Kate (Celia) "Kate" Douglas

Robert L. Ortbals Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Robert L. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Robert L. Ortbals Jr. since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Robert L. Ortbals Jr. is held by other lawyers.

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...

James C. Hetlage is an experienced employment attorney, litigator, and municipal attorney. He represents government and private-sector employers before state and federal administrative agencies, trial courts and appellate courts. Mr. Hetlage is experienced in resolving employment discrimination claims and other labor and employment disputes in court and through mediation and arbitration. He has addressed the impact of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for employers, and has...

Patrick Stufflebeam is a founding partner of Stufflebeam|Johnson LLC in Edwardsville, Illinois. He is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Missouri and represents clients in complex civil litigation , insurance-related disputes, and business matters. His practice includes Litigation - Insurance and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, with a focus on defending toxic tort claims involving asbestos, talc, ethylene oxide, PFAS, benzene, and other alleged exposures. Patrick also...

Fred A. Ricks, Jr. has over twenty-five years of experience representing clients in all aspects of labor and employment matters throughout the United States. Fred’s employment law practice encompasses a full range of employment law matters including state and federal employment discrimination laws, wage and hour, wrongful discharge and employee benefit claims. His practice includes planning and consulting work designed to prevent labor and employment law claims against clients. Fred als...

Melissa G. Nolan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Melissa G. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa G. Nolan since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Melissa G. Nolan is held by other lawyers.

William S. Thomas is one of the firm’s many experienced trial lawyers. His practice is diverse, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has tried 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. He was lead trial counsel in one of the longest civil jury trials in St. Louis County history, which lasted 100 trial days. In addition to his trial practice, Bill is...

Charles N. Insler is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Charles N. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Charles N. Insler since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Charles N. Insler is held by other lawyers.

Amy Bender-Levy is a member of the Firm’s family law department and is licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois as well as the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Amy’s practice focuses on divorce, custody, modification, orders of protection, third-party custody, guardianship of adults and minors, and grandparents’ rights. Amy serves as a Guardian ad Litem representing the best interests of children in those cases in which she is appointed by the cou...

Celynda L. Brasher is a founding shareholder of the firm. She practices in the areas of education, litigation, and labor and employment law. Celynda represents numerous school districts throughout Missouri. She regularly advises boards of education and administrators on matters involving employee hiring, evaluation, remediation, and termination; student rights and discipline; special education; school finance; civil rights; contracts; the Missouri Open Meetings Act; church/state issues; and a...