M. Ann Hatch

A former federal prosecutor with extensive investigation and first chair trial experience, Michelle Nasser focuses her practice on white collar criminal defense, internal and government investigations, and complex litigation. Before joining the firm, Michelle served for more than 13 years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Major Case, Financial Crimes, General Crimes, and Violent Crimes sections of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. She led and supervised government investigations...

John Challis is the Managing Partner at Kembell Woods & Martinsen, where he advocates for individuals and businesses in a wide range of contested matters. With a focus on fiduciary litigation and administration, John is recognized for delivering outstanding results for his clients through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. ​He counsels clients on fiduciary relationships, disputed administration, will and trust contests, and asset transfer disputes, drawing on substantial trial and ap...

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

Betty Schaefer draws on not only her significant knowledge of the St. Louis County Probate Division, where she served as legal counsel, but also her considerable experience in private practice to craft arguments that resonate in probate court. Her deep understanding of the probate and trust codes allows her to guide clients through administration and disputes with efficiency and precision. Betty assists clients with estate and trust administration, trust funding, guardianships, and estate pla...

Kevin C. Fleming is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Real Estate Law. Kevin C., 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 C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephanie A. Black is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Stephanie A., 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 Stephanie A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don M. Downing is a former Missouri Chief Deputy Attorney General and managing partner of the St. Louis office of one of the region's largest law firms. As Chief Deputy Attorney General - Missouri's top appointed legal officer - from 1993 to 1995, Mr. Downing was the lead lawyer in cases involving consumer protection, antitrust, environmental, securities and many other areas of law. He appeared before the Supreme Court of the United States four times, including one case he personally argued. ...

Kenneth P. Danzinger is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs and Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Kenneth P., 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 Kenneth P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jessica L. Liss is the office managing principal of the St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, and Overland Park, Kansas, offices of Jackson Lewis, P.C. Based in St. Louis her entire career, Jessica is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience litigating all forms of employment matters throughout the Midwest, in federal courts, state courts, and before administrative agencies, arbitrators and mediators. Jessica is a trusted advisor providing ongoing legal support and counsel on a dail...

I became a trial lawyer because I trust myself to never give up on someone I am fighting for. It’s that simple. Once I agree to represent someone, that’s what I do. Tirelessly. No matter what. Whatever it takes. Until we win. You can ask every client I’ve ever represented—they’ll tell you that the road to seeking justice (and I mean full justice) includes every terrain. There are challenges to overcome, battles to fight, and elation to feel when we we’ve me...