. In one recent case, the group attained summary judgment for client Dow Chemical in defense of a multimillion-dollar claim for breach of contract, monopolization and attempted monopolization brought by Foam Supplies Incorporated.

Bryan Cave's formidable litigation group comprises 135 attorneys spread across its four Missouri offices. Clients say they are able to “handle anything that we throw at them,” and offer special commendation for the team's class action work. The stature of the firm’s clients is testament to the regard in which it is held by the market: major corporations such as Boeing, Emerson Electric and H&R Block feature on its roster. Visible on many of the largest cases in the region, Dan Ball is recognized as a leading attorney in products liability and related class action work. Interviewees cite his excellent oratory skills and ability to clearly explain complex concepts to jurors as a key strength. Thomas Walsh is praised for his work in the appeals court, where he has represented a host of prominent regional and national corporations. This top-ranking attorney also impresses with his expertise on employment discrimination, antitrust, constitutional law and trademarks. Noted for his realistic yet positive approach,  Jeffrey Russell is well versed in securities, employee benefits, consumer products and antitrust cases. Craig O'Dear is applauded for his quick-thinking and unflappable disposition in state and federal court proceedings. Products liability and commercial litigation are at the heart of his practice. Irvin Belzer's clients agree that he is an eminent authority on commercial and real estate law, and praise his litigation skills in these areas. Bankruptcy expert Laurence Frazen represents debtors, creditors and creditors' committees in court on a local and national basis. His high standing in the market is a reflection of the level of knowledge and expertise he brings to Chapter 11 and other bankruptcy-related work.  

This flagship litigation group has an array of regional and national giants on its client roster, including DaimlerChrysler Financial Services, Union Pacific Railroad and Enterprise Rent-a-Car. The Fortune 500 companies that it regularly represents are drawn by the group's remarkable track record in toxic tort, products liability, white-collar criminal defense and IP litigation cases. Top-flight attorney  Raymond Massey wins plaudits for his sound judgment in maritime and tort law-related work, which engenders the respect of clients and peers alike.  David Wells' smooth, elegant and controlled manner lends itself well to tense negotiations and trial work. He can turn his hand to a broad range of commercial litigation matters. White-collar crime defense attorney Gordon Ankney receives rapturous praise for his meticulous "attention to the finer details of a case, while still seeing the forest and not just the trees.” Stephen Higgins’ practice encompasses commercial litigation, white-collar crime and governmental investigation work. On the commercial side, he regularly represents clients from the cable and telecom industries; in one widely publicized recent example, a group led by Higgins won a case for Charter Communications that limited the right of copyright holders to subpoena personal information about Internet users suspected of downloading copyrighted music without first filing a lawsuit.

This firm’s deep bench and international support network enable the team to operate on high-profile cases before both federal and state courts. Class action defense, contract and securities are the group's staples, although environmental and products liability litigation are considered its greatest strengths. In one notable local case, the team secured a decision by the US Attorney to decline prosecution against American Italian Pasta following an internal investigation by the company into internal controls and other accounting practices. Thomas Carney moves up the rankings on the back of profuse praise for his products liability, toxic tort and environmental litigation work. Market sources proclaim: “Like all good trial lawyers, he's a very likable guy - this can mean that prosecutors might underestimate him, which would be a big mistake.” Daniel Jaffe continues to display an extremely effective presence in both appellate and trial work relating to products liability litigation. Alan Hoffman has experience as both plaintiff and defense counsel, and has worked on toxic tort, premises liability, aviation and rail-related litigation. James Griffin focuses on class actions, products liability and toxic tort cases. Interviewees praise him as “good on his feet and never needlessly confrontational.” Clients are reassured by  Stephen Hill's experience on both the prosecution and defense sides, saying that this background enables him to quickly recognize the most relevant points in a case. White-collar crime specialist  Patrick McInerney debuts in the rankings this year, profiting from a wave of enthusiastic feedback for his ability to establish a rapport with juries and for his attentiveness to clients.

This compact team punches above its weight, matching the larger firms in terms of breadth and quality of expertise in complex business litigation, malpractice defense and employment and labor law suits. School law is an especially prominent aspect of the group's extensive repertoire. Praised for his good judgment,  John Gianoulakis has a flourishing practice representing public school districts, both as a counselor and as a trial lawyer. Described by clients as smart and tenacious, he also wins approval for his responsive handling of cases. Articulate and persuasive advocate Alan Kohn impresses sources with his confidence in the courtroom and immense knowledge of antitrust, securities, contract disputes, RICO and legal and accounting malpractice defense matters.  Jeremy Shook enters the rankings this year, having impressed market sources with his abilities in legal malpractice defense, bankruptcy, employment and securities litigation work. He also counsels clients in school law. The team recently successfully defended NL Industries in a products liability lawsuit brought by the City of St. Louis.

This century-old regional stalwart has long been noted for its impressive litigation practice. The group has a deep understanding of a range of industries, representing a diverse range of clients on class actions, business tort and products liability matters, among others. Sources also compliment the outfit's strong record in appellate cases in federal and state courts. Barry Short is touted as one of Missouri’s leading litigators, earning superlative praise for his quick and insightful mind and gentlemanly demeanor. The broad practice of this former US Attorney encompasses antitrust, environmental, criminal and white-collar defense work. The personable Andrew Rothschild wins plaudits for his work on commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

Shughart Thomson & Kilroy PC was established as an unquestionable leader in the litigation market before the outfit’s merger with Polsinelli in early 2009. The combination of the two teams is expected to further raise the group's standing in Missouri, backed up by its notable successes across the USA. In one example of the reach offered by this team, it is providing ongoing representation to the National Center for Drug Free Sport in lawsuits filed in the City of Philadelphia and neighboring Delaware County. The star of the team, and undisputed dean of the trial Bar in Kansas City,  Lawrence Ward is famed as a phenomenal rainmaker and litigator. His vast experience takes in business tort, securities, franchise litigation, class actions, products liability and PI cases. Construction litigation specialist Roy Bash represents giants of the industry in construction-related litigation, mediation and arbitration matters. He is considered to be one of Missouri's best attorneys for work in the construction law and design liability fields. Thomas Kokoruda is similarly renowned for his medical defense practice, with clients pronouncing him their first choice for work in this area.  John Kilroy concentrates his efforts on medical malpractice and products liability work. His immense experience in these fields is seen as one of the group's key strengths. Cathy Dean stands out for her superior skills in the prosecution of antitrust, trade secret, complex business and commercial and products liability cases. Peers confess: “You really need to be at your best when working opposite her." One of the more experienced trial attorneys in the region, products liability group chair  Russell Welsh brings his years of trial experience to products liability, IP, trade secrets and general business litigation work.

This preeminent litigation group is strong across the board, handling all manner of commercial and white-collar crime litigation. The group comes recommended for the depth of trial experience that the attorneys can offer, both as plaintiff and defense counsel. Charles German's strong courtroom presence, great business sense and keen intellect enable him to tackle the most complex of cases. He wins equal acclaim for his top-ranking criminal defense, class action and securities fraud work, and is considered to be one of the finest trial lawyers in Missouri. The poised and articulate  Randy Hendricks' practice includes fraud, antitrust, contract disputes and mutual fund litigation work. He has recently been active on cases relating to power plant explosions and power plant system failures. William Beil impresses market sources with his experience of work on behalf of plaintiffs in products liability, fraud, breach of warranty/contract, and unfair trade practices work. Interviewees praise  Kirk May's work in complex commercial litigation cases, saying that his tenacious yet good-humored attitude is a key strength.

The firm enjoys an outstanding reputation for its work on headline-grabbing tobacco, automobile and pharmaceuticals products liability cases across the USA. While products liability is at the forefront of the outfit's practice, the team has shown its mettle in a diverse range of litigation matters. Trent Webb chairs the firm's IP litigation practice group, and enters the rankings on the back of glowing praise for his prowess in patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret cases. Harvey Kaplan moves to the top of the rankings this year due to recognition of his skillful defense of pharmaceutical and medical device companies in national products liability matters. Robert Adams is celebrated for his tremendous trial skills and formidable intelligence. His broad practice spans products liability, IP, insurance coverage and tort litigation. Clients appreciate that Joseph Rebein  “doesn’t take a cookie-cutter approach to cases - instead, he comes up with tailored solutions to meet our specific needs.” He chairs the firm's general litigation division, and focuses his own practice on antitrust, contract and securities class actions. Gene Voigts is renowned as a strong federal courts lawyer, with a slew of successes in products liability, professional liability and commercial litigation under his belt. Eugene Balloun is best known as the outfit's authority on litigation related to the tobacco industry; he also has vast experience in general business, antitrust, tort litigation and insurance litigation. Bankruptcy and restructuring specialist Todd Ruskamp focuses his attention on the defense of clients in the banking, finance and telecom industries. While Paul Williams is primarily a products liability litigator, he is also adept in class actions, toxic tort and medical malpractice cases. William Sampson is a force to be reckoned with: one of the state's leading litigators, he has a plethora of experience in national and international civil defense litigation cases.

This fantastic litigation boutique is renowned for its trial skills, with clients asserting that "the opposition knows you mean business when you have this firm by your side." The group covers the full range of litigation matters and has particular experience of representing Fortune 500 clients from the automotive and financial services industries. Brilliant strategist David Oliver is a valuable asset to the team. He is often active on products liability-related matters, and class action securities litigation is considered to be one of his strongest suits. Thomas Schult’s national practice has a focus on counseling and defense of prominent manufacturers in products liability cases. Name partners John Shaw and Lawrence Berkowitz have long been known as two of Kansas City’s preeminent litigators: Shaw is highly regarded for his skill in securities and products liability, while Berkowitz has garnered an impressive reputation for his work on arbitration, commercial torts, class action and professional liability cases.  James Eisenbrandt’s cross-examination skills and thorough preparation of his clients for complex criminal defense cases are seen as distinctive qualities. Peers say that if they ever needed representation, he would be one of their first choices. A rising star of the federal criminal litigation Bar, Jeffrey Morris is admired for his trial skills: sources declare that "when you meet him you are drawn to him, and that translates well in the courtroom."  

See above for editorial

See above for editorial

The firm's colossal, 144-strong litigation group is one of the region's largest; as a consequence, it can cover the full gamut of litigation work. Sources offer particular praise for the products liability specialists. The even-tempered and pragmatic  Douglas Dalgleish is an effective negotiator who sources widely praise as a go-to attorney for railroad defense and tort litigation. Based in the firm’s Springfield office, Gary Cunningham is famed across the state for his expertise in products liability litigation and is a particularly popular choice among clients in the automotive and healthcare industries. The team recently obtained a total defense verdict for one of the world's largest producers of pork in a nuisance case where the plaintiffs sought damages of $20 million. The group's success in this case is considered emblematic of its overall capabilities, and particularly of  Jean Paul Bradshaw's impressive background. He led on this matter, and is one of four partners in the white-collar crime group; sources say his low-key courtroom style sits well with juries, and praise his superb strategic thinking.  

This highly talented team is considered to be especially proficient in products liability, antitrust and bankruptcy-related litigation. The FTC recently engaged the team to obtain an injunction prohibiting Inova Health System Foundation's acquisition of the Prince William Health System. Inova withdrew its acquisition plan after the initial hearing. This was a success for the case's lead lawyer and one of the group’s premier competition law specialists,  David Everson: clients view his rare expertise and significant trial experience in the field as a major draw. Matthew Verschelden chairs the appellate group and receives particular praise for his antitrust and ERISA work. Sources highlight John Aisenbrey's analytical skills and confident courtroom style as great attributes for the firm. Clients benefit from his extensive trial experience as defense counsel in white-collar crime matters and products liability cases, as well as his expertise on the prosecution side as a former Assistant US Attorney.

This litigation boutique is acknowledged as Missouri's leading white-collar crime defense firm. The ten-lawyer team is also acclaimed for its skills in commercial litigation, and has a solid national and regional practice. It is currently defending a US bank, along with another firm, in a major commercial litigation case; this is just one example of the team's great capabilities in the business litigation arena. The exceptional practitioners housed by this firm include James Wyrsch, who is renowned as a well prepared and incredibly effective trial lawyer and is singled out as the dean of the Kansas City white-collar crime Bar. Commentators praise his “tremendous experience and terrific presence in the courtroom.” James Hobbs is noted for achieving successes in seemingly unwinnable cases. His down-to-earth charm endears him to clients, juries and judges alike. The highly articulate Keith Drill is praised for his intimate knowledge of the local legal systems in both Kansas and Missouri, and represents clients in civil and criminal cases in both jurisdictions.

This well-established team has carved a strong niche in the Missouri marketplace on the back of its excellent insurance defense and products liability work. The firm is recognized by sources for its consistent success in the courtroom, but is equally adept in mediations, arbitration and other alternative forms of dispute resolution. Further notable areas of specialist knowledge include matters relating to the pharmaceutical industry, business disputes, construction disputes and class actions. James Seigfreid remains the leading light of the firm's litigation practice; sources admire this experienced trial lawyer's deep understanding of complex products liability and warranty litigation.

This compact team has a national reach, with Sonnenschein's offices stretching across the USA from New York to San Francisco. IP and toxic tort litigation remain at the core of the practice, and in one recent highlight the group defended an appeal of a favorable summary judgment in a $75 million claim for a multinational finance company. Firmwide chair of the corporate and specialty litigation practice  Stephen Rovak is famed for his irreproachable demeanor in the courtroom. A true trial attorney, he counts Monsanto as a key client and has also represented a number of clients from the biotech industry over the past year.  Jerome Wolf is noted for his immeasurable experience in a wide range of commercial litigation matters. Many peers say he is their first port of call if they are conflicted out of a case involving alternative dispute resolution, IP, antitrust, franchise or construction-related litigation issues. Creative and innovative trial lawyer Curtis Woods is active on both general business litigation and white-collar matters. He has been particularly active of late in trade secrets litigation and mortgage fraud cases.