Geschke Joins Danna McKitrick’s Litigation Department

ENHANCES FIRM’S CIVIL/COMMERCIAL LITIGATION AND FAMILY LAW PRACTICES

St. Louis, MO – August 5, 2010 – Bringing more than five years’ experience to the firm, Jennifer L Geschke will practice in the civil and commercial litigation department and in family law. Before joining Danna McKitrick, P.C., Geschke worked with another St. Louis firm where she practiced civil and commercial litigation. She also worked with a Washington, Mo. general practice law firm where she focused on civil litigation and family law.

Her business litigation experience includes employment law matters, such as discrimination, wrongful termination and non-compete agreements. She also has a strong background in intellectual property matters involving trademarks and trade secret protection, as well as in class action disputes, complex contracts, and general corporate matters.

Her family law background includes divorce, child custody, child support and paternity. She has been a court-appointed guardian ad litem representing children in divorce and child-abuse cases.

“I was attracted to Danna McKitrick because of its reputation in the St. Louis legal community. Several attorneys recommended the firm, even some who were on the other side during a trial. I look forward to bringing my experience to benefit the firm’s existing clients and attract new ones,” Geschke said.

Geschke has briefed several cases before the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. While a law student at Saint Louis University School of Law, she clerked for a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She has worked in civil litigation in both state and federal court.

“Litigation and family law are two of our fast growing departments at Danna McKitrick. Jennifer has a history of effectively and efficiently pursuing solutions that benefit her clients, in both business-related litigation and family-law-related matters. We are excited that she chose to join us and look forward to bringing her experience to work for our clients,” said David Bohm, principal and co-chair of the litigation department at Danna McKitrick.

Geschke’s undergraduate degree in English is from the University of Missouri – St. Louis where she graduated cum laude. She is admitted to the bar in Missouri and U.S. District Courts in both the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri.

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. www.dannamckitrick.com.

Read “Newsmakers”… Missouri Lawyers Media

Attorney Kara D. Helmuth Joins Danna McKitrick, P.C.

BRINGS DIVERSE LITIGATION EXPERIENCE TO CLAYTON FIRM

St. Louis, MO – July 28, 2010 – A diverse litigation practice including insurance defense practice drew Kara D. Helmuth to the Clayton-based law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. Helmuth practices primarily in insurance defense for many industries, including transportation, manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

Representing both claimants and insureds, her responsibilities include a wide range of situations including personal injury and products liability, such as scaffolding failures and barbecue grill fires. She also handles breach of contract cases. Her broad background includes defending claims regarding complex situations such as vicarious liability, negligence, construction defects and subrogation.

“I was attracted to Danna McKitrick for two primary reasons. The firm offers diversity in a wide range of insurance defense practice areas and can handle any issue a client may have, whether it’s transactional or litigation. And, Danna McKitrick provides a positive work environment that emphasizes excellence in our work product while allowing for a life outside of work. I saw they treat their people well,” Helmuth said.

Helmuth graduated magna cum laude from Saint Louis University School of Law and briefly worked for another St. Louis law firm before joining Danna McKitrick. At law school, she interned with the Saint Louis University Law Clinic where she argued before the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District of Missouri. She also interned with the deputy trial director if the Missouri State Public Defender’s office, where she participated in capital murder trials.

“We are pleased that we are able to attract attorneys of Kara’s caliber. Originally from northern Illinois, she has spent eight years in St. Louis and wants to stay in the area. Kara’s intelligence, enthusiasm and experience expand our capability to serve our rapidly growing insurance defense practice.” said John F. Cooney, a principal at Danna McKitrick.

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. www.dannamckitrick.com

Read “Newsmakers”… Missouri Lawyers Media
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James Morris Joins Danna McKitrick, P.C.

BRINGS STRONG LITIGATION BACKGROUND TO FIRM

St. Louis, MO – Nov 25, 2009 – James C. Morris has joined Danna McKitrick, P.C. as an associate. Prior to joining, Morris practiced law and owned and operated a ready-mix concrete company, as well as co-owned a real-estate development company.

Morris’ litigation background includes defending complex coverage claims made against casualty and liability insurers. He handles workers’ compensation, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, premises, property, and product liability claims, as well as other commercial disputes through trial or negotiated settlements.

“Jay brings several years of significant litigation experience in addition to his business background to the firm, which will provide our clients additional insights to meet their needs. His firsthand experience as a small business owner offers a fresh perspective that many of our clients will welcome. In defending workers’ compensation cases, Jay combines his insurance defense knowledge with his experience in working with small business owners. We look forward to his work in our corporate and litigation practices,” said Dan Tobben, a principal with Danna McKitrick.

In addition to his litigation background, Morris helps clients in the formation, growth and exit strategies of their organizations. Much of his legal work includes mergers and acquisitions, contracts and operational counsel as well as risk mitigation.

“I chose Danna McKitrick because of the diverse practice and its broad base of clients. That combination enables me to bring a variety of my experience to the table to help those clients,” Morris said.

Prior to joining Danna McKitrick, Morris began his legal career with another St. Louis law firm defending claims of catastrophic injury, wrongful death and workers’ compensation, as well as premises and product liability. He also spent time in Alabama, where he was a sole practitioner and general counsel for a concrete company. After returning to Missouri, he founded a concrete business which he later sold.

Morris graduated from University of Alabama School of Law in 2001 after receiving a B.A. from Spring Hill College in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Missouri, Alabama, U.S. District Courts in the Eastern District of Missouri and Southern District of Alabama, and the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

He is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Alabama Bar, and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

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. www.dannamckitrick.com.

David Binder Joins Danna McKitrick, P.C.

BECOMES MEMBER OF TRANSACTIONAL TEAM ON CORPORATE MATTERS

St. Louis, MO – Nov 9, 2009 – Law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. today announced the addition of a new associate to its Clayton office. David Binder has joined the firm following a two-year period as a law clerk with the firm.

Binder works primarily in the areas of corporate, real estate and public pensions. He also has a strong background in tax and intellectual property, and has gained both transactional and litigation experience while at Danna McKitrick.

“We are pleased to add an associate with such excellent academic credentials, combined with experience at the firm, who can strengthen our presence in the corporate mergers and acquisitions, as well as tax areas,’ said Cheryl Beebe-Snell, a principal with Danna McKitrick.

Binder’s other practice areas include, emerging business, financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution, transportation and trademarks.

“I believe that Danna McKitrick is a firm of the highest integrity and has many professionals who are outstanding in their primary areas of practice. I look forward to continuing to work with and learn from my colleagues,” Binder said.

Binder graduated magna cum laude from Washington University School of Law in 2009 and holds a B.A. (summa cum laude) in finance and economics from St. Louis University in 2006. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. In addition, he was co-author of “Missouri Shared Work Program: A Unique Opportunity to Reduce Employees’ Hours While Still Qualifying Them for Unemployment.”

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. www.dannamckitrick.com.

Richard F. Huck, III Moves Practice to Danna McKitrick, P.C.

PROMINENT LITIGATION ATTORNEY JOINS CLAYTON LAW FIRM

St. Louis, MO — Local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. announces Richard F. Huck, III as their newest principal. Huck’s extensive business litigation experience includes construction, real estate, insurance, and professional liability matters. As lead counsel, he has brought more than 35 jury trials to verdict and is also a seasoned mediator and arbitrator.

“We are very pleased that Rich has joined our team.  He strengthens our capabilities in construction law, and adds another dimension to our well-established insurance and professional liability practice,” says Dan Tobben, who leads the firm’s litigation department.

Prior to joining Danna McKitrick, Huck was a partner since 1989 with two other leading St.Louis firms, one of which merged to become a regional firm.

“I am pleased to be in a mid-size firm, which very much appeals to me, with a sophisticated practice and talented professionals,” Huck says.

Huck earned his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law and his B.A. in politics from Washington & Lee University.

About Danna McKitrick, P.C.: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. represents businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Bi-state St. Louis area and adjoining states. To supplement its local resources, the firm is a member of MSI Global Alliance – an international association of more than 250 member firms in 100 countries. The firm can be viewed on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Jim Grandone, Public Relations
618.692.1892

Dan Tobben, Principal
314.889.7125

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Scott Mueller Joins Danna McKitrick, P.C.

BRINGS STRONG BACKGROUND IN REAL ESTATE, BANKING

St. Louis, MO — July 6, 2009 — Citing the firm’s value system and emphasis on character, Scott Mueller returned to St. Louis from Kansas City to join Danna McKitrick this spring. As part of  the firm’s litigation department, his primary focus is on commercial litigation with an emphasis on real estate-related matters.

Mueller has worked in the real estate industry since 2003 in St. Louis. He represents title insurance underwriters, insured owners, lenders, and title agents. In addition to his work analyzing and resolving title claims, he handles lien disputes, mortgage issues and breach of contract claims.

“I am happy to be in St. Louis and look forward to working with the firm and its clients, as well as being part of the quality team of attorneys at Danna McKitrick,” Mueller said.

Mueller also is involved assisting the firm’s lender clients with secured lending, mortgage issues and, if necessary, foreclosures. Mueller advises clients on properly documenting collateral, managing loan agreements and structure, and collections on delinquent loans.

“Scott is an asset to our growing litigation practice. He brings a strong background in real estate and title litigation defense and he will be working on that and on mortgage issues here,” principal Mike McKitrick said.

Mueller is admitted to the bar in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas. He also is admitted in U.S. district courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri and the U.S. District Court of Kansas.

He graduated with his law degree in 2006 from St. Louis University School of Law with a specialization in Business Transactions. He received a B.A. and graduated with honors in history from Southern Illinois University in 2002.

About Danna McKitrick, P.C.: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. represents businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Bi-state St. Louis area and adjoining states. To supplement its local resources, the firm is a member of MSI Global Alliance – an international association of more than 250 member firms in 100 countries. The firm can be viewed on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Jim Grandone, Public Relations
618.692.1892

Mike McKitrick, Principal
314.889.7128

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Marcella Donkin Bono Joins Danna McKitrick, P.C.

HEALTHCARE CAREER PRECEDED LAW PRACTICE

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick, P.C. today announced the addition of Marcella Donkin Bono to its staff of attorneys at the Clayton-based law firm. In addition to her education as an attorney, Bono is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and a registered nurse. She previously was employed at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and has extensive experience in pediatric critical care.

“Marcie is a remarkably versatile attorney. She currently is working in the area of bankruptcy law, and her healthcare experience is very helpful to the firm,” said Tom DeWoskin, who leads the firm’s bankruptcy and creditor’s rights practice group.

At Danna McKitrick, Bono represents both creditors and debtors through either the formal bankruptcy or informal workout processes, as well as doing bankruptcy trustee work. Her out-of-court work includes restructuring complicated situations for business and individuals, and working to increase creditor’s returns on troubled loans.

“I enjoy the variety and challenge of my bankruptcy work and feel that my healthcare background is a good resource for our clients,” Bono said.

Bono received her J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law in 2008 with a certificate in Health Law. She earned her M.S.N. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her undergraduate degrees from St. Louis University (B.S.N.) and Murray State University (B.S. in biology).

About Danna McKitrick, P.C.: Located in Clayton, Mo., Danna McKitrick, P.C. represents businesses (emerging to national), insurers, government-related entities, and individuals throughout the Bi-state St. Louis area and adjoining states. To supplement its local resources, the firm is a member of MSI Global Alliance – an international association of more than 250 member firms in 100 countries. The firm can be viewed on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Jim Grandone, Public Relations
618.692.1892

Tom DeWoskin, Principal
314.889.7128

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Michael McKitrick Elected to Executive Committee and Daniel Tobben Named Head of Litigation

LAW FIRM DANNA MCKITRICK ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

St. Louis, MO – Michael J. McKitrick is elected to the executive committee of law firm Danna McKitrick for a three-year term, effective January, 2009. McKitrick takes the position vacated by principal Daniel G. Tobben as Tobben assumes the litigation department chair role previously held by McKitrick.

McKitrick joins the executive committee, which reports to the board of directors, just as the firm is undertaking a move into a larger office space in the Pierre Laclede Center. The executive committee comprises three principals who rotate to serve staggered terms. McKitrick is no stranger to the firm’s leadership; he held an executive committee position from 1999-2001 and chaired the litigation department for the better part of his career at Danna McKitrick.

With over 30 years of litigation and transactional experience in commercial, real estate, and bankruptcy matters, McKitrick earned his J.D., with distinction, from University of Iowa College of Law, and his B.A., with distinction, from Northern Illinois University.

Tobben, a principal with Danna McKitrick since 2001, maintains his seat on the firm’s strategic planning committee as he also assumes the administrative responsibilities inherent in his new role chairing the firm’s litigation department.

Tobben, also a seasoned litigator, practices in legal malpractice defense, public pension and other government litigation, civil and commercial litigation, and insurance law. Tobben earned his J.D., cum laude, from Saint Louis University School of Law, and his A.B., cum laude, from Rockhurst College.

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. www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

Mike McKitrick and Dan Tobben, Principals
314.726.1000

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Patrick J. Murphy Elected Principal at Danna McKitrick

FIRM PROMOTES TRANSACTIONAL ATTORNEY

St. Louis, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C., is pleased to announce attorney and CPA Patrick J. Murphy is named principal in the areas of corporate, tax, and estate planning, effective January 1, 2009.

“Patrick is an outstanding attorney and his advancement is well-deserved. We are happy to have him as a principal,” says Ron Danna, senior principal of the firm’s transactional department.

Murphy, who joined the firm in 2005, provides sophisticated estate planning and trust administration, and counsels in corporate matters including mergers and acquisitions, buy/sell agreements, corporate structuring, and real estate transactions for small- to medium-sized businesses.

Of his new position, Murphy says: “Danna McKitrick is a different kind of law firm and growing because of our unique culture, which is why I’m excited to join the leadership team.”

Murphy honed his legal and financial skills during his time in private legal practice and past experience in public accounting with two local CPA firms and a global Big Four accounting firm. He earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.S.B.A., in accounting, from Creighton University.

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. www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

Patrick J. Murphy, Principal
314.726.1000

Ronald N. Danna, Principal
314.726.1000

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Kevin E. Myers Joins Law Firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C.

St. Louis, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C., announces that Kevin E. Myers is the newest associate in the firm’s litigation department. Myers focuses on both commercial and civil litigation matters—primarily insurance defense—resolving complex coverage issues from claims made on casualty and liability insurance policies, and defending transportation companies in accidents and negligence matters.

“Over the years, I have seen Kevin consistently draft excellent appellate briefs and perform solidly for many corporate clients,” says John Cooney, a principal of the firm. “I’m very happy he has come to join Danna McKitrick’s litigation department.”

During law school, Myers interned as a prosecutor for the Madison County, Illinois State’s Attorney’s office and following graduation in 2002, he practiced for over five years with a private litigation firm in St. Louis. He earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.A., in Russian studies and political science, summa cum laude, from Saint Louis University.

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. www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

John F. Cooney, Principal
314.726.1000

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