John W. Hoffman

John Simmons founded the firm in 1999 with seven employees and a focus on asbestos litigation. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded to more than 250 employees, including more than 80 attorneys, spread between five offices in Alton, St. Louis, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. John has overseen some of the biggest verdicts and settlements in the history of asbestos litigation. The firm’s first trial involved a roofer and former Shell Oil employee diagnosed with mesothelioma...

Kathleen W. Bilderback is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Kathleen W., who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kathleen W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and lega...

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.

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

Jeremiah W. Nixon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Government Relations Practice. Jeremiah W., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeremiah W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

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...

Brian Cooke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Brian, who practices law in Alton, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Brian is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard D. McNelley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Richard D., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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