Karen A. Baudendistel

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...

Mr. Witcher has practiced in the areas of labor and employment law since 1996. Lance concentrates his practice primarily in litigation of employment-related disputes, human resources counseling and matters before the Occupational and Mine Safety Health Review Commissions. 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 ...

Jared Howell is a distinguished trial attorney at Hamilton Weber, renowned for his masterful command of civil litigation defense. With a sharp focus on medical malpractice, premises liability, complex commercial disputes, and labor and employment law, Jared delivers unparalleled representation marked by precision, foresight, and unwavering commitment to his clients’ success. His strategic acumen and meticulous approach to unraveling intricate legal challenges have earned him a reputatio...

Melissa G. Nolan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Melissa G., 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 Melissa G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin M. Kercher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Kevin M., 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 Kevin M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Elaine Pudlowski joined the office of Frankel, Rubin, Klein, Payne & Pudlowski, P.C., in 1997. Elaine practices extensively in the field of domestic relations where she represents both men and women in matters pertaining to divorce, paternity, child custody, child support and spousal support. Elaine also works in the juvenile court handling adoptions, detentions and care and protection matters as well as in the probate court assisting families with legal guardianships and estates. In addi...

Mary L. Bruntrager is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Mary L., 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 Mary L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Philip Graham is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Philip, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Philip is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Morry S. Cole handles complex litigation. He has served as lead trial and appellate counsel in a wide variety of complicated cases in state and federal courts throughout Missouri and the Midwest. Mr. Cole received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University, specializing in finance. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. While in law school he served as an editor of the Missouri Law Review, a research assistant for Professor Martha...