Paul L. Smelcer

Tom Clark serves as the firm's Chief Operating Officer and leads the firm’s St. Louis office. His expertise encompasses all aspects of employee benefits programs, including the design, implementation and compliance of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive and incentive compensation arrangements. He also has a robust practice assisting covered service providers in meeting their ERISA compliance needs. Mr. Clark’s vast litigation experience complements the firm&r...

Theodore J. MacDonald, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Theodore J., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Theodore J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Harvard Muhm approaches his clients in a comprehensive way that transcends formulaic estate planning: Mr. Muhm is known for being independent-minded and an advocate for his clients. His knowledge of the law and experience with a wide variety of investment strategies enables him to bring his clients’ advisors together to work as a team. This multi-disciplinary approach leverages opportunities and enhances the benefits to the clients. Harvard served on the Board of Directors of Big Brothe...

Robert L. Ortbals Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Robert 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 Robert L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Joshua E. Douglass is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Education Law. Joshua 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 Joshua E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As a Partner in the Asbestos Department, Paul supervises a team of attorneys and legal staff who handle mesothelioma cases filed throughout the United States. Paul and his team have represented hundreds of mesothelioma victims, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on their behalf. Managing the trial team is only part of Paul’s responsibilities. As an asbestos attorney, he personally handles all aspects of his clients’ cases, which can include inve...

Ryan Bruning – Attorney at Law Ryan Bruning is a highly respected trial attorney at The Bruning Law Firm in St. Louis, Missouri, where he focuses his practice on workers’ compensation , personal injury , and civil litigation . Known for his attention to detail and aggressive advocacy, Ryan has built a reputation for delivering strong results for injured workers and accident victims across Missouri and Illinois. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® , Ryan has successfully rep...

John S. Wallach is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John S., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Don Schlapprizzi is the President of Schlapprizzi Attorneys at Law and is one of the most highly regarded trial lawyers in the State of Missouri. In 1981 he founded Schlapprizzi PC, which he has continued to expand through the years, to ensure those hurt by another's negligence or other wrongful act could obtain justice. He was the lead trial lawyer in the longest civil jury trial in the history of Missouri. Over the years, his firm has handled a wide variety of cases in Missouri and Illinois...