Heffner Appointed Co-Chair of Teens Speak Out!

TEENS GET CREATIVE NOV 3 AT SOLUTION-ORIENTED PROGRAM

St. Louis, MO – The Young Lawyer’s Division of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis appoints Danna McKitrick attorney James Heffner co-chair of the Teens Speak Out! Program—a program through which area high-school students propose community-related changes to community leaders and law makers.

Heffner is charged with coordinating the venue for the sixth annual forum at Washington University School of Law on Friday, November 3. He recruited panelists to participate as judges, coaches, and schools as well.  Approximately 13 teams will participate – each school to be provided with a volunteer attorney coach. The coaches mentor students to focus and polish their presentations. Panelists then observe and critique team presentations challenging students to think on their feet and defend their position.

“Teens Speak Out! is a unique program reminding us that teens are vitally interested in the laws which affect them,” said Heffner. “Given the opportunity, these kids come up with some very creative solutions.”

A member of the firm’s transactional and litigation practice groups, Heffner concentrates in commercial and business litigation, bankruptcy, real estate, and general business law. Heffner obtained his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law and his B.A., general honors, University of Missouri-Columbia. He earned a German Proficiency Certificate from the Universität Tuebingen.

About Teens Speak Out!: St. Louis area high school students are given an opportunity to present proposals for community change and argue issues students feel most affect them as teenagers in today’s society. Students are expected to argue points articulately in front of a panel of community leaders, professionals, and lawmakers, and then discuss proposals to create change in the future.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. is a 50 person firm delivering outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, and individuals in the Midwestern region. The firm has long-standing local roots serving local businesses as well as providing regional representation for major corporations. The firm is on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

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Danna McKitrick Succeeds in Precedent-Setting Decision on Disabled Parking Placards

STATE OF MISSOURI MUST STOP CHARGING PARKING ACCOMMODATION FEES

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney Fred Switzer, was lead counsel for plaintiffs in a successful class action suit against the State of Missouri. The suit (Charlotte Klingler, et al. v. Director of Revenue, State of Missouri) alleged the State of Missouri violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by charging an annual fee for the use of permanent removable windshield placards that allow the disabled to park in reserved spaces.

The suit filed in 1996 was vigorously opposed by Missouri. In 1998, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri granted the plaintiffs’ request for declaratory and injunctive relief prohibiting Missouri from charging a fee for the placard. The State appealed.

A lengthy battle (over ten years) involved three appeals, one of which went to the United States Supreme Court. Final Judgment for the plaintiffs was entered on September 28, 2006, and Missouri is now permanently enjoined from charging a fee for the placard.

“The ADA is pretty clear there cannot be a charge for providing an accommodation to a disabled individual,” said Switzer. “No matter how small that charge may be.”

An experienced principal in Danna McKitrick’s litigation practice, the case joins Switzer’s long list of achievements resolving complex legal and business problems. Resolution doesn’t always mean court, thus Switzer often applies alternative methods of dispute resolution—he is qualified as a neutral in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program in several Missouri courts and serves on the Missouri Supreme Court Rule 17 Mediation Panel. Switzer earned his LL.M. in Taxation and J.D. from Washington University School of Law and his B.A., cum laude, from University of Notre Dame.

About Danna McKitrick: Located in Clayton, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. is a 50 person firm delivering outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, and individuals in the Midwestern region. The firm has long-standing local roots serving local businesses as well as providing regional representation for major corporations. The firm is on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Dan Tobben, Principal
314.726.1000

Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

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Jeff Schmitt Graduates Leadership Clayton Class of 2006

ATTORNEY IS SPONSORSHIP CHAIR OF CLASS PROJECT: “ROCK THE BLOCK”

St. Louis, MO – Danna McKitrick attorney, Jeff Schmitt, one of 18 people comprising Clayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Clayton 2006 graduating class, is the fourth attorney of the firm to participate in the exclusive program. Participants of Leadership Clayton are selected based on both their leadership potential and their demonstrated community involvement.

Each Leadership Clayton class culminates with a project. The Leadership Class of 2006 selected, as their class project, “Rock the Block” to be held in October, 2006. Schmitt is sponsorship chair for this outdoor street festival on North Central Avenue in Clayton’s central business district, featuring an evening of live music, local cuisine, and shopping.

“Working with the rest of the Leadership class was truly educational. This valuable experience allowed me to work with other professionals as we addressed problems and implemented solutions—our ultimate goal is pulling off a successful class project that contributes to the City of Clayton,” says Schmitt. “I hope to see Clayton continue to be a city other municipalities look to when undertaking new projects to enhance their communities.”

A member of Danna McKitrick’s litigation team since he joined the firm in 2002, Schmitt concentrates in commercial and general civil litigation including bankruptcy, construction, and real estate, as well as the legal needs of small to mid-size businesses. Schmitt obtained his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Saint Louis University.

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, Missouri, Danna McKitrick, P.C. is a 50 person firm delivering outstanding legal representation to businesses (emerging to national), insurers, and individuals in the Midwestern region. The firm has long-standing local roots serving local businesses as well as providing regional representation for major corporations. The firm is on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

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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. The firm is on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Cheryl Beebe-Snell, Principal
314.726.1000

Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

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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. The firm is on the Web at www.dannamckitrick.com.

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Media Contacts:
Dan Tobben, Principal
314.726.1000

Michelle Golden, Marketing
314.416.1201

View PDF