John M. Hessel

Attorney Taylor Kerns is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy who focuses his practice on asbestos litigation. He oversees a team of attorneys and legal staff, who represent individuals across the country suffering from asbestos-related diseases. He has helped secure millions of dollars on behalf of individuals and families impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. As a trial team leader, Taylor is responsible for directing the legal strategy necessary for each case. He and h...

Debbie Champion is a founding partner in the firm Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch and Champion. Ms. Champion actively practices in Missouri and Southern Illinois state and federal courts. She has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court and the Eastern, Western and Southern District Missouri Courts of Appeals, and the Illinois Court of Appeals. She has also argued in the federal court of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, and the Eighth Circuit a...

Brenda G. Baum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Brenda G., who practices law in Edwardsville, Illinois, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brenda G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Diane Mispagel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Diane, 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 Diane 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.

Warren W. Davis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Warren W., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Warren W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Kevin Lake is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Kevin, 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 Kevin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Kevin is a St. Louis, Missouri native and third-generation lawyer. He earned his B.A. in English from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 199...

Margaret L. Fowler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Margaret L., 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 Margaret L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard D. Watters advises all types of health care clients from large hospital systems to individual physicians, nurses and other health care professionals on various matters including general health care laws and regulations, business operations, contracting, governance and corporate issues, licensing/regulatory compliance, the Stark Law, fraud and abuse, EMTALA, Certificates of Need, medical staff issues, practice and business acquisitions, joint ventures, Medicare and Medicaid conditions ...