Michael J. Thomas

Larry Hepler, Partner larry.hepler@heplerbroom.com www.heplerbroom.com Practice Description: Mr. Hepler focuses his practice on the defense of complex, multiparty civil cases and class actions involving a wide range of subjects, including all aspects of consumer fraud, personal injury, products liability, pharmaceutical, commercial, toxic torts, construction and insurance litigation. Mr. Hepler has represented clients in numerous jurisdictions, with primary emphasis in Illinois and Missouri. ...

Scott K.G. Kozak is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Scott K.G., who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott K.G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

W. Jason Rankin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. W. Jason, who practices law in Edwardsville, Illinois, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which W. Jason is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Grant Wiens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Education Law, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Grant, 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 Grant 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.

Mr. Rolnicki practices Intellectual Property law in the firm's Business Services group. He is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and is a former Patent Office Primary Examiner. He has extensive experience in preparing and prosecuting patent and trademark applications in the United States and in many foreign countries. Mr. Rolnicki's patent preparation and prosecution experience encompasses technologies including aircraft components, conveyor systems, footwear, gear transmiss...

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

Robert F. Epperson Jr., a founding member of Dowd Bennett LLP, handles complex commercial litigation, internal investigations and appeals. Representing domestic and multinational corporations, as well as high net worth individuals, Robert focuses on civil litigation and appeals in an array of industries such as agriculture, real estate, financial services and insurance. He also conducts internal investigations and counsels clients in connection with investigations undertaken by the U.S. Depar...

Kimberly A. Yates focuses her practice on labor and employment litigation, particularly in the areas of: Wage and hour collective and class action matters Restrictive covenant contracts and non-competes cases Discrimination and retaliation lawsuits Originally from mid-Missouri, she currently resides in southern Illinois and predominately practices in Missouri and Illinois federal and state courts and represents clients across a multitude of industries, ranging from national restaurant chains ...

Kevin L. Fritz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kevin L., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.