Derek Ruzicka

Derek Ruzicka

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2023
Awarded Practice Areas
Litigation - Construction Litigation - Insurance Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Awarded Practice Areas
Litigation - Construction Litigation - Insurance Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Derek Ruzicka
Derek Ruzicka
St. Louis, MO
Works at
Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC

6 Best Lawyers awards

Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC logo

Biography

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, having handled cases involving general liability matters, professional liability, toxic torts, including asbestos, benzene and other substances, product liability, trucking, and environmental claims. He has represented product manufacturers of consumer products, power tools, industrial vehicles, manufactured housing, foundry equipment, and a host of others, including pharmaceutical litigation.

Derek also devotes his practice to trial work for design professionals or other construction professionals, product liability, and other complex litigation matters. He has arbitrated or tried successfully claims involving architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners. He also assists design professionals and small business owners in up-front contract document reviews and consultations.

Works at
Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC

6 Best Lawyers awards

Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC logo

Locations

Education

  • Southern Illinois University, JD, graduated 2008
  • Valparaiso University, Psychology & Business Admin., graduated 2004

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri, 2008
  • Illinois, 2009

Court Admissions

  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

Affiliations

  • CLM - Member
  • DRI - Member
  • FDCC - Member
  • Lawyers Association of St. Louis - Member

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Construction Law
Awards:
  • Super Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers

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