David W. Ybarra

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...

J.C. Pleban is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. J.C., 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 J.C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly J.H. Murrie represents major corporations in complex product liability, commercial litigation and employment matters. She appears in state and federal courts, including challenging venues such as the City of St. Louis and Jackson County in Missouri, and Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois. Kelly also handles corporate internal investigations and white collar defense. Focusing primarily on high-exposure product liability lawsuits, Kelly represents manufacturers and suppliers in th...

Hannah F. Preston is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Hannah F., 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 Hannah F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Betty Schaefer draws on not only her significant knowledge of the St. Louis County Probate Division, where she served as legal counsel, but also her considerable experience in private practice to craft arguments that resonate in probate court. Her deep understanding of the probate and trust codes allows her to guide clients through administration and disputes with efficiency and precision. Betty assists clients with estate and trust administration, trust funding, guardianships, and estate pla...

Robert L. Ortbals Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Robert L., 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 Robert L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Kevin L. Fritz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kevin L., 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 Kevin L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Timothy Sansone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Timothy, 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 Timothy is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gretchen Garrison graduated from the University of Missouri in 1982 with a degree in Hospital Administration. She earned her law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1986, where she served as managing editor of the UMKC Law Reviewand on the Moot Court Board. Ms. Garrison is admitted to practice before all Missouri state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. She has appeared before every appellate court in...