Best Lawyers in Missouri, United States for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Select a city from the list below to find the best legal talent for your needs.
Cities
John E. Franke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. John E., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John Mullen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation - Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. John, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John 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.
James D. Griffin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. James D., who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 1997. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Sean has extensive trial and litigation experience through his 27 years of civil defense practice. He represents national transportation companies in cases involving personal injury, Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), grade crossing accidents, property damage, cumulative trauma exposure and other accident investigation and defense. His litigation experience includes a record of success in jury verdicts and pre-trial motion practice. He regularly serves on initial response teams fo...
Matthew J. Henning is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Matthew J., 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 Matthew J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Korey Lewis delivers results-driven representation with meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills. She focuses on civil defense, particularly insurance defense of personal injury and property damage, handling matters at both state and federal levels, including bench and jury trials, dispositive motions, and mediation. Korey combines strategic insight with responsiveness to build strong, lasting client partnerships. Learn more about Korey’s practice here .
Zachary Walker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Zachary, 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 Zachary is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
James Meyers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. James, who practices law in Kansas City, Missouri, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Brayden H. Sternklar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Brayden H., 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 Brayden H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Luke Hawley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Luke, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Luke is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Originally from Jacksonville, Illinois, Hayley M. Hughes attended Illinois College in her hometown. She graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Management and Organizational Leadership, and a minor in Sociology. She was also inducted into Delta Mu Delta, an international business honor society which recognizes and encourages academic excellence. Given her business background, Hayley brings an exceptional touch that complements the firm. Hayley transitioned to law school at St. Louis Universi...
D. Michael Bell is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. D. Michael, 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 D. Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Rebecca L. James is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labor and Employment Law - Management and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Rebecca 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 Rebecca L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Courtney Otis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Intellectual Property Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Courtney, 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 Courtney is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Najla Hasic is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Transportation Law. Najla, 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 Najla is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.