James E. "Jim" Mello

Ryan Bruning – Attorney at Law Ryan Bruning is a highly respected trial attorney at The Bruning Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri, where he focuses his practice on workers’ compensation , personal injury , and civil litigation . Known for his attention to detail and aggressive advocacy, Ryan has built a reputation for delivering strong results for injured workers and accident victims across Missouri and Illinois. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® , Ryan has successfully rep...

Bob Stewart has extensive employment law/labor law trial experience in federal and state courts (jury and non-jury), as well as before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and arbitrators. Throughout his career, counseling clients on virtually all aspects of the employment relationship, successfully to avoid litigation, has also been a focus. Another significant aspect of Bob’s practice has been assisting employers in dealing with labor unions, both during collective bargaining, st...

John Barnerd is a Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. He joined the firm in 2002 as mesothelioma and asbestos attorney, and today is a member of the firm’s management committee. He previously served for two years as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Madison County, Ill. John earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois College and graduated with his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. In 2010, Chicago Lawyers Magazine recognized him as a top 40 Under 40 ...

Adam D. Hirtz is a principal and the office litigation manager in the St. Louis, Missouri, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He prides himself on being a responsive, strategic and creative advocate and counselor for the firm’s clients. Adam has more than 25 years of experience as a trial attorney representing businesses in employment litigation in both state and federal courts throughout the country. He also acts as a mediator, including regularly mediating cases for the Equal Employment Opp...

John Challis is the Managing Partner at Kembell Woods & Martinsen, where he advocates for individuals and businesses in a wide range of contested matters. With a focus on fiduciary litigation and administration, John is recognized for delivering outstanding results for his clients through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. ​He counsels clients on fiduciary relationships, disputed administration, will and trust contests, and asset transfer disputes, drawing on substantial trial and ap...

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.

Patrick Hinrichs is recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Patrick has been included in Best Lawyers since 2026. The recognition is based on peer review within the legal profession among attorneys practicing in similar areas of law. Patrick Hinrichs is a personal injury attorney with The Bruning Law Firm, where he represents individuals and families in personal injury litigation matters. A St. Louis native, Pat...

Carolyn Geoghegan provides attentive, collaborative representation, keeping clients informed and involved throughout every stage of litigation. She focuses on defending complex liability and medical claims, as well as advising insurers on coverage disputes, policy interpretation, and exclusions. Learn more about Carolyn’s practice here .

Mollie G. Mohan practices primarily in the areas of labor & employment and higher education with an emphasis on litigation and appeals. Mollie represents colleges, universities, and private employers in labor and employment matters at the administrative, trial, and appellate level. Prior to joining the firm, Mollie worked at a large-sized litigation firm in Saint Louis. While in law school, Mollie was a student law clerk to the Honorable Jean C. Hamilton of the United States District Cour...

Harry W. Wellford, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Harry W., who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Harry W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.