Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants Litigation - Insurance Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Richard C. "Rick" Wuestling
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2005 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
For many years Rick Wuestling has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© in the areas of Legal Malpractice Defense and Personal Injury Defense, for St. Louis, Missouri. In 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2021 Best Lawyers named him as its Lawyer of the Year for Legal Malpractice Defense in St. Louis, Missouri. In 2016, Best Lawyers named him as its St. Louis Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation Defense. In past years, Super Lawyers has named him as one of the top fifty lawyers in St. Louis. Rick has tried over fifty jury trials and is attorney of record in more than twenty-five appeals.
He leads the firm’s practice in legal malpractice defense, construction and design liability and extra-contractual liability.
Rick also devotes portions of his professional time acting as a Mediator or Arbitrator. His experience with complex damage cases, catastrophic loss cases, insurance coverage issues, and professional liability analysis, make him uniquely suited to serve as a neutral in such cases. From his experience trying jury cases and arguing appeals in the Missouri Supreme Court and Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals he is well able to provide litigants in mediation with valuable analysis, insight, and ideas about settling their case.
Rick is often a presenter at CLE seminars on the subject of ethics. Lawyers and law firms seek his advice and direction on ethics issues. Rick is also retained by lawyers to represent them in bar complaint matters.
In addition, Rick is a Fellow in The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, a by-invitation organization limited to one percent (1%) of the lawyers in Missouri.
In December, 2009 Rick was elected by Missouri lawyers who reside in St. Louis County, Missouri to serve a six year term on the Twenty-First Judicial Commission. The Commission provides the Governor with a panel of three candidates to fill vacancies on the bench of the Circuit Court of St. Louis County. The Commission is composed of two elected attorneys, the Chief Judge of the Missouri Courts of Appeals Eastern District, and two lay people who are appointed by the governor.
Overview
- English
- Washburn University, J.D., graduated 1980
- English
- Washburn University, J.D., graduated 1980
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, St. Louis (2024)
- Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants, St. Louis (2023)
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, St. Louis (2021)
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, St. Louis (2019)
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, St. Louis (2017)
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, St. Louis (2016)
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, St. Louis (2012)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Litigation - Insurance
- Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
- Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Legal Malpractice Law
- Personal Injury Litigation
Special Focus:
- Personal Injury
- Professional Liability
News & Media
Q&A
A substantial part of my practice is focused on defending lawyers in legal malpractice cases and bar complaints. I guess you can say I am a, "lawyer's lawyer."
The most common question I am asked by my clients is, "How are you going to defend my case." My answer depends on the facts and law of each case. I strive to determine as early as possible whether a cause should be tried or settled and so advise my client.
I defended a legal malpractice case wherein it was alleged that in one case my lawyer allegedly made an admission against his client’s interest that allegedly resulted in the client being indicted in federal court for mortgage fraud. I obtained summary judgment for my client in the legal malpractice case. We anticipate affirmance in the appeal which is pending.
Sometimes the complexities of the underlying matter in a legal malpractice case can be very challenging.
My dad was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and he influenced my decision to be a lawyer. Plus, I like the competition.
Being an athlete in high school and college I still have an interest in athletics, mostly golf. I enjoy golf trips with my twenty-eight year old son when he and I can find time.
Remember to stay humble.
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