Jerome J. "Jerry" Schlichter

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...

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

Sam Rynearson is a founding partner of the firm. He has over 47 years of trial experience in the area of civil litigation, primarily in the representation of the insurance industry. Mr. Rynearson handles litigation in the state and federal courts of Missouri. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer for many years. Mr. Rynearson has been honored by "Best Lawyers in America" and he has been named by St. Louis Magazine as one of the Top At...

Celynda L. Brasher is a founding shareholder of the firm. She practices in the areas of education, litigation, and labor and employment law. Celynda represents numerous school districts throughout Missouri. She regularly advises boards of education and administrators on matters involving employee hiring, evaluation, remediation, and termination; student rights and discipline; special education; school finance; civil rights; contracts; the Missouri Open Meetings Act; church/state issues; and a...

Bridgette N. Fu is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Bridgette N., 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 Bridgette N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edward L. Dowd Jr. is a litigator who defends corporations, professional service firms and individuals in high-stakes, complex civil, and white collar criminal cases and investigations. He represents clients with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the SEC, DOJ, EPA,, IRS, Health and Human Services and other federal and state agencies. In addition, Ed works with companies to strengthen corporate compliance in order to avoid the initial missteps that result in investigations and trials. Ed&rsqu...

Stephanie O. Zorn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Stephanie O., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephanie O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 Saint 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.

Andrew Ruben is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction and Real Estate Law. Andrew, who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James P. Reinert is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. James P., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.