Seth G. Gausnell has 30 years of experience as a trial lawyer. In total, he has tried more than 100 cases to verdict. He received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 1983 and received his J.D. in 1985 from Saint Louis University Law School. Seth was admitted to the Bar in Missouri in 1986; the Bar in Kansas in 1987; and the Bar in Illinois in 1988. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, Western Di...

Jim Gottschalk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jim, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jim is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don O’Keefe has over 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer. In all, he has tried more than 100 cases to verdict in state and federal courts in Missouri and Illinois and arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association and United States Arbitration and Mediation. Don has argued before appellate courts in both Missouri and Illinois and has been before the Missouri Supreme Court on multiple cases. Don is a member of many prominent legal and state bar organizations including the ...

James Ribaudo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. James, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Derek P. Ruzicka focuses his trial practice in a diverse range of areas, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has handled cases in a number of difficult venues, from the City of St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison and St. Clair Counties, in Illinois, and Federal Court in East St. Louis and St. Louis. Whether through dismissal, favorable trial verdicts, or reasonable case resolutions, he has successfully handled many difficult matters through completion. Derek’s experience is extensive...

William S. Thomas is one of the firm’s many experienced trial lawyers. His practice is diverse, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has tried cases in a number of difficult venues, from the City of St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison and St. Clair Counties, in Illinois, and Federal Court in East St. Louis and St. Louis. He was lead trial counsel in one of the longest civil jury trials in St. Louis County history, which lasted 100 trial days. In addition to his trial practice, Bill is...

Najla Hasic is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Transportation Law. Najla, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Najla is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Originally from Jacksonville, Illinois, Hayley M. Hughes attended Illinois College in her hometown. She graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Management and Organizational Leadership, and a minor in Sociology. She was also inducted into Delta Mu Delta, an international business honor society which recognizes and encourages academic excellence. Given her business background, Hayley brings an exceptional touch that complements the firm. Hayley transitioned to law school at St. Louis Universi...