Patrick Brennan

John Simmons founded the firm in 1999 with seven employees and a focus on asbestos litigation. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded to more than 250 employees, including more than 80 attorneys, spread between five offices in Alton, St. Louis, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. John has overseen some of the biggest verdicts and settlements in the history of asbestos litigation. The firm’s first trial involved a roofer and former Shell Oil employee diagnosed with mesothelioma...

Andrew pairs his experience in tax and estate law with a focus on client responsiveness to help families and businesses structure plans for their valuable assets. He works with clients on an array of estate planning matters, including wealth transfer planning, asset protection planning, and closely-held business succession planning. He frequently assists clients with trust and estate administration. He often advises clients on modifying irrevocable trusts. Additionally, he represents clients ...

John Barnerd is a Partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy. He joined the firm in 2002 as mesothelioma and asbestos attorney, and today is a member of the firm’s management committee. He previously served for two years as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Madison County, Ill. John earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Illinois College and graduated with his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. In 2010, Chicago Lawyers Magazine recognized him as a top 40 Under 40 ...

Don O’Keefe has over 25 years of experience as a trial lawyer. In all, he has tried more than 100 cases to verdict in state and federal courts in Missouri and Illinois and arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association and United States Arbitration and Mediation. Don has argued before appellate courts in both Missouri and Illinois and has been before the Missouri Supreme Court on multiple cases. Don is a member of many prominent legal and state bar organizations including the ...

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...

Richard A. Mueller is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Richard A. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Richard A. Mueller since 2009. 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 Richard A. Mueller is he...

Clayton Kuhn is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Clayton practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Clayton Kuhn since 2027. 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 Clayton Kuhn is held by other lawyers.

Thomas E. Berry, Jr. is a principal in the St. Louis, Missouri, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Tom's practice is exclusively focused on representing management before state, federal or local administrative agencies as well as before both state and federal courts throughout the country. His practice is national in scope – he has represented employers in legal proceedings in over twenty different states. Tom has extensive litigation experience which permits him to effectively counsel and ad...

Benjamin W. Powell is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Benjamin W. practices law in Edwardsville, Illinois Best Lawyers has recognized Benjamin W. Powell 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 Benjamin W. Powell is held by ...

Bridgette N. Fu is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Bridgette N. practices law in St. Louis, Missouri Best Lawyers has recognized Bridgette N. Fu since 2026. 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 Bridgette N. Fu is held by other lawyers.