Ryan S. Davis

Natalie Hoernschemeyer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Education Law, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Natalie, 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 Natalie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lisa O. Stump is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Education Law, Employment Law - Management, Government Contracts, Government Relations Practice and Municipal Law. Lisa O., 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 Lisa O. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Thomas J. O’Toole, Jr. is a founding member of the law firm of Mickes O’Toole, LLC. He chairs the firm’s Business and Corporate Group, while his practice focuses on real estate, specializing in zoning/land use, condemnation and real estate transactions. He received both his undergraduate degree (1979) and law degree (1985) from St. Louis University. Tom is a respected leader in the St. Louis legal and business community. For nearly 30 years, he has built a solid reputation f...

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

Kenneth W. Bean is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kenneth W., who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2005. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenneth W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John Challis is the Managing Partner at Kembell Woods & Martinsen, where he advocates for individuals and businesses in a wide range of contested matters. With a focus on fiduciary litigation and administration, John is recognized for delivering outstanding results for his clients through negotiation, mediation, and litigation. ​He counsels clients on fiduciary relationships, disputed administration, will and trust contests, and asset transfer disputes, drawing on substantial trial and ap...

Donald Paule has extensive experience representing closely-held businesses and not-for-profit organizations. He advises clients on all aspects of the organization and operation of the client’s business including complex sale, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate development transactions. In addition, an extensive portion of his practice is devoted to tax and estate planning matters for individuals, and business owners, including ownership succession planning.

James F. Bennett has a national practice of cases that are not expected to settle before trial or appeal. He is lead trial and appellate counsel in high-profile cases, and has tried to verdict many cases involving eight- and nine-figure amounts in dispute. He has also prevailed before trial in other, similar cases and has argued appeals in eight different appellate courts around the country. Three times in recent years, he was awarded the “largest” defense or plaintiff verdict awa...

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.

Patrick J. Hagerty is a native of St. Louis. He completed his undergraduate studies at Quincy College in 1981. He received his law degree in 1985 from Saint Louis University School of Law, and served as an editor of the Saint Louis University Law Journal. Mr. Hagerty is licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois, and in federal district courts and courts of appeal in Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Arkansas and the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Circuits. He serves on the Board of Governors of th...