Maria Zschoche

Firm Partner Michael Stewart focuses his legal practice on helping individuals and families who have been wrongfully injured. Mike has represented people across the United States in wrongful death and personal injury cases. He currently represents individuals and their families in product liability, wrongful death, railroad injury and FELA claims and other catastrophic injury cases. Before joining the firm, Mike was a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1984 to 1988. His Education &...

Michael J. Payne is a partner at Frankel, Rubin, Klein, Payne & Pudlowski, P.C. and focuses his practice on estate planning, fiduciary litigation and civil litigation. He counsels individuals, couples, families and small business owners in creating an estate plan that is specifically tailored to their individualized needs. His passion for estate planning is evident in his approach of collaborating with clients to solve their most important personal, legal and business planning decisions. ...

Kelley F. Farrell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Kelley F., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kelley F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jozef Kopchick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Jozef, 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 Jozef is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Katherine E. Henry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. Katherine E., 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 Katherine E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephanie O. Zorn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Stephanie O., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephanie O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carolyn Geoghegan provides attentive, collaborative representation, keeping clients informed and involved throughout every stage of litigation. She focuses on defending complex liability and medical claims, as well as advising insurers on coverage disputes, policy interpretation, and exclusions. Learn more about Carolyn’s practice here .

Patrick J. Hagerty is a native of St. Louis. He completed his undergraduate studies at Quincy College in 1981. He received his law degree in 1985 from Saint Louis University School of Law, and served as an editor of the Saint Louis University Law Journal. Mr. Hagerty is licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois, and in federal district courts and courts of appeal in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Arkansas and the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Circuits. He serves on the Board of Governors of th...

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...

Derek P. Ruzicka focuses his trial practice in a diverse range of areas, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has handled 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. Whether through dismissal, favorable trial verdicts, or reasonable case resolutions, he has successfully handled many difficult matters through completion. Derek’s experience is extensive...