Joel J. Schwartz

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-...

Mr. Lemley has practiced exclusively in the area of labor and employment law and related commercial litigation since 1995. He concentrates his practice primarily in litigation of employment and employment related commercial disputes and employer counseling. He has represented employers in a wide range of litigation matters in both state and federal court, and before arbitrators, administrative law judges and other tribunals in disputes involving alleged discrimination based on race, sex, age,...

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...

Portia C. Kayser is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Municipal. Portia C., who practices law in Chesterfield, Missouri, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Portia C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mayer S. Klein is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Litigation - Real Estate. Mayer S., 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 Mayer S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Victor Essen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Victor, 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 Victor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

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

Michael F. Harris received his law degree ( cum laude ) from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1983 and his undergraduate degree ( cum laude ) from Arizona State University in 1980. While in law school, Mike served as Assistant Managing Editor of the Saint Louis University Law Journal and was selected for the Order of the Woolsack. Mike is a Certified Public Accountant. Mike has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and Missouri-Kansas Super Lawyers. In addition to labo...

Donald Paule has extensive experience representing closely-held businesses and not-for-profit organizations. He advises clients on all aspects of the organization and operation of the client’s business including complex sale, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate development transactions. In addition, an extensive portion of his practice is devoted to tax and estate planning matters for individuals, and business owners, including ownership succession planning.