Patrick T. Hinrichs and Emery A. Reusch Join Danna McKitrick’s Litigation Practice

Firm’s Insurance Defense Practice Continues Growth with Addition of Two Litigators

St. Louis, Mo. – April 2, 2013 – The law firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced that Patrick T. Hinrichs and Emery A. Reusch have joined its litigation practice group. Their additions continue a trend of growth in the firm’s litigation defense practice in 2013, beginning in February when Matthew R. Fields joined the firm as a principal, moving his toxic tort and insurance defense litigation practice to the firm. Hinrichs and Reusch will focus their practices primarily on insurance defense, toxic tort litigation, products and premises liability, and workers’ compensation.

“With the expansion of our insurance defense practice, especially in the area of toxic tort litigation, Emery and Patrick are great additions to our team. Emery has had a long standing desire to become a trial attorney. Given his enthusiasm, work ethic, and encyclopedic knowledge of the rules of evidence, we are confident that he will be an asset to our firm,” said David Bohm, principal with the firm and head of the litigation practice group. “Patrick brings experience representing employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation claims and adds additional litigation depth to our team.”

Patrick T. Hinrichs
Attorney at Law

Hinrichs previously worked for a regional defense firm, where he represented employers and insurance carriers in Missouri and Illinois in workers’ compensation claims in hearings, drafted briefs at both the trial level and appellate level, and conducted depositions of employees, employers and medical experts. During law school, Patrick clerked for the Honorable Judge Sherri B. Sullivan in the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

Hinrichs earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law (2010), with a concentration in Tax Law, where he also received a Certificate in Employment Law from the Wefel Center for Employment Law, and was an officer for the Employment Law Association. He graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a B.S.B.A. in banking and finance (2007). Admitted to practice law in Missouri and Illinois, Hinrichs is a member of the American Bar Association and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Emery A. Reusch
Attorney at Law

Reusch earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2012, where he received the Everett J. Hullverson Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and Trial Practice and was a captain on the Trial Advocacy Team. Reusch received an Academic Award in Negotiations as well as the Vincent C. Immel Scholarship and Dean’s Scholarship.

While in law school, Reusch worked as a clerk at the Social Security Administration Office of Disability Adjudication and Review where he drafted decisions in disability appeal cases.

Reusch graduated with a B.A., cum laude, in political science and a minor in philosophy from Saint Louis University in 2009; he also earned a Certificate in Legal Studies. He received an award for Excellence in Advocacy from the Saint Louis University Pre-Law Program, and was honored at mock trial competitions as an Outstanding Regional Attorney and an Outstanding Intercollegiate Attorney. Reusch is admitted to practice law in Missouri, and is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Read People in the St. Louis Business Journal …

• Patrick T. Hinrichs
• Emery A. Reusch

Attorney Matthew R. Fields Moves Practice to Danna McKitrick

St. Louis Law Firm Expands Insurance Defense Practice, Adds Toxic Tort Defense

Matthew R. Fields
Attorney at Law

St. Louis, Mo. – March 5, 2013 – The law firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced that Matthew R. Fields has joined the firm as its newest principal. Fields joins Danna McKitrick’s litigation practice, where he focuses on toxic tort litigation, defending claims of harm to health or damage to property allegedly caused by product exposure, particularly asbestos.

Fields’ practice includes insurance defense and commercial litigation. His trial experience includes jury trials to verdict in favor of his clients. He also has tried successful multimillion dollar cases involving issues such as personal injury, contractual disputes, and fraud.

“Danna McKitrick is proud to have Matt Fields join our litigation team,” said Dan Tobben, principal and head of the litigation practice. “The work he is doing in the area of toxic tort litigation expands our litigation practice into a new service area. We have a strong insurance defense team, and Matt’s experience will add even greater depth.”

Due to his extensive tort litigation and insurance defense experience, Fields has become a frequent speaker and author on topics relating to tort litigation as well as managing complex insurance coverage cases and mastering the art of effective depositions. Continue reading »

Kevin E. Myers is Newly Elected Principal at Danna McKitrick, P.C.

Law Firm Promotes Insurance Lawyer

St. Louis, Mo. – February 12, 2013 – The law firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C., is pleased to announce the election of Kevin E. Myers to the position of principal, effective February 1, 2013. Myers advises and represents clients in matters involving insurance coverage and disputes over policy analysis. He also represents individuals, insurers and businesses in tort and contract matters throughout Missouri and Illinois, with a concentration in insurance coverage, extra-contractual and bad faith litigation.

“Kevin is an excellent lawyer,” said Dan Tobben, principal and head of litigation at the firm. “Kevin is very bright and hard working. He is committed to zealously representing his clients, and understands the need to do so in a cost-effective manner. These traits, along with his extensive experience in representing insurance companies and tort defendants, help Kevin to consistently obtain the best results possible for his clients. We are extremely pleased and proud that he has agreed to become a principal in our firm.”

When asked why he joined Danna McKitrick, Myers stated,

“I like the challenge of examining complex issues from many angles and finding solutions in areas of law that are constantly changing, which I regularly get to do at Danna McKitrick. I’ve found that close attention to detail and rigorous logical analysis have been the two most important tools in my practice, whether in advising a client as to the rights and duties under a contract or insurance policy or in formulating an argument for a brief in a trial or appellate court,” said Myers. “Working at Danna McKitrick provides the opportunity to test my opinions, analyses and strategies by collaborating with a number of attorneys bringing multiple perspectives to an issue and come to the best conclusion for the client.”

Prior to joining Danna McKitrick, Myers practiced at a litigation firm in St. Louis. He is admitted to the bar in Missouri and Illinois, as well as the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Seventh and Eighth Circuits, and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of Missouri and the Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois. He is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Missouri Bar, the St. Clair County Bar Association, and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers.

Myers earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law, where he was the executive editor of the Saint Louis University Public Law Review. He graduated summa cum laude from Saint Louis University with a B.A. in Russian studies and political science.

James M. Heffner Elected Principal at Danna McKitrick, P.C.

Real Estate and Banking Attorney Promoted by Law Firm

St. Louis, Mo. – January 16, 2013 – The law firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C., is pleased to announce the election of James M. Heffner to the position of principal, effective January 1, 2013. A transactional lawyer, Heffner concentrates his practice in banking and finance, corporate, and real estate law.

“James came to our firm as a law clerk, and it has been a great experience to work with him and watch him grow into such a strong lead attorney,” said Ron Danna, senior principal and co-founder of the firm. “His representation for his clients is thorough, thoughtful, and strategic. We are proud to have him as a member of our firm.”

In addition to his law practice, Heffner co-chairs the firm’s marketing committee and mentors younger attorneys in the firm.

“I am very pleased to be elected as a principal of Danna McKitrick. When I was given the opportunity as a law clerk to join the firm, I knew this was a firm where I would be able to gain the experience necessary to become the attorney I wanted to be,” said Heffner. “From day one, they have encouraged me to grow my practice, and have provided me with the indispensable resources, support and tools I needed.”

Admitted to the bar in Missouri and Illinois, Heffner is also admitted in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri. He is a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Missouri Bar and the Illinois State Bar. Heffner is a frequent speaker for real estate law CLE’s and seminars.

Heffner serves on the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center Development Board and the Webster Groves Board of Adjustment. He is a graduate of Leadership Clayton and was the recipient of the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Corporate Achievers Leadership Award.

Heffner obtained his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.A., with honors, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He also earned a German Proficiency Certificate from the Universität Tübingen.

Brant M. Feltner Joins Bankruptcy Team at Danna McKitrick

Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Group Expands with Experienced Attorney

St. Louis, Mo. – June 4, 2012 – Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced that Brant M. Feltner has joined the firm as a member of the bankruptcy and creditors’ rights practice group. He represents business clients with matters related to out-of-court workouts, bankruptcies (on behalf of both creditors and debtors) and other general commercial litigation.

Feltner brings considerable experience in the area of creditors’ right, bankruptcy and commercial law to the expanding practice of the firm. He also has previous experience as a financial and budget analyst with a national manufacturer in St. Louis and as a budget analyst with a major nonprofit organization in Chicago.

“Brant’s previous business experience provides him with a much broader perspective and understanding of our clients’ issues, which enhances his value to them. He can see both the business and the legal aspects of the cases he works,” said A. Thomas DeWoskin, head of Danna McKitrick’s Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Right practice group.

Feltner “was looking for an opportunity to expand upon his previous bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy experience” when he decided to join Danna McKitrick.

“Danna McKitrick provides superior legal services to clients while maintaining an air of professionalism and collegiality among its attorneys,” said Feltner. “I’m glad that the firm recognizes the value that my business background adds to my legal abilities.

I also recognize the importance of the firm’s broad experience in representing all of the different types of clients there can be in the insolvency field. Having represented clients on all sides of the table, we can recognize the needs of all of the parties involved. This often enables us to resolve our clients’ issues more quickly and efficiently.”

Feltner earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2008. A graduate of Miami University with a B.A. in history, he was named to the Dean’s List and was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma Academic Honorary Society.

Admitted in Missouri, Illinois, and the U.S. District Courts, Eastern District of Missouri and Central and Southern Districts of Illinois, Feltner is a member of the American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Feltner’s article, “Advance Rulings: Taxpayers Can Obtain Binding Advice from State Taxing Authorities,” was published in the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives (January-May, 2008).

Feltner is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois and a graduate of Leadership Belleville.

Read “People” in St. Louis Business Journal

Read “Business” in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Jeff Schmitt Appointed Head of Danna McKitrick’s Title Litigation Practice

Saint Louis, MO – February 3, 2012 – Jeffrey R. Schmitt, a principal at Danna McKitrick, P.C., has recently been appointed head of the firm’s title litigation practice. Schmitt will lead the practice in its representation of its clients including national title insurance underwriters and their insured, resolving title policy claims and disputes that preclude title transfer or cloud true ownership. Schmitt is an experienced commercial and general civil litigator whose practice includes financial and lending, construction, and real estate law as well as general legal counsel for small to mid-sized businesses.

“Jeff is an excellent litigator, and has extensive experience in real estate, construction and financial litigation,” said Ron Danna, senior principal and co-founder of the firm. “He’s a proven leader, and we believe he’s the one to lead the title litigation practice into its next phase, one committed to quality client service and continued growth.”

Supporting Schmitt and Danna McKitrick’s title litigation practice is litigator David A. Zobel, as well as transactional lawyers Michael J. McKitrick and James M. Heffner. With McKitrick’s 30 years of experience in real estate litigation and transactions, McKitrick and other members of the transactional team focus on areas that are tangential and necessary to support title litigation, such as creditors’ rights.

Schmitt earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his B.A. (magna cum laude) from Saint Louis University. He is admitted in Missouri, Illinois, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit.

Schmitt is past president of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and executive committee member. After clerking for the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri, he joined Danna McKitrick as a promising young law clerk and worked his way up to principal. He was recognized in 2010 by The Missouri Bar Young Lawyer’s Section as a “Young Lawyer You Should Know.”

Read “Business” in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Read “People” in St. Louis Business Journal

Margaret L. Wichmann Joins Danna McKitrick, P.C.

With the Addition of the Second Intellectual Property Attorney in Less Than Six Months, Practice Group Continues Its Growth

Saint Louis, MO – January 17, 2012 – Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced that Attorney Margaret L. Wichmann has joined the firm as an associate. Wichmann represents business clients in matters related to business transactions, intellectual property, employment law, and real estate.

Wichmann will be an integral part of the firm’s expansion of their intellectual property, according to Ruth A. Binger, principal with Danna McKitrick and head of the firm’s transactional department.

“We’re pleased to successfully recruit a candidate with Maggie’s advanced degree in intellectual property. She’s a great addition to our growing IP practice,” said Binger. “Additionally, her skills and temperament also mesh well with our transactional team and further expand Danna McKitrick’s service to its business clientele.”

Wichmann is experienced in real estate, corporate, and financial transactions as well as litigation support for intellectual property and commercial litigation. She has also assisted business owners with estate planning matters.

“Danna McKitrick is exactly the type of firm I was looking to join,” stated Wichmann. “For me, the firm is ideal in terms of the size, the clients I work for, the resources available to associates, and the potential for professional growth through mentoring relationships. It is a great place to practice law.”

During law school, Wichmann worked in the Judicial Clerkship Clinic for Judge William D. Stiehl in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Before law school, she worked as a legal assistant for a criminal attorney.

Wichmann has the unique experience of working as an intern in Bangkok, Thailand, studying the anti-trafficking laws in Southeast Asia and assisting in multi-lateral negotiations for the Thailand Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. She also participated in the Summer Institute for Global Justice at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Wichmann earned her LL.M. in Intellectual Property and J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. Her credentials include: Dean’s List, Dagen-Legomsky Public Interest Fellowship, Cash-Nickerson Fellowship, Whitney R. Harris Wold Law Institute, Washington University Law Review Senior Editor and Staff Editor, Student Bar Association Faculty Appointments Committee, Environmental Moot Court Semi-Finalist, Women’s Law Caucus Executive Board Social Chair, International Humanitarian Law “Students as Teachers” Program Presenter, Negotiation Competition. She earned her B.A. in philosophy from Washington University.

Admitted in Missouri and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, Wichmann is a member of the American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar, and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. She is the author of “Reaching Beyond Guantanamo: The Future of Counter-Terrorism Law in the United States,” 6 Cambridge Student Law Review 197 (2010).

Read “People” in St. Louis Business Journal

Read “Business” in St. Louis Post-Dispatch

David A. Zobel Promoted to Associate by Danna McKitrick

Litigation Group Continues to Grow

David A. Zobel has been promoted to associate in the litigation department of Danna McKitrick, P.C. Zobel primarily represents individuals and corporations in the defense of civil litigation, including contract, negligence and real estate matters.

In addition to his court room work, Zobel assists in advising clients on contract and employment issues and regarding issues arising under the Sunshine Law.

“As a law student, I was attracted to Danna McKitrick’s breadth of practice areas. I valued the ability to gain experience in a multitude of legal areas working to solve issues for a variety of clients. As an attorney, I continue to value this firm’s coverage which often utilizes several practice areas in quickly and efficiently solving our clients’ matters,” Zobel stated.

Zobel is a great addition to the continually growing litigation practice of the firm, according to the head of the firm’s litigation group.

“We are constantly on the lookout for bright law students, and David has developed into a talented young attorney. Watching him grow over the past year and a half as a law clerk has given us the opportunity to see his strengths, and to know early on that we wanted him as a member of our litigation team,” said Daniel G. Tobben, principal and head of Danna McKitrick’s litigation department.

During law school, Zobel worked as an extern with the Missouri Court of Appeals, reviewing and summarizing appellate arguments and responses and drafting memoranda summarizing claims in preparation for oral arguments as well as memoranda on worker’s compensation, juvenile and criminal appeals.

He worked as a law clerk with Danna McKitrick in the areas of professional malpractice, real estate transactions, pensions and worker’s compensation. Zobel has experience in alternative dispute resolution on personal injury and wrongful death matters as well as client MSPRC lien claims matters, including negotiating lien settlements.

Zobel was an aide to Missouri State Senator Chuck Graham and worked across the state to promote the MOHELA reorganization bill.

He graduated cum laude from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2011, where his credentials include: Dean’s List, Journal of Health Law and Policy Staff Editor, Health Law Association, Legal Research and Writing Teaching Assistant. Zobel earned his B.S., cum laude, in political science with a leadership and public service minor from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2008.

Zobel is admitted to practice in Missouri and the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri. He is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Read “People” … St. Louis Business Journal

Jeffrey L. Michelman joins Danna McKitrick as New Principal

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND ENTERTAINMENT LAW ATTORNEY EXPANDS SERVICE OFFERINGS OF GROWING FIRM

St. Louis, MO – June 1, 2011 – The law firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C., announced today that intellectual property, information technology and entertainment law attorney Jeffrey L. Michelman has joined the firm as its newest principal.

Michelman is involved in intellectual property management and litigation in the U.S. and abroad. He assists his clients with the development, acquisition, use and licensing of products and services under intellectual property law, particularly trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary computer software. Michelman also advises clients on legal issues regarding E-commerce and social networking activities as well as protection of trade secrets and “know-how”.

“There is definitely a different perceived professional ethic in the Midwest,” he says. “We’re perceived as more client-oriented and cost-effective. With technology I can easily stay in contact with my clients nationwide and in foreign countries and provide the same services and quality as the firms on the East or West Coast. What’s more, I can do it at a fee rate that is more palatable than on either coast,” Michelman said.

Michelman’s substantial client work in entertainment law will take Danna McKitrick into a new practice area. Michelman reviews his clients’ print and broadcast material for compliance with copyrights and trade regulations. He also manages his clients’ contracts for publicity and performance work, public appearances, endorsements, licensing, recording contracts, movie and TV options and development deals, and book publication.

His experience in the entertainment field includes: endorsements contracts with A-list actors; recording contracts with Grammy Award-winning artists; reality TV productions; and contracts with Academy Award-nominated producers and American Idol contestants.

Michelman has participated in successful litigation before the Supreme Court of the United States regarding trademark matters and represented KangaROOS U.S.A. against numerous corporations around the world for patent infringement. He has also represented an entertainment conglomerate in trademark and copyright infringement suits against clothing manufacturers that were settled favorably. Michelman recently successfully represented distributors for the South Butt parody clothing line.

“Jeff’s unique legal experience brings additional depth to the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice,” said Ruth Binger, Principal with Danna McKitrick. “Intellectual property issues continue to become more prominent as our lives center around technology. We anticipate Jeff’s extensive experience in this area of law will put the firm ahead of the curve in intellectual property now and into the future.”

Michelman earned his J.D. with Honors from Villanova University, an M.E. from Washington University in St. Louis, and his B.A. from Pennsylvania State University. He has served as an adjunct professor at both St. Louis University School of Law and Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. The founder and co-chair of the E-Commerce and Computer Law Committee of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Michelman is a frequent speaker and noted author on intellectual property and entertainment law subjects and issues. He holds the honor of being a decorated Captain in the United States Army.

In addition to these professional accomplishments, Michelman has participated in numerous community activities: President, Inventors Association of St. Louis; Vice President, Art St. Louis; Board Member, Edison Theater, Washington University; Chair, Small Business Committee, St. Louis Counts; Graduate, Leadership St. Louis.

Read more … St. Louis Business Journal

Three New Principals: Laura Gerdes Long, Sophya Qureshi Raza, and Jeffrey R. Schmitt Are Promoted

St. Louis, MO – Jan. 3, 2011 – Danna McKitrick is pleased to announce three attorneys have been elected to the position of principal: Laura Gerdes Long, Sophya Qureshi Raza, and Jeffrey R. Schmitt. All three are primarily litigators, each with differing areas of focus spanning construction, health care, family, and real estate law as well as insurance defense and complex commercial litigation.

“Many times throughout the past few years, our principals have gratefully observed that we currently have the best group of associates that we’ve ever had—they are truly exceptional. It’s a pleasure watching them grow and evolve as lawyers, bringing insights and strategic changes to our practice, as well as great legal talent. It’s now time to honor these three associates with promotions to principal and welcome them as peers into their new leadership positions,” says Ron Danna, senior principal and co-founder of the firm.

Long’s practice focuses are tort, employment, insurance, and healthcare law. She works with major insurers resolving claims; advises doctors, nurses, psychologists and other health care professionals on licensing, disciplinary, and hospital privilege issues; and consults and trains on employment law policies and processes, especially related to HIPAA privacy and security requirements.

Long earned her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and her B.A. (cum laude) from Vanderbilt University. She also graduated from both the International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy and Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Trial Academy. She formerly served as prosecutor and assistant city attorney for various municipalities in St. Louis County. Long serves as an alternate on the City of Kirkwood Board of Adjustment, and sits on the board of Legal Advocates for Abused Women and St. Genevieve du Bois School Board of Education.

Raza leads Danna McKitrick’s Family Law Department where she concentrates her practice in matters including pre- and post-nuptial agreements, annulments, divorce, child support and spousal support modifications, and probate litigation.

Raza obtained her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and her B.A. from George Washington University. She is also a graduate of the ABA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute. She joined Danna McKitrick as a law clerk and advanced to eventually head her department. Raza serves on the boards of Angels’ Arms and the Scholarship Committee of Girls, Inc., is a member of the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, and is a former board member of The International Institute.

Schmitt’s commercial and general civil litigation practice includes financial and lending, construction, and real estate law as well as providing general legal counsel for small to mid-sized businesses.

Schmitt earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, his B.A. (magna cum laude) from Saint Louis University, and completed both the International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy and Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Trial Academy. He joined Danna McKitrick as a law clerk after clerking for the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri.

Schmitt is a member of Transportation Lawyers Association and was named in 2010 as a “Young Lawyer You Should Know” by The Missouri Bar Young Lawyer’s Section. He just became president of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce after serving on the Chamber’s board for two years, and is a member of the board at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection.

Read “People in Business”… St. Louis Post-Dispatch