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.

Danna McKitrick Promotes Jennifer A. Doering to Associate

SLU SCHOOL OF LAW GRAD JOINS LITIGATION DEPARTMENT

Clayton, MO – Jennifer Doering is Danna McKitrick’s newest associate, focusing her practice in bankruptcy, as well as civil and commercial litigation. In bankruptcy matters, she serves as counsel for both creditor and debtors in all types of bankruptcies and out-of-court workouts.

“Jenn has proven herself as a reliable and insightful legal resource over the past year and a half, while clerking with us. We are pleased to have her join our practice full time,” says Tom DeWoskin, the firm’s lead bankruptcy attorney.

Recently, Doering was involved in defending the Employees’ Retirement System of St. Louis, as well as other pension funding cases.

Doering received her J.D. from the Saint Louis University School of Law, and her B.S. in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University. She began her career with Danna McKitrick in 2007 as a law clerk.

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.

John F. Cooney Moves Law Practice to Danna McKitrick

PROMINENT DEFENSE ATTORNEY JOINS ST. LOUIS LAW FIRM

Clayton, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick P.C. announces John F. Cooney as their newest principal. Cooney concentrates his practice in the defense of civil law suits with emphasis in the transportation, retail, and hospitality sectors, defending individuals and companies through their insurers or directly.

During his 25-year career, Cooney has brought more than 75 jury trials to verdict and personally handled more than 25 appeals and dozens of mediations. He has successfully defended death and serious injury cases with damage amounts often exceeding six figures.

“John has established a strong reputation as a litigator,” says Michael McKitrick, who leads the firm’s litigation practice. “His trial experience is invaluable. He adds depth and wisdom to our firm’s practice and our associate mentoring programs. We are pleased to be attracting attorneys of John’s caliber to our firm.”

Recognized for his knowledge regarding Missouri tort reform, Cooney is both a local and national speaker on related topics. He is also an adjunct professor in trial advocacy at Saint Louis University School of Law.

“I enjoy sharing experience-based knowledge with young lawyers because I was trained by very good lawyers when I was young,” Cooney explains. “These gentlemen generously shared wisdom and skills which have been a constant source of strength. A sense of debt and gratitude drives my desire to ‘give back’ through teaching others skills and wisdom to help them have a successful career. I’d be honored to impact a young attorney half so much as my mentors impacted me.”

Cooney earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law, and his B.A. in history from University of Notre Dame.

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.

Tax Attorney Marcia Swihart Orgill Joins Danna McKitrick

ST. LOUIS LAW FIRM EXPANDS BUSINESS AND PERSONAL TAX PRACTICE

Clayton, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick announces Marcia Swihart Orgill has joined as an associate in the firm’s transactional department. Orgill’s practice focuses in the areas of estate, gift, and international tax issues for high net-worth individuals.

Orgill began her legal career at a Houston litigation firm. Subsequently relocating to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and later Paris, she put her legal work on hold while she taught English and sat on the school board of the International School of Kuala Lumpur. Upon returning to St Louis, Orgill obtained her master’s degree in tax law and selected Danna McKitrick for her return to practice.

“We are delighted that Marcia chose to join our team,” says Ron Danna, who leads the firm’s transactional practice. “Her skills and passion for legal work are certainly a testament to her family’s extensive love of the application and practice of law. Marcia’s father instructed me at Washington University and I admired him greatly. Her mother, Maureen Swihart, and I practiced law together many years ago. Their daughter is no less committed to legal excellence. We and our clients are genuinely impressed with Marcia.”

Orgill earned her LL.M. in Taxation from Washington University School of Law, her J.D., with high honors, from Duke University Law School, and her B.A. in Government, magna cum laude, from Lawrence University.

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 Named To Danna McKitrick’s Executive Committee

ST. LOUIS LAW FIRM CONTINUES TO EMBRACE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Clayton, MO – Ruth A. Binger is elected to the executive committee of law firm Danna McKitrick for a three-year term, effective January 2008. Binger reprises a role to which she was first elected in 1996. Her re-election to the executive committee reflects recognition of Binger as an influential leader within Danna McKitrick, particularly significant for other women in the firm as well as in the legal profession, in general.

As a female shareholder in her firm, Binger’s achievements are hardly commonplace. According to data collected by the National Association for Law Placement® in 2006, only about 18 percent of law firm partners in the U.S. were women. However, women accounted for 44 percent of professionals on the associate level—a more equitable split with the men. An unfortunate result of this disparity is the lack of female mentoring, role-modeling, and networking contacts available to ambitious professional women, creating a cyclical effect that inhibits the subsequent generation from progressing on the partner path.

Working the last 23 years in this male-dominated environment, Binger knows how essential mentoring networks are to younger professionals trying to strike an appropriate balance between work and home life. She reports that female associates tell her she represents a good example for women practicing law, as they tend to deal with certain issues in the workplace that don’t have the same impact on men.

“Female attorneys—actually most young attorneys, male or female—now truly value a sense of balance between their personal lives and career aspirations, and they’re conflicted about how to achieve this. Our lawyers say they’re encouraged to see a busy, working mom who is also an effective leader. What is usually viewed as an either/or choice, to me, really is more of an art of weaving the business and personal elements of our lives together,” says Binger.

Danna McKitrick has long supported women in leadership. Several of its female principals have served on the executive committee and it is an integral part of the firm’s culture. Although, in any law firm, Binger says, women will benefit from long-term career planning and working hard in their early years to gain the credibility and trust necessary to be granted flexibility when it is likely to be needed down the road. Binger, however, is confident that mid-sized law firms offer the most favorable conditions for women and those who seek success both in and out of the office.

Adept for years at this artful mingling of career, family, and community, Binger was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal with their “40 Under 40” award. She also received the Pacesetter Award from the St. Louis RCGA and has served or is presently serving on various boards including the St. Louis RCGA, Civic Entrepreneurs Organization, and the Associated Industries of Missouri.

Focusing in the areas of corporate, intellectual property, and employment law, Binger uses her extensive knowledge of business operations to help companies find appropriate legal solutions and strategies for each challenge they face. She earned her J.D. from DePaul University School of Law, and her B.S. from Northern Illinois University.

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.

Brian S. Weinstock Joins Danna McKitrick

BUSINESS AND LITIGATION ATTORNEY MOVES LEGAL PRACTICE

St. Louis, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. announces admission of the firm’s newest principal, Brian S. Weinstock. He concentrates his practice in corporate and real estate law, workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and other civil and commercial litigation.

Through his experiences in commercial litigation at the start of his practice, Weinstock took interest in other aspects of the business world. He followed his calling and earned an M.B.A. in 2003, which allows him to offer more value in his business counsel role.

In addition to advising companies of all sizes regarding financial and legal analysis, operational strategies, and real estate transactions, Weinstock serves as general counsel for two companies, Goralnik Realty and International Lighting Manufacturing Co.

“Brian is a dynamic and thoughtful lawyer with a proven ‘walk in the client‘s shoes’ approach that we—and our clients—value,” says Ron Danna who leads the firm’s business transactional practice. “He‘s an excellent addition to our team.”

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.

Weinstock, a native St. Louisan, was inspired to pursue a career in law by his maternal grandparents, the late Herman and Naomi Goralnik, both of whom were lawyers and well-known in the St. Louis community. His wife, Dawn Weinstock, is Nurse Coordinator for Dr. Ralph Dacey, Chairman of Neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine. Outside of work, Mr. and Mrs. Weinstock, are both involved with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), The Scholarshop, Missouri Humane Society, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and St. Louis Zoo.

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.

Misty A. Watson Joins Law Firm of Danna McKitrick

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY GRADUATE JOINS GROWING ST. LOUIS FIRM

St. Louis, MO – Misty A. Watson joined local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. as their newest transactional associate. Her practice concentration is in the area of estate planning—specifically in creating trusts, wills, powers of attorney, trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships.

Watson’s experience in addressing the particular needs of families began with her pre-law social work career and continued through her clerking experience at another mid-sized St. Louis law firm, Georgia Legal Services, and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

“Misty’s social work background shows through in her caring and professional approach with clients of all ages. We’re very happy to have her on board,” says Cheryl Beebe-Snell, a key attorney in the firm’s business, tax, and estate practice. “Her level of involvement in programs and community activities during and after law school reflects her desire to improve everything she touches—that’s a special quality in a lawyer.”

Watson earned her J.D. from Washington University School of Law in 2006 where she was a Scholar in Law, on the Women’s Law Caucus, and a member of the Order of the Barristers. She attended East Central University for her undergraduate studies earning a Bachelor of Social Work. Prior to law school, she was an adoption specialist responsible for matching families to children available for adoption.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, and individuals throughout the Midwestern region.

Thomas G. Glick Moves Law Practice to Danna McKitrick

ST. LOUIS FIRM’S TRANSACTION TEAM GAINS WELL-KNOWN PRINCIPAL

St. Louis, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. announces Thomas G. Glick as their newest principal. With a strong background in private legal practice, Glick serves clients in all aspects of probate and trust litigation. He is also skilled in handling estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, estate planning, mental health matters, and real estate transactional needs.

An authority on estate-related issues, Glick speaks and writes on these topics regularly. Recognition for his knowledge in this area includes an invitation to serve on the Missouri Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. He also received the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis President’s Outstanding Service Award (2005) and the Volunteer Lawyers Program of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri award (2002) for his pro-bono work.

“Having Tom on our team is a true pleasure because of his calm nature, solid work ethic, and excellent reputation among clients and in the legal community,” says Ron Danna, who leads the firm’s transactional practice. “We’d welcome a dozen more ‘Toms’ at our firm.”

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 Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. delivers outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, and individuals throughout the Midwestern region.

Patrick Murphy Moves Practice to Danna McKitrick

ST LOUIS LAWYER/CPA JOINS FIRM’S TRANSACTION TEAM

St. Louis, MO – Local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. is pleased to welcome lawyer and CPA, Patrick J. Murphy, to the practice. With a strong background in private legal practice and past experience in public accounting—including Ernst & Young—Murphy serves small to medium-sized businesses and their owners working on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and personal estate and trust planning.

“We’re so glad to have Patrick here,” says Cheryl Beebe-Snell, a key principal in business and tax law. “His easy way with people and excellent technical background are just the right mix for our firm’s clients.”

Murphy earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Creighton University. He is a native of the Metro East and currently resides in Brentwood.

Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. is a 24 attorney firm delivering outstanding legal representation to businesses, insurers, and individuals in the Midwestern region. The firm has long-standing local roots serving many local businesses as well as regional representation for major corporations.

Laura J. Gerdes Joins Law Firm of Danna McKitrick, P.C.

WELL-KNOWN ATTORNEY JOINS FIRM’S EXPANDING LITIGATION PRACTICE

St. Louis, MO – Laura J. Gerdes joins local law firm Danna McKitrick, P.C. as their newest litigation associate. Gerdes is an experienced attorney focusing on tort, employment, insurance, municipal and healthcare law. She also consults and trains on employment law policies and processes, especially related to the privacy and security requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Gerdes speaks on HIPAA and its effect on municipalities, fire protection districts, emergency medical services, physicians and employers. For over two years, she served as an independent contract lawyer for the City of St. Louis on HIPAA compliance issues. She previously served as prosecutor for Velda City, Bella Villa, and Normandy, and as assistant city attorney for various other municipalities throughout St. Louis County.

“We are very pleased to welcome Laura to our practice,” says Dan Tobben, a key principal in the firm’s litigation department. “Both Dale Weppner and I have worked with Laura in the past and we know her skills to be sharp and her judgment excellent. It is great to have another strong, analytical thinker on our team.”

Gerdes earned her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and her B.A., cum laude, in European Studies with a focus on Russia from Vanderbilt University.

Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. is a 24 attorney firm delivering outstanding legal representation to businesses, insurers, and individuals in the Midwestern region. The firm has long-standing local roots serving many local businesses as well as regional representation for insurance companies and major corporations.