Emily O'Connor

Michelle J. Spirn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Michelle J., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michelle J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kenneth W. Bean is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kenneth W., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Heidi M. Ottsen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Heidi M., 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 Heidi M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shareholder Perry Browder is head of the Asbestos Department at Simmons Hanly Conroy. He has worked for more than 30 years helping numerous families resolve hundreds of million dollar-plus cases. He started at the firm in 2001 and played a key role in helping the firm develop a national reputation. Within a few years, he had successfully secured one of the largest asbestos verdicts in the country, a $250 million verdict against U.S. Steel. Today, Perry manages the firm’s more than 50 as...

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

Richard W. Hill III practices in the areas of health care law and corporate law, with an emphasis on regulatory defense, health care fraud and abuse compliance, corporate transactions, as well as the negotiation and drafting of various software, equipment, and professional service agreements. He advises a broad array of healthcare providers, from hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities to individual physicians, nurses, and counselors. Rich advises clients on vari...

James F. Bennett has a national practice of cases that are not expected to settle before trial or appeal. He is lead trial and appellate counsel in high-profile cases, and has tried to verdict many cases involving eight- and nine-figure amounts in dispute. He has also prevailed before trial in other, similar cases and has argued appeals in eight different appellate courts around the country. Three times in recent years, he was awarded the “largest” defense or plaintiff verdict awa...

Matthew J. Madsen’s practice includes the representation of affluent private clients in the structure and implementation of complex estate and wealth transfer planning strategies, estate and trust administration and litigation, and audits of gift and estate tax returns. Mr. Madsen advises private clients on their charitable giving strategies, ranging from charitable pledge agreements, donor-advised funds, supporting organizations to private foundations. Mr. Madsen similarly advises tax-...

Eric A. Todd is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Eric A., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eric A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stuart J. Vogelsmeier is a business lawyer and represents health care providers, owner-operated businesses and individuals in Missouri, Illinois and throughout the Midwest. He practices health law and corporate law. Mr. Vogelsmeier has been involved in every phase of the life of business. This includes dealing with structuring businesses, buying and selling businesses, providing regulatory advice, negotiating contracts and leases, structuring joint ventures, as well as providing planning advi...