Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution

Danna McKitrick's litigators are formidable opponents in the courtroom. But our presentation in court is only a small part of what makes our lawyers successful. Our passion and abilities in out-strategizing, consistently thinking outside-the-box, staying true to clients' objectives, and our deep-rooted understanding of the processes of litigation, make us effective advocates.

We take the time to understand your unique needs so we can assemble the right team, tailoring representation just for you. Our litigators collaborate with our business transactional and family law attorneys who share their perspectives on underlying issues and trends to assist in the development of litigation strategies. This solid team approach strengthens the representation you receive.

Commercial
We realize that most businesses view litigation as a last resort, and while certain businesses find themselves in frequent litigation, most try to avoid the courtroom. Either way, isn't it good to know you can rely on an effective team to represent you?

Our commercial litigators have substantial experience in:

• bankruptcy
• business torts
• contract disputes
• corporate and partnership ownership disputes
• employment matters
• local environmental issues
• insurance coverage disputes
• insurance defense
• intellectual property
• real estate
• securities broker-dealer disputes

In state and federal courts in Missouri, Illinois, and elsewhere, our trial and appellate lawyers apply their experience and critical thinking skills to develop efficient and effective strategies for achieving the most favorable results attainable.

Family Law & Probate
Our experienced Family Law Team represents individuals (in Missouri courts) with personal concern and legal competence.

We offer experience in domestic and probate litigation including:

• adoptions
• child custody and support
• contested wills and trusts
• discovery of assets
• dissolution of marriage
• division of property
• guardianships
• modification of court judgments
• paternity
• spousal support

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Over the past few decades, alternatives to trial — collectively referred to as methods of "Alternative Dispute Resolution" (ADR) — have become more prevalent as a means of resolving disputes short of the courtroom or actual trial. In fact, it's now common for the courts to order parties to try resolving most types of disputes through ADR prior to a trial. As a result, many of our clients have welcomed the evolution of ADR as a way of reaching a conclusion without the high costs and lengthy delays often associated with court trials.

Specific ADR methods include mediation, arbitration, early neutral evaluation, and mini-trials. ADR can be an effective tool for businesses in almost every industry and for personal matters as well.

Through ADR, our attorneys flex their advocacy skills to resolve common disputes or complex matters in what is usually considered a more favorable environment than that of traditional litigation. We accomplish this through various means:

• Encouraging consideration of ADR methods (if appropriate) and supporting clients throughout the process by defining and selecting processes to maximize the outcome
• Assisting with the selection of neutrals
• Acting as a "neutral" mediator or arbitrator for groups such as the American Arbitration Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers)
• Mediating marital dissolutions, custody arrangements, or subsequent changes to related court orders
• Navigating our business and individual clients through the ADR process when mandated by agreement or court order
• Assisting businesses in setting up ADR programs as the designated means of employment or other dispute resolution (via written contracts and agreements) in order to avoid the time and expense often associated with protracted litigation.

Danna McKitrick has several attorneys who have distinguished themselves in ADR and who also serve as qualified neutrals in Missouri and federal courts or on mediation and arbitration panels of the American Arbitration Association, FINRA, and Pinnacle Arbitration & Mediation Services.

In our experience, the flexibility afforded through using ADR methods for resolving disputes usually results in significant cost saving while also removing some of the uncertainties associated with more traditional trial processes.

Commercial Law
Mike McKitrick
Dan Tobben
Kevin Behrndt
Ruth Binger
David Bohm
John Cooney
Tom DeWoskin
Jenn Doering
Laura Gerdes Long
Jeff Schmitt
Joel Shaw
Joe Soraghan
Fred Switzer
Brian Weinstock

Family Law & Probate
Barbara Maille
Sophya Qureshi

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