Thomas G. Glick Elected Vice President of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

NEW VP WAS VOLUNTEER LAWYER AWARD WINNER IN 2002

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney Thomas G. Glick is elected vice president of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Inc. (LSEM) for a one-year term. In addition to holding this office, he will continue participation in the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP), performing volunteer legal aid to elderly and low-income residents of eastern Missouri.

Glick served on the board of directors of LSEM for the past four years. In October of 2002, he was a recipient of the Volunteer Lawyer Award.

“Legal representation is a fundamental right for all citizens, and I’m proud of the work Legal Services has done for the citizens of Missouri. The organization really does its best to meet the needs of those who use our services. One-third of the board of directors’ seats are held by service-eligible individuals, several of whom are past clients, who give us feedback from the very important perspective of service recipients. This creates a nice sense of accountability and helps LSEM stay in touch with emerging concerns,” says Glick.

Glick earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and his B.A. in government from the University of Texas at Austin. In June, Glick was also elected vice president of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

About LSEM: Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM) provides free civil legal assistance to elderly and lowincome people in 21 counties in eastern Missouri. The organization was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1956 as The Legal Aid Society for the City and County of St. Louis. LSEM is on the web at www.lsem.org.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest. To supplement its local resources, the firm is a member of MSI Global Alliance—an international association of over 250 independent law and accounting firms in 100 countries.

Thomas G. Glick Elected Vice President of Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Thomas G. Glick Elected Vice President of Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney Thomas G. Glick is elected vice president of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) for the 2008-09 term. Due to recent bylaw changes in the 6,500-member association, he will play a large role in readjusting the flow of responsibility between the officers and board of governors.

In his new position, Glick oversees association membership—a new responsibility for the office—and sits on the executive committee. He plans to focus on further development of the BAMSL website, hoping to reach prospective members online and provide easy access to the new association rules and content.

“This is the first time we’ve had anyone working specifically on the development of membership, and I’m excited to be a part of this new initiative. I already have strategies in mind that involve working on BAMSL publications, contributing to events, and more proactive planning in general,” says Glick.

Glick has been actively involved in BAMSL leadership for about 10 years. Before taking the vice president role, he served as secretary for a year, and as treasurer the year prior. He previously served on the board of governors.

Glick earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and his B.A. in government from the University of Texas at Austin.

About BAMSL: Founded in 1874, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis is a professional association of more than 6,500 lawyers and judges. With 11 sections and more than 60 committees, a Young Lawyers’ Division and, with The St. Louis Bar Foundation, BAMSL serves the educational, professional, and practice needs of the organized bar, providing a broad range of programs and services to benefit the community. BAMSL is on the web at www.bamsl.org.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest. To supplement its local resources, the firm is a member of MSI Global Alliance—an international association of over 250 independent law and accounting firms in 100 countries.

Sophya N. Qureshi Graduates from Leadership Clayton

2008 CLASS PROJECT FOCUSED ON REDUCTION OF CONSUMER WASTE

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney Sophya N. Qureshi is one of ten people comprising the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Clayton graduating class of 2008. She is the sixth attorney of the firm to complete the exclusive program. Participants are selected based on both their leadership potential and demonstrated community involvement. Each class spends nine months expanding professional and social networks, refining leadership skills, examining issues that affect the City of Clayton, and selecting a particular issue to help resolve or improve.

The Leadership Clayton Class of 2008 is devoting their time to helping Clayton “go green.” The class is approaching local businesses, encouraging them to sponsor reusable shopping bags made out of recycled materials. The bags will be distributed to Clayton Farmer’s Market for their customers.

“Promoting environmental awareness and responsibility is important for community leaders because the steps that we all need to take are not always convenient or even plausible for individuals alone. We can really help our residents by giving them options and resources for making improvements in their lifestyles,” says Qureshi.

Qureshi concentrates her practice in family law matters, including pre-nuptial agreements, annulments, dissolution of marriage, valuation and division of assets, and child support and spousal support orders. Qureshi obtained her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and her B.A. from George Washington University and is a graduate of the ABA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute.

About Leadership Clayton: Established in 1993 by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Clayton explores various qualities of leadership and helps participants identify and enhance their own leadership styles. It facilitates an environment where participants are motivated to develop an increased sense of community and are encouraged to assume leadership roles in community affairs.
http://www.claytoncommerce.com/Leadership%20Brochure.htm

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

James M. Heffner Named Treasurer of Young Lawyer Division of Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Clayton, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney James M. Heffner is the new treasurer of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL). With nearly 1,500 members, the YLD is the largest BAMSL network, comprising the association’s lawyers under the age of 36 and those with a practice of five years or less.

“BAMSL’s YLD is, and has been, a terrific resource for me in establishing and developing my practice and my network. I wish more emerging lawyers would tap into the leadership development and practice tools BAMSL and the YLD offer. It’s a pleasure for me to be able to give back to the organization now,” said Heffner.

In addition to continuing education programs and practice support for young lawyers, the YLD organizes public service programs in which members are encouraged to participate, allowing them to contribute to their community while simultaneously developing critical leadership skills.

As a lawyer with Danna McKitrick, Heffner concentrates in corporate and real estate law. He obtained his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.A., general honors, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He also earned a German Proficiency Certificate from the Universität Tübingen. He is the co-founder and regional leader of the career networking program of his college fraternity, Delta Upsilon.

About BAMSL Young Lawyers Division: YLD is a network of qualifying BAMSL members interested in career advancement, public service, leadership training, and social interaction. The organization provides programs and services responsive to the needs of the Bar and the St. Louis Community. Visit BAMSL on the Web at http://www.bamsl.org/

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Mo, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

Brian S. Weinstock Appointed to SSM Rehab Foundation Board

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney Brian S. Weinstock joins the SSM Rehabilitation Foundation Board, which provides resources and support to rehab patients and their families in the St. Louis area. Weinstock was invited to apply for a board member position after meeting with Foundation Director Teri Champion, and Board President Chuck Neff.

“I’m honored to be approved as a member of this board. Through the United Way, I learned about the foundation and gained an appreciation for the impact of their work. They have great programs, many of which help in crises that occur out of the blue-the kind of situations that could devastate any of us if we were ever so unlucky. I look forward to participating in the strategic planning that helps continually improve the way that patients, and their families, get care and support as they enhance their physical function and quality of life,” says Weinstock.

Weinstock earned his M.B.A. with finance and management concentration from Washington University John M. Olin School of Business. He attended Michigan State University College of Law earning a J.D., cum laude, and his B.A. in political science from the University of Kansas.

About SSM Rehabilitation Foundation: Established in 1990 by SSM Health Care-St. Louis as a non-profit organization, SSM Rehab Foundation provides funding and assistance for rehabilitation programs, services, equipment, and support to care and comfort SSM Rehab patients during their hospital stay, recovery and transition home (after an illness or injury). Learn more about SSM Rehab Foundation at www.ssmrehab.com.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

Jeff Schmitt Appointed to Clayton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

LEADERSHIP CLAYTON CO-CHAIR CONTINUES CHAMBER INVOLVEMENT

Clayton, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney Jeffrey Schmitt is appointed to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, effective immediately. Schmitt also continues to serve as co-chair for Leadership Clayton, a Chamber of Commerce program dedicated to the training and development of outstanding leaders.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on the board and look forward to becoming more involved in the Clayton community. In the three years since I applied to participate in the Leadership Clayton program, I’ve met many fantastic people and thoroughly enjoy the experience of learning about them and gaining a deeper understanding of their different roles in the business community. I look forward to serving them through an active role on the Chamber’s board.” says Schmitt.

A member of Danna McKitrick’s litigation team since he joined the firm in 2003, Schmitt’s commercial and general civil litigation practice includes bankruptcy, construction, and real estate law, as well as providing general legal consultation for small- to mid-size businesses. Schmitt earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Saint Louis University.

About Clayton Chamber of Commerce: Since its founding in 1952, the Chamber has been an integral part of the Clayton community, helping area businesses uncover new opportunities in St. Louis and beyond. Members benefit from networking opportunities, legislative support, health insurance alternatives and a variety of other resources that will increase your effectiveness in today’s competitive market. Visit on the Web at www.claytoncommerce.com

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

Dan Tobben Addressing Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (MAPERS)

DANNA MCKITRICK ATTORNEY DISCUSSES PENSION PLAN UNDERFUNDING

Clayton, MO – Dan Tobben, a litigation principal at local law firm Danna McKitrick, is scheduled to present “Pension Plan Funding—A Case Study” at the annual Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (MAPERS) conference on July 16, 2008 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Mo.

In his session, Tobben will address the recent case Neske, et al. v. City of St. Louis, et al., which he argued and won before the Missouri Supreme Court on behalf of the Firemen’s Retirement System (FRS) of St. Louis. The decision in Neske establishes the need for “actuarial soundness” as the principle at the heart of the public employee pension funding. Tobben believes the Neske case also affirms that public pension benefits in Missouri are contractually guaranteed.

“All employees, especially those who dedicate their lives to public service, deserve what they have been promised. If you are underfunded badly enough, don’t be afraid to sue the city,” says Dan Tobben. “Trustees have fiduciary responsibilities to see that pension plans are properly funded.”

His presentation will incorporate lessons learned and precautions to consider regarding public pension funding problems, based on Danna McKitrick’s recent experience with FRS of St. Louis, Joplin Police & Firemen’s Pension Fund, and Alton Firefighters Pension Fund (AFPF).

The conference also features speakers Jennifer Bass, executive director of the Joint Committee on Public Employee Retirement; Jake McMahon, chief legal counsel of MOSERS; Meredith Williams, executive director of the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association; and Tripp Frohlichstein, president of MediaMasters, Inc.

Due to recent rise of awareness about public pension funding shortfalls, Tobben’s broader litigation practice is focused extensively on issues affecting public pensions, especially regarding failure to fund. Tobben assists several pension trustee boards, seeking to resolve underfunding issues before lawsuits become necessary. If negotiations are not successful, Tobben aggressively represents trustees in suits against municipalities, which have failed to properly contribute to public pensions. The City of Alton, Ill., recently settled litigation and is now fully funding its pensions after many years of serious underfunding. The significant victory in the Missouri Supreme Court, in Neske, led to an eight-figure judgment awarded to FRS. As a result of the victory, FRS received a payment of $49.4 million from St. Louis in September, 2007, and is scheduled to receive another large lump sum payment in June 2008.

About MAPERS: The Missouri Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems (MAPERS) formed in 1987 to bring together individuals and organizations interested in expanding their knowledge of pension and investment issues. The association provides education, information, and ideas to strengthen and protect Missouri’s public employee retirement systems. For more information about the MAPERS and their July event, visit www.momapers.com.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), government-related entities, insurers, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

Danna McKitrick Joins International Association MSI Global Alliance

MSI SELECTS ST LOUIS LAW FIRM AS ONE OF THEIR 60 US MEMBERS

Clayton, MO – In a strategic move to increase their offerings to clients, Danna McKitrick joins MSI Global Alliance (MSI) as its Missouri law firm member. By joining MSI, the firm gains access to a global association of over 250 carefully selected, independent law and accounting firms in 100 countries throughout the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

With more clients broadening their operations and requiring geographically specific legal knowledge, the firm’s membership in MSI provides support from a strong, pre-qualified team to assist clients when help is needed outside of the Midwestern region or in areas of the law not practiced by the firm.

“As a growing, local firm, it’s important for us to build and maintain strong working relationships with more professionals in other cities and internationally, as well,” says Ruth Binger, member of the firm’s executive committee. “In addition to the collaborative aspect, MSI provides operational insights and advancements to help us ensure we evolve continuously alongside our most sophisticated clients.”

The scope of Danna McKitrick’s practice includes legal counsel and representation that businesses, insurers, government-related entities, and individuals need on a daily or occasional basis. The firm’s transactional lawyers and litigators collaborate, combining their experiences and skills, in order to develop service offerings that are proactive and cost-effective. However, because the firm comprises 26 attorneys, it is impossible for the firm to practice in each of the hundreds of focus areas of the law.

“Because our lawyers are particularly effective at working collaboratively, we look at this membership as a healthy broadening of our ‘collaborator’ pool,” says Jim Baalmann, firm administrator. “With a like philosophy, MSI is the right fit for us. This is a very positive move for Danna McKitrick.”

About MSI: MSI Global Alliance was formed in 1990 in response to the growing need for cross-border cooperation between professional service firms. MSI has become a leading global multidisciplinary network of over 250 independent legal and accounting firms in 100 countries throughout the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa. For more information, visit www.msiglobal.org.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

Ruth A. Binger Receives ‘Lawyer’s Lawyer’ Award

ST. LOUIS DAILY RECORD HONORS WOMEN’S JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Clayton, MO – Danna McKitrick principal Ruth A. Binger is one of three recipients of the Lawyer’s Lawyer Award in the St. Louis Daily Record’s 10th annual Women’s Justice Awards. The Lawyer’s Lawyer Award recognizes women in private practice who have demonstrated leadership, integrity, service, sacrifice, and accomplishment in improving the quality of justice or contributing to the betterment of the profession. Binger and award winners from all eight categories will be honored on April 10, 2008, at a gala reception at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Binger, who practices corporate and intellectual property law, was nominated by fellow attorneys for her extraordinary contributions to the legal profession and the St Louis business community.

“Ruth exemplifies what it means to be a spectacular mom-citizen-lawyer. She stands out among other lawyers and business people because of her innovative approach to the practice of law,” says Michele Davis, a litigation associate at Danna McKitrick. “My colleagues and I consider Ruth to be an inspiration and an awesome role-model. She helps us find ways to balance our personal, professional, and community responsibilities—not an easy thing to do. A lot of law firms have mentoring programs, but Ruth lives it. She really gets it.”

Recently re-elected to the executive committee of the firm, Binger is an advocate and mentor for young associates adjusting to the pressures of the profession. She’s also a mentor in the Special Friends Extended Program for underprivileged elementary students, a member of the subcommittee of the Ladue Middle School Parent’s Association, and a participant in the “Battle of the Books” where sixth graders compete in reading.

The idea of ‘giving and creating’ inspired Binger to reactivate the CEO Roundtable Group 12 years ago (a program that was created originally as part of a RCGA initiative over 14 years ago). Meeting monthly with Binger acting as facilitator, a diverse group of 14 entrepreneurs share their experiences and lessons learned, their struggles, and their needs, in hopes of helping the others succeed.

Binger was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as a recipient of their “40 Under 40” award. She also received the Pacesetter Award from the St. Louis RCGA related to the CEO Roundtable she launched, and has served or is presently serving on various boards including the St. Louis RCGA, Civic Entrepreneurs Organization, and the Associated Industries of Missouri.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Midwest.

Ruth Binger a “Hero in Business”

Ruth Binger’s philosophy is that it’s best to give more than she takes, and during her 25 years of practicing business law, she has used that philosophy to help small businesses grow. In addition to providing corporate, employment and intellectual property advice, Binger offers business owners wisdom she has gathered in her own career.

Read more… St. Louis Small Business Monthly
Published: April 2008