Paul L. Smelcer

Debra K. Schuster has practiced Elder and Disability law since 1999, having practiced health law since 1991. Ms. Schuster’s practice focuses on elder law issues , a growing area of law with few experienced practitioners. Ms. Schuster works with and advises social workers, geriatric and care managers, financial planners and accountants, psychiatrists and geriatric physicians about incapacity issues and financial exploitation. Ms. Schuster’s practice focuses on multi-disciplinary co...

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...

Benjamin W. Powell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Benjamin W., who practices law in Edwardsville, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Benjamin W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff Wehmer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Jeff, 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 Jeff 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...

Trevor A. Sondag is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Trevor A., who practices law in Belleville, Illinois, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Trevor A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Timothy M. Cronin is a skilled trial attorney that focuses his practice on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and class action matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign, majoring in economics. After graduating and while attending law school at night, Tim worked as a performance analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. He graduated magna cum laude from Saint Louis University School of Law with a certificate in civil li...

Stephen M. Strum is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Health Care, Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Stephen M., 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 Stephen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Victor Essen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Victor, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Victor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Harry W. Wellford, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Harry W., 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 Harry W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.