David Cates

Kevin M. Kercher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Kevin M., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Tom Clark serves as the firm's Chief Operating Officer and leads the firm’s St. Louis office. His expertise encompasses all aspects of employee benefits programs, including the design, implementation and compliance of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive and incentive compensation arrangements. He also has a robust practice assisting covered service providers in meeting their ERISA compliance needs. Mr. Clark’s vast litigation experience complements the firm&r...

Jennifer R. Piper is a St. Louis family law attorney with over 25 years of experience exclusively handling family law matters, recognized nationally and locally as one of the region’s premier practitioners. She is consistently named to The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Family Law (2017–2025), to Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2025), and she holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating — the highest peer-review rating available. Ms. Piper earned ...

Don M. Downing is a former Missouri Chief Deputy Attorney General and managing partner of the St. Louis office of one of the region's largest law firms. As Chief Deputy Attorney General - Missouri's top appointed legal officer - from 1993 to 1995, Mr. Downing was the lead lawyer in cases involving consumer protection, antitrust, environmental, securities and many other areas of law. He appeared before the Supreme Court of the United States four times, including one case he personally argued. ...

Allison Gerli is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Allison, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Allison 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...

Richard D. McNelley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Richard D., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jared Howell is a distinguished trial attorney at Hamilton Weber, renowned for his masterful command of civil litigation defense. With a sharp focus on medical malpractice, premises liability, complex commercial disputes, and labor and employment law, Jared delivers unparalleled representation marked by precision, foresight, and unwavering commitment to his clients’ success. His strategic acumen and meticulous approach to unraveling intricate legal challenges have earned him a reputatio...

Dennis J. Graber is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Dennis J., who practices law in Belleville, Illinois, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dennis J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Portia C. Kayser is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Municipal. Portia C., who practices law in Chesterfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Portia C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.