JoAnn T. Sandifer

Joseph Demko is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Joseph, who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I come from two hard-working parents who were also born and raised here in St. Louis. In my early twenties, I was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash that left me unable to walk for several months. This experience was life-changing in every sense of the term. I learned first-hand how insurance companies could take advantage of someone without a law degree. But some good came out of it - ultimately this was the event that sent me on a path to...

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

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...

Jim Layton joined the firm in 2017 after serving more than 22 years in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office—nearly all of those as the State’s principal civil appellate lawyer, Solicitor General. Jim practices in both appellate and trial courts, particularly in matters involving complex legal questions, including those arising under the U.S. and Missouri constitutions, Missouri school funding and other education statutes, discrimination laws, and Missouri tax laws. He repr...

For more than 25 years, Jim Adkins has represented real estate developers and investors and has helped them reduce risk and add value with respect to their real estate holdings and developments. He regularly counsels clients through all aspects of their real estate projects, including acquisition, financing, leasing, governmental and zoning approvals, incentives, management, operations and dispositions. His leasing experience includes the drafting and negotiating of build to suit, ground, ret...

Michael J. Angelides is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy and focuses his practice on asbestos litigation. He previously served as the firm’s managing shareholder. Mike’s litigation track record includes growing the firm’s reputation as a national leader in asbestos litigation, representing victims of mesothelioma against some of the largest companies in the nation. As a leader in asbestos litigation, Mike has presented at both of the profession’s leading asbestos liti...

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

Corey Franklin's legal practice is focused on the representation of management in labor relations issues and employment law disputes. A majority of Corey's practice is dedicated to helping clients with both unionized and non-unionized personnel when facing labor relations issues. He is highly skilled in advocating for clients in complex collective bargaining negotiations, labor arbitration and grievance proceedings, union organizing campaigns, strikes, and administrative proceedings before th...

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...