Bench & Bar post coverage: What they learned, who they met, and how it impacted their practice of law.

Transcription

1 July 2014 Volume 53 Bench & Bar post coverage: What they learned, who they met, and how it impacted their practice of law. Bench & Bar attendees gather for a group photo before an afternoon session. The Official Publication of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

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3 TABLE of CONTENTS 4 President s Message Joseph A. Frank 5 Ethics Michael Downey 6 E-Discovery Committee evolves. Joy Holley 8 Six common sense rules for using technology to your advantage. Susan Block 10 Young attorneys for the young at heart. Nathaniel Carroll 11 Cover Story Chuck Ramsay 14 Levison Group Charles S. Kramer 16 A Closer Look The Young Lawyers Division 18 People & Places Who's doing what and where? 20 Legal Job Placement Listings BOARD of GOVERNORS & STAFF President Joseph A. Frank President-Elect Seth A. Albin Vice-President Eric G. Kukowski Secretary Jennifer L. Schwendemann Treasurer Amy Collignon Gunn Immediate Past President Jon M. Baris Members-at-Large Dawn M. Besserman, Kristine H. Bridges, Kerry C. Feld, John J. Fischesser II, Annette P. Heller, Carolyn M. Husmann, Matthew B. Leppert, Jason M. Sengheiser, Scott A. Smith, and David R. Truman ABA Delegate Joan M. Swartz YLD Chair Benjamin J. Hodges Section Chairs David L. Orwick, Business Law; Anthony J. Muhlenkamp, Criminal Law; Mary V. Khouri, Employee Benefits; Cynthia Smuda, Family & Juvenile Law; Kurt J. Schafers and Douglas D. Churovich, Federal Litigation & Practice; Matthew J. Gierse, Labor & Employment Law; Paul D. Tietz, Patent, Trademark & Copyright; Debbie J. Smiley, Probate & Trust; David T. Cox, Solo & Small Firm Practitioners; Sara G. Neill, Taxation; Ian C. Simmons, Trial; and Jennifer A. Visintine, Women in the Legal Profession CLE Chair Michael D. Cole Presidential Liaisons Richard E. Banks Nicole Colbert-Botchway Executive Director Zoe W. Linza Editorial Board Editor-In-Chief Charles A. Weiss Board of Editors Lisa A. Herder, Dawn M. Johnson Executive Editor Zoe W. Linza Managing Editor Chuck Ramsay, cramsay@bamsl.org Advertising Sales Jennifer Macke, jmacke@bamsl.org THIS MONTH'S COVER A spirited group of this year's Bench & Bar attendees gathered outside at Camden On the Lake for an impromptu photo just before the 12:00 p.m. Plenary Session on Friday, May 30. Story and photos start on page 11. Photo by Chuck Ramsay. 21 Hearsay! 22 Classified Ads 22 Maurice Graham honored with William L. Weiss Award SUSTAINING MEMBERS ROSTER Cynthia L. Albin, Seth A. Albin, Susan L. Amato, Brent W. Baldwin, Doris J. Banta, Jon M. Baris, Melissa Z. Baris, William R. Bay, Mark J. Becker, Jill S. Bollwerk, Kristine H. Bridges, Anne-Marie Brockland, Daniel J. Brown, Eugene K. Buckley, Sarah M. Bueltmann, Jeffrey J. Bunten, Thomas M. Burke, Joseph C. Carr, Nicole J. Colbert-Botchway, Michael D. Cole, James S. Collins, Albert Crump UPCOMING BAMSL SIGNATURE EVENTS YLD Night at the Ballpark August 15 Spirit of Justice Celebration October 10 Motion for Kids Trivia Night October 17 Pro Bono Day at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law October 23 Jr, Daniel T. DeFeo, Paul M. Denk, Henry Carl C. Polster, Robert L. Proost, Daniel T. M. DeWoskin, Kerry C. Feld, Peter P. Fiore, Rabbitt, John C. Rasp, Stephen H. Ringkamp, Walter L. Floyd, Genevieve M. Frank, Joseph Hon. Mary Rhodes Russell, J. Brendan Ryan, A. Frank, James P. Gamble, John H. Goffstein, Norah J. Ryan, Donald J. Sher, John G. Simon, Maurice B. Graham, Amy C. Gunn, R. Dwight Scott A. Smith, G. Michael Stewart, Hon. Hardin, Heather J. Hays, Annette P. Heller, Thomas P. Sweeney, Erwin O. Switzer, Phillip James M. Hoffmann, Marc S. Kramer, Eric A. Tatlow, Kenneth F. Teasdale, Hon. Richard G. Kukowski, Hon. William E. Kumpe, Kevin B. Teitelman, David R. Truman, Hon. Lisa S. M. Leahy, Martin M. Lipsitz, Hon. Arthur Van Amburg, Kenneth K. Vuylsteke, Hon. E. Litz, Lionel L. Lucchesi, Murry A. Marks, Richard Webber, Charles A. Werner, William John F. McCartney, Garry McCubbin, James H. Wyne E. McDaniel, William A. McDowell, John S. Meyer, Rita J. Mohr, Andrew A. O Brien, The St. Louis Lawyer (ISSN # ) (USPS #002031) is owned and published monthly by The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), a nonprofit organization located at 555 Washington Avenue, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO , (314) Periodicals postage is paid at St. Louis, MO Postmaster: Send address changes to the ST. LOUIS LAWYER, c/o The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL), 555 Washington Avenue, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO No material may be reproduced in any form or by any means without express written permission from the publisher. Direct advertising inquiries to Jennifer Macke, 555 Washington Avenue, Suite 100, St. Louis, Missouri, Direct editorial news, subscription information or questions to Chuck Ramsay at the above address or cramsay@bamsl.org. The views and opinions expressed in St. Louis Lawyer magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the St. Louis Bar Foundation, or BAMSL s Board of Governors. Acceptance of advertising and new product information does not imply endorsement of products advertised or listed nor statements concerning them. Copyright 2014 by The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. July

4 President's Column Your example today will influence young lawyers tomorrow. On June 18, The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis held its annual Senior Lawyer Luncheon. I was honored to present the William L. Weiss Award to Maurice B. Graham. The William L. Weiss Award is given by BAMSL, through the Senior Lawyers Committee, to recognize a lifetime by Joseph A. Frank, BAMSL President; Owner, The Law Offices of Joseph A Frank LLC of commitment to the organized bar. I can think of no lawyer more deserving of this great honor than Maurice Graham. Marcie has given so much of his time and energy to so many different bar associations, most notably as President of The Missouri Bar and The St. Louis Bar Foundation. However, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of Marcie's contributions to the organized bar. The St. Louis legal community is fortunate to have such a great lawyer and great man as part of our community. On behalf of that community I wanted to use this space to thank Marcie for all that he does to improve the practice of law, the organized bar, and the community as a whole. In addition to honoring one of our members for a lifetime of commitment to the organized bar, the Senior Lawyer Luncheon is a wonderful event because it brings together so many distinguished members of the St. Louis legal community. As I addressed the audience it was truly humbling to see so many incredible lawyers who have had such a positive impact on my career and certainly countless other lawyers in our community. Judge Edward W. Sweeney does a wonderful job as Chair of the Committee and with putting together the annual luncheon. Judge Sweeney took over the planning of the luncheon from Eugene K. Buckley. Eugene deserves much of the credit for making this event an annual tradition that so many look forward to each year. As a young lawyer, I was very much influenced by the example set by Eugene Buckley. In addition to being a top-notch litigator who tried over 500 jury trials, he always conducted himself with the highest level of dignity and professionalism. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to handle numerous cases where he was my opposing counsel. From him I learned so much about the proper way to depose a witness, how to address a jury, and how to cross-examine a witness. The first time I saw Gene Buckley crossexamine a witness at trial I realized I had been doing it completely wrong. Watching him work made me a better lawyer and for that I will always be grateful. There were so many other great lawyers and judges in that room. I could fill all of my President's columns for the rest of the bar year with stories of how each of them has influenced me and my career. Instead, though, I thought I would use this space to talk about generations. When I first began practicing law I was always the youngest person in the room. I can remember going to Division 1 docket call on Monday mornings in the City. Tom Whalen would call the docket and it seemed like every lawyer in town was there waiting for their case to be called so they could announce "Ready." After the docket call there would often be a crowd that lingered in the back of the courtroom in Tom Whalen's office. Most of those lawyers were significantly older than me. I would try to hang out there for as long as I could without being missed back at the office so I could hear the stories about past trials and verdicts that were told by these "older" lawyers. I am sure much of what I heard had been told and retold many times. I am also sure that, as the stories had been retold, there were some embellishments to the original. None of that mattered, though. As a young lawyer I was eager for experience. I wanted to try cases so I could have my own war stories to tell. Listening to the greats tell their war stories made me feel part of an exclusive community, a community of trial lawyers. Many of those lawyers are no longer with us. Times change. The profession has changed dramatically. It is not uncommon to romanticize the "good old days." When I first started practice I would often hear about how different things were in the 60s and 70s. The implication was that things were simpler then, better then. Now, my contemporaries and I talk about how different things were in the 90s. It was easier to practice back then we say. I am not so sure that is true, though. Change can be good. Legal research is infinitely easier and faster than it was back in the "good old days." E-filing has made those frantic trips to the courthouse at 4:59 p.m. a thing of distant memory. allows for instant communication with our clients, colleagues, opponents, and the courts. Cases are reached for trial much quicker now than back in the "good old days." Gone are the days of waiting four or five years to have your simple auto accident case reach trial. Most importantly, we now have easy access to so much information thanks to the Internet. So, I am not so sure that the "good old days" were any better than the present, just different. With all of this change, though, it is wonderful that bar associations still exist; that lawyers still find it pleasing to share a meal, or a drink, with their fellow lawyers. It is also wonderful that there is a place at that table for all lawyers men and women; white lawyers and lawyers of color; straight lawyers and gay lawyers; big firm, small firm and solo. In that regard, things are definitely better today. We still have a long way to go to full inclusion and full equality, but we have made significant progress in that direction. While all of this change is great, it is also good to know that every June, Continued on page St. Louis Lawyer

5 Ethics Imputation of conflicts for government and non-government lawyers. State v. Lemasters, Case No. SD32883 (Mo. App. S.D. June 16, 2014)(en banc), addresses the imputation of conflicts of interest for government lawyers. This provides a good opportunity, seized in this column, to review when conflicts impute for government lawyers under Missouri Supreme Court Rule and for nongovernment lawyers under Rule Summary of Lemasters. In State v. Lemasters, public defender Melia Cheney entered her appearance for Lemasters, handled his bond reduction, by Michael P. Downey, Partner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP and for one month provided certain legal services to Lemasters. Cheney then left the public defender s office and joined the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney s Office (NCPAO), the office that was prosecuting Lemasters. At the NCPAO, Cheney had no involvement in the prosecution of cases she had previously represented the defendant, including Lemasters case. Cheney also did not discuss the cases she had defended (including Lemasters case) with her NCPAO colleagues. NCPAO meanwhile continued prosecuting Lemasters. Lemasters moved to disqualify NCPAO, claiming NCPAO was disqualified because it was now employing Cheney, but the motion to disqualify was denied. Lemasters was tried and convicted. Lemasters appealed, inter alia challenging the denial of the motion to disqualify. Rule and Cheney s personal conflict. In assessing imputation of conflicts, the first step is to determine whether an attorney has a disqualifying conflict. The first step of this analysis is to determine whether the relevant lawyer, here Cheney, has a conflict arising from a current or former client relationship. Since Cheney had terminated her representation of Lemasters, the former client conflict Rule governed. (Rule would have applied if Lemasters was a current client.) Cheney herself also represented Lemasters, so Rule 4-1.9(a) applied. Rule 4-1.9(a) states: A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person s interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing. Applying Rule 4-1.9(a), Cheney was disqualified from helping NCPAO prosecute Lemasters because (a) Cheney had personally represented Lemasters; (b) the matters were the same; (c) Lemasters interests were adverse to those of the State, NCPAO s client; and (d) Lemasters did not consent to Cheney undertaking the adverse representation. Rule Imputation of Conflicts for Nongovernment Lawyers. Upon determining Cheney had a disqualifying conflict, the next question is whether that conflict imputes or spreads from Cheney to disqualify other lawyers in her firm. Firm is a defined term, and includes law firms, law departments, and similar governmental legal offices like NCPAO. Mo. S. Ct. R (c) & cmt [3]. If Cheney were a non-government lawyer, Rule would determine imputation. Rule (a) states: While lawyers are associated in a firm, none of them shall knowingly represent a client when any one of them practicing alone would be prohibited from doing so by Rules or 4-1.9, unless the prohibition is based on a personal interest of the prohibited lawyer and does not present a significant risk of materially limiting the representation of the client by the remaining lawyers in the firm. Applying Rule (a) is quite simple. Since Cheney has the Rule 4-1.9(a) disqualifying conflict discussed above, and it is not a personal interest conflict, Rule (a) automatically imputes the conflict to Cheney s firm, causing the entire firm to be disqualified. And, under Missouri law, client consent would be required to avoid disqualification: a non-consensual ethics screen ordinarily would not prevent imputation of the disqualifying conflict. Rule Imputation of Conflicts for Government Lawyers. Cheney had joined a government law office, not a nongovernment firm as hypothesized in the prior section. Thus, Rule and not Rule determines imputation of conflicts. The relevant provision Rule (d) states: (d) Except as law may otherwise expressly permit, a lawyer currently serving as a public officer or employee: (1) is subject to Rules and 4-1.9; and (2) shall not: (i) participate in a matter in which the lawyer participated personally and substantially while in private practice or nongovernmental employment, unless the appropriate government agency gives its informed consent, confirmed in writing.... Under Rule (d)(1), Cheney herself could not represent a government client like the State adverse to Lemasters, because of the Rule 4-1.9(a) conflict discussed above. Rule (d) would not impute this conflict, however, to other lawyers in the government office, the NCPAO. Quoting Rule cmt [2], the Lemasters court explains, Because of the special problems raised by imputation within a government agency, Rule (d) does not impute the conflicts of a government lawyer currently serving as an officer or employee of the government to other associated government officers or employees, although ordinarily it will be prudent to screen such lawyers. The Lemaster court notes such screening occurred: Cheney did not help prosecute Lemasters, nor did Cheney discuss any of her defense work with her NCPAO colleagues. The Lemasters court affirmed denial of the motion to disqualify. Simply put, disqualifying conflicts do not impute to other lawyers within a government firm. July

6 E-Discovery Committee evolves from need to meet clients' needs and stay ahead of the tech curve. Following the 2006 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that first defined the treatment of electronically stored information in discovery, many corporations took a wait and see by Joy L. Holley, Director of ediscovery Service & Litigation Support, Bryan Cave LLP approach regarding the level of responsibility and internal investment they were willing (or able) to make in dealing with what was viewed as a highly technical, specialized area. Many lawyers took a similar view, believing that the intricacies and technical issues surrounding e-discovery law would affect only the largest, most complex litigation. Today, electronic discovery (e-discovery) is a term frequently used to describe a wide range of areas and tasks in the legal process, including information governance, data identification, preservation, collection, processing, review, analysis, production and presentation of evidence. The broad impact of e-discovery on the business of law, legal spend, and access to justice cannot be overstated. As Senior Judge E. Richard Webber and Judge Audrey Fleissig of the Eastern District of Missouri noted in recent remarks at the Third Annual BAMSL E-Discovery Symposium, the judiciary takes seriously the lawyer s duty of competence in dealing with technology issues. E-discovery affects your practice whether it focuses on family law, intellectual property, commercial contracts, product liability, or insurance defense. Transactional attorneys must navigate e-discovery issues every time one of their corporate clients receives a third party subpoena or investigative demand, and when they advise clients on records management and data security policies. Significant proposed changes to the Federal Rules on electronic discovery are currently under consideration, including recommendations on the judicial framework for the imposition of sanctions. The ABA Model Rules and Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct require practitioners to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving case law in this area. Document review and analytic technology is changing faster than ever. Tech-savvy lawyers are leveraging computer software in new ways to gain strategic advantage in the courtroom and achieve successful resolution of disputes for their clients. Data can be sliced and diced to give not only essential substantive information about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, but insight into key questions such as how and when data was created, who received it, and whether it was manipulated. Corporate clients have become sophisticated in this area, and are rightfully demanding that their counsel deliver e-discovery services faster and more efficiently without sacrificing the quality of the work product. More on this topic appears in another article here: ymcdn.com/sites/bamsl.site-ym.com/ resource/resmgr/st_louislawyerpdfs/ The stakes are high, the technology bar has been raised... CorpCounsel_ pdf. Companies are much more involved in formulating e-discovery strategies and solutions because they have come to understand that e-discovery is a risk management issue. Electronic data management can determine the value and outcome of civil litigation and the scope of exposure or liability in a government investigation. A company's data handling practices can even impact its value in a proposed merger or acquisition. A multi-billion dollar industry of non-law firm vendors has been created to help companies cope with the demands of "Big Data, requiring attorneys to also navigate ethical issues involving delegation, supervision, outsourcing, and the unauthorized practice of law. The stakes are high, the technology bar has been raised, and it is imperative that lawyers understand the role of e-discovery in their ability to act as effective advocates. Some firms have a designated e-discovery specialist or litigation support department to advise clients in this area. Others rely almost exclusively on vendors. While an attorney may engage e-discovery consultants, the law is clear that the buck stops with the officer of the court to ensure that electronic data is handled defensibly and in accordance with the rules. BAMSL has responded in a number of ways to help its members navigate these multi-faceted issues. The Federal Litigation & Practice Section has sponsored the Annual E-Discovery Symposium since 2012 to highlight hot topics in this space for litigators, paralegals, and litigation technology professionals. Sessions have included ethics in e-discovery, strategies for successful meet and confer negotiations, managing relationships between clients, counsel and vendors, defensible data retention policies, and career opportunities in the e-discovery field. Symposium speakers have included members of the federal judiciary and nationally recognized e-discovery experts. In further recognition of the critical importance of these issues to BAMSL s membership, President Joe Frank has now created a permanent E-Discovery Committee to facilitate learning, discussion and cooperation among counsel throughout the year. I am honored to serve as the first Chair of the new E-Discovery Committee and welcome your input and participation. Our first informational meeting will be held on July 31 at 4:00 p.m. at Bryan Cave s offices located at 211 North Broadway, Suite All BAMSL members are welcome and the informal agenda will include a cocktail reception. Please send your written comments or questions about the committee to me at joy.holley@ bryancave.com. I look forward to working with BAMSL leadership and members like you on these important issues. 6 St. Louis Lawyer

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8 Six common sense rules for using technology to your advantage. I can't imagine the practice of law without technology. And yet I worry that the speed and manner of our stateof-the-art methods affect the quality of communication with our partners, the courts, opposing counsel, and most importantly, our clients. by Susan Block, Partner, Paule Camazine & Blumenthal; former St. Louis County Family Court Judge What am I seeing? Lawyers texting each other, clients texting lawyers, and more recently a lawyer offered to text a judge about a continuance. The issues of confidentiality, notice, preserving evidence, offering such into evidence and full disclosure abound. Not that I am not suggesting that we give up our iphones and go back to typewriters, but it is worth considering how we can use these digital devices for their efficiency and expeditiousness without sacrificing the truly human quality that is critical to our profession. Here are some rules that may be helpful: Rule 1: Remember that even the best is no substitute for an in-person meeting with a client. I receive numerous s seeking legal advice. I immediately forward them unread to my assistant for a conflict check and to set up an appointment if appropriate. The same prospective client may then send me a detailed summary of their matter and want a response prior to our scheduled meeting, which may be scheduled that same day, the next day, or the next week. The client wants advice right then. They are anxious; they have delayed seeking counsel for longer than seems appropriate. We want to allay their fears, give them emergency room treatment, be helpful, and certainly not miss any deadlines. But, the internet has created the monster of immediacy. Meeting with a client is always challenging. You have to be prepared to spend a lot of time listening while concurrently thinking about how the law applies to the facts that are being shared. You have an opportunity to get a good impression of the client s credibility, personality, and emotional status. You may also have follow-up time and ask for more information as the narrative progresses. If you re like me, you may want to check a statute and even read it to the client to give better understanding of the range of relief that is available, or not. It is also a time to begin to build a relationship of trust and shared concern. None of this is truly possible by . Rule 2: Don t Skype with clients. Call me archaic, but I am not ready to Skype or FaceTime my initial consults, or any other meeting with a client. There is no guarantee that such is a confidential meeting, nor does it seem like a satisfying way to establish a relationship. I purposely meet with clients around a table rather than their being on the opposite side of my desk. It just seems more personal and engaging. I sat at a distance from litigants as a judge long enough, I suppose. It feels better to me to have that closer contact with people who are hurting, upset, and need to know that we are on the same page. I know I would not have the opportunity to meet with a new client and often, a friend or family members over the internet and have the same connection that I feel is important. Rule 3: Never reply to all without due caution and extreme mindfulness. Some lawyers include their client in their cc section. So that when you reply to all, you are having contact with the opposing party, in addition to opposing counsel. This is rarely a good idea. Lawyer talk is often more open, particularly in the area of settlement negotiations, than an opposing party will be able to tolerate. And if you overreact and say that your client is really being a jerk, don t be surprised to find out that your best offer no longer sounds appealing to the other side. Rule 4: Try picking up the phone and calling your client in response to an . Radical thinking! It is not a violation of digital etiquette to respond in a more personal manner. Rule 5: It s okay to talk to your colleagues, especially if you are all in the same building. s between law associates and partners, who are in fact in the next office, should be minimal. One to and one from, then walk next door. Group s between many lawyers clog your in box and often lead to misunderstandings. Sure there is a meeting coming up where the issue can be discussed in person or time to get together informally over lunch. Rule 6: Do use your digital devices to better manage your calendar, your clients, and to enhance courtesy. One of my favorite texts to send and receive is on my way. This provides great solace to me that opposing counsel will know that he or she is not going to have to wait forever for me to appear or vice versa. It is just polite. And even with your iphone on silent, you can see it while the Judge is calling the docket. Then one of you can announce, second call and no one feels anxious, neglected, or mad. Another is in 64. To a family law lawyer that means, I am in the court house but in another division, perhaps longer than I had hoped. This gives opposing counsel a chance to visit with you there and perhaps resolve a minor issue, or to be able to tell the Judge where you are. Simple things. That s what these little gadgets are best for. And if you are trying to call someone and you keep getting voic , try texting Please call me. That is a winner. A common response is on a call, get back to you ASAP. So, C U l8r. 8 St. Louis Lawyer

9 Get connected with personal injury clients! IAM-HURT vanity number, website and responses will be licensed to only one personal injury attorney in any city or state in the U.S. Availability limited! CALL NOW! You saw it here. Our advertisers make this publication possible. When you respond to their ad or do business with them, please let them know you saw them in the St. Louis Lawyer! No matter what occasion you are celebrating, Lucas Park has the perfect catering options. From catered breakfast, boxed lunches, formal lunch, happy hour or formal dinner, let Lucas Park handle all of your catering needs. Downtown delivery available. We also offer the perfect event space to assure a memorable experience. Please contact us for menu options and pricing joshw@lucasparkgrille.com carrie@lucasparkgrille.com Thank you Washington Ave St. Louis, MO lucasparkgrille.com President's Column continued from page 4. on the third Wednesday, a group of seasoned lawyers get together. Former rivals in the courtroom, now lifelong friends. Stories of past victories and defeats are retold. Friends who have passed on are fondly remembered. And, for this President: a chance to see so many of his legal heroes and remember how they influenced me to be a better lawyer, a better citizen, and a better person. While I am certain I have not equaled or even come close to the example set by these great lawyers, I am grateful for their influence and their contributions to the practice. As I have said before in this space, it is great to be a lawyer, and it is great to be from St. Louis. However, I can think of no greater vocation than to be a St. Louis lawyer. To me, being a St. Louis lawyer means being a member of BAMSL and I am so proud to be your President. JOIN US FOR TRIVIA NIGHT SO WE CAN MAKE A KID S HOLIDAY NOT SO TRIVIAL. OCTOBER 17, KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER Register now online at Add your voice... Have a special take on legal trends, a controversial case, or a better way to run a practice? Contact cramsay@bamsl.org to discuss contributing an article to the St. Louis Lawyer. You joined. Now join in. July

10 Young attorneys for the young at heart. Aging can be a sensitive process for those who have been doing it a while, and the challenges of reaching the end of life are inevitable, despite our best efforts to avoid or conceal by Nathaniel Carroll, Attorney, Goldenberg Heller Antognoli & Rowland, P.C. them. That is to say, even though we have not developed a way to stop the aging process, the process itself certainly has changed in recent years. Sayings in popular culture like 50 is the new 40 and economic changes by the Social Security Administration to extend retirement benefit ages reflect the evolution of growing old in America. Next year, at least 45 percent of the United States population will qualify for their very own AARP card. By 2030, those same adults will represent a population of 71.5 million people aged 65 or older. Dubbed the Silver Tsunami by the media, older Americans at large will need senior-savvy attorneys to perform meaningful legal services to navigate the waters of aging. Estate planning, guardianships for disabled adult children, employment discrimination, and public benefit applications none of these are the kind of glamorous, sexy areas of law television attorneys practice, save for the occasional soap opera trope of the greedy heirs fighting over a dead millionaire s estate. From an economic perspective, the large senior population represents a substantial market for niche attorneys who want to focus on elder law matters. A recent U.S. government consumer expenditure survey found that Americans aged 50 years or older have more than $2.4 trillion in annual income, which represents 42 percent of the entire nation s after-tax income, and their collective net worth is currently three times that of younger generations. Whether they feel older or not, reaching the age of 50, 60, or 65 should signal an opportunity to ensure that a client s estate is in order and up to date. Certainly, the numbers make an economic case for lawyers deciding to focus on elder law. The benefits of elder law practice are not solely monetary. While the practice of elder law may generally lack exciting fact patterns and complex legal issues, it does provide a unique opportunity to learn valuable and immeasurable insight from a class of wise, experienced humans. End-of-life concerns facing senior citizens involve equal parts emotion and pragmatism, and mortality is all at once mysterious, painful, joyful, and ominous. For lawyers serving senior citizens, our task is to exercise compassion while solving problems unique to our friends of advanced years. During law school, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in the senior citizen law group at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation in East St. Louis, and also in the St. Louis University Elder Law Clinic. In both settings, whether providing simple estate planning services or working on more complex elder abuse and consumer fraud matters, I learned that patience and urgency are equally tantamount in the context of elder law practice. Senior citizens often bear the emotional burden of having lost many dear friends and family members, yet must simultaneously acknowledge and plan for their own mortality. Many seniors I encountered had spent a lifetime providing care for their disabled children. Connecting with clients by listening and asking thoughtful questions helped illuminate each client s daily struggle to care for his or her disabled adult child (and sometimes young grandchildren). When clients told Dubbed the Silver Tsunami by the media, older Americans at large will need senior-savvy attorneys to perform meaningful legal services to navigate the waters of aging. me stories of long, sleepless nights and frustrations with obtaining health care or essential services, I witnessed a common underlying theme of intense devotion and servitude. Advances in medicine have increased not only the lifespan of senior citizens, but also their disabled children. For ambitious young attorneys, elder law may not seem like the obvious choice, but none of us are getting any younger! Whether at a private firm, in a solo practice setting, or at a legal aid office, elder law can be a challenging and rewarding path filled with joys, pains, pinched cheeks, and warm words of wisdom. 10 St. Louis Lawyer

11 Cover Story Cover Story The value of Bench & Bar continues to rise. by Chuck Ramsay What makes Bench & Bar (B&B) so special year after year is a combination of things. If you ask those who have attended for multiple years you ll probably get a different answer than those who attended this year for the first time. Either way, it s all good. Consider B&B, using a fast food metaphor, as a supersized CLE with everything on top (extra networking and social events). All away from the distractions of the office. With access to shopping and recreation to boot! It s also a rare opportunity to hear from judges and lawyers that one would not normally be exposed to at any other CLE classes; and to be able to give them feedback as well. A good case in point was this year s update from six of the seven Missouri Supreme Court Justices, and then getting to meet and greet them one on one later in the day. This year, each justice presented a different aspect of the extra work projects they are doing behind the scenes to improve Missouri courts and court service to attorneys and the public. The CLE topics at B&B tend to be less typical than normal too, offering more comprehensive insights. This year, a special family law track provided discussions that were less academic, but more triedand-true and practical from some very experienced practitioners. For personal injury attorneys, Amy Collignon Gunn s Personal Injury Plaintiff 101 was filled with good advice and welcomed humor. She gets special kudos since her presentation was put together after a last minute cancellation by another presenter. Later, modern-day litigation legends John G. Simon and Gerard T. Noce shared their secrets to closing arguments and captivated many new and seasoned litigators alike. One new attendee was heard marveling at what great stuff he was taking away from that one session, wishing he had started taking notes sooner! Our Thursday keynote speaker, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, took the opportunity to float a concept to solve the capital punishment dilemma facing Missouri by suggesting a stateoperated pharmaceutical lab. Much food for thought. That speech made the news cycle all the way back in St. Louis and across the state! This year, many of the CLE segments were available as live webcasts for the first time. Response to this availability was greater than expected with close to 150 members tuning in to the Lake CLE proceedings. So, remember to keep this option open for next year. Of course, webcast viewers didn t get the ice cream social or cocktail receptions that followed. But, one of the most memorable and poignant discussions came at the end of the conference when this year s judicial panel provided their annual update, then proceeded to share their impressions of civility in the courtroom, professionalism, and ethics. Yes, they had anecdotes about lawyer-to-lawyer and lawyer-to-judge civility. The audience of attorneys received the news with agreement, grins when it was laughable, and concern when it was more serious. Our judges are not without humor, but they also filled the room with candor and a subtle seriousness. The value of the Bench talking to the Bar is invaluable. Heightened civility and conscious professionalism in and out of court among attorneys, it was said, makes it easier to deliver justice. In the final analysis, isn t that what the rule of law is about? If our justice system can avoid the theatrics and focus on civility, letting justice take its course, then it becomes more efficient and effective. That spills over into society as a whole and should help the public have greater access to justice and become more civil itself as a result. And, isn t that the goal of our justice system after all? Hon. Edward W. Sweeney chats with Hon. Michael Noble during one of the afternoon breaks where attendees mingled. Continued on page 12 July

12 Cover Cover Story Story Bench & Bar 2014 John G. Simon (left) and Gerard T. Noce (right) shared and inspired with their secrets of the art of closing arguments. Six of the seven Missouri Supreme Court Justices reported to the conference on Missouri court projects and then fielded questions. Left to right: Hon. George W. Draper III, Hon. Laura Denvir Stith, Hon. Patricia Breckenridge, Hon. Richard B. Teitelman, Hon. Zel M. Fisher, and Chief Justice, Hon. Mary Rhodes Russell. 12 St. Louis Lawyer

13 Top left: Kenneth K. Vuylsteke, renowned Judicial Panel moderator, started the discussion for the Civility in the the Courtroom plenary session. Below left, Hon. Anne-Marie Clarke shares some of her experiences in her courtoom with lawyer to lawyer civility; right, Hon. David Lee Vincent III (l) listens amused as Hon. John J. Riley provides a courtroom anecdote. Lower left, Hon. Edward W. Sweeney answers a question from the audience. Lower right, Hon. Suzette Carlisle tells of one of her experiences and its solution as Hon. Douglas R. Beach listens appreciatively. Throughout the conference there was time for socializing, comparing notes and renewing or making new friendships. July

14 Levison Group Work hard and earn the life you desire. My partner, Murray, just returned from vacation in the Dominican Republic. Murray is a mergers and acquisitions megastar, and focuses on business development and sales. He has always worked hard and expected the most from those around him. The many hours he puts in every day have gained him the name El Toro, because he moves forward, unrelenting like a bull. It always seemed like Murray had a plan that he was on a road or a path of his own design, heading towards a destination of by Charles S. success of his own creation. Kramer, Principal, When he got back from the Dominican Riezman Berger, PC Republic, however, he seemed a bit off. What wrong? I asked. Nothing, I guess, he responded. I got laughed at by a fisherman. I handed Murray his sixth coffee of the day. Sit down, I implored him, this is a story I must hear. It s not funny," he insisted, but he did tell the tale. Apparently, upon landing in the Republic, Murray had taken a walk down by the water where he came upon a fisherman tying up his small boat. The boat contained six good-sized fish. The fisherman told Murray it had taken him about three hours to catch those fish. Murray was surprised at the quality and quantity of the catch in such a small time. You should stay out longer and catch more, he had suggested. But this is enough to feed my family, the fisherman told him. There is no need. Also, I can sleep in, and after I am done, I take siestas with my wife when she is in the mood, and still have time to go into town, eat, drink, and play guitar with my friends. But, you could sell the extra fish, and use the money to buy a bigger boat with better fishing gear, Murray explained. And then what? his new friend asked. You could then catch even more and bigger fish. And then what? It s not funny, he insisted, but he did tell the tale. Then you could sell those fish as well And? With this extra money, you could buy a second boat, and then a third and a fourth. Once you have an entire fleet, you can start selling directly to the fish processors and cut out the middleman. And then what? the fisherman again inquired. Then you move from this small town into one of the bigger cities, where you work hard, and start canning your own fish, and begin exporting to countries around the world. And then what? the man asked. Well, said Murray, then you give me a call and we come out and put together an IPO to take your company public you will make millions! And then what? he asked. Well, then you will be set for life. And then what would I do? Then, said Murray, you can live how you want. You can buy a condo in a smaller village next to the water, where you sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos. At which point the fisherman laughed. You American Lawyers are so funny, he said, and turned back to his boat The Levison Group 14 St. Louis Lawyer

15 July

16 A Closer Look BAMSL's 12 Sections and dozens of Committees not only provide the framework for developing CLEs, but also work to foster networking, informal conversations about practice areas and many other aspects of practicing law. Each of these groups is chaired by one or more BAMSL members who unselfishly give of their time to create opportunities for other members. This month we take a look at the Young Lawyers Division and why they are so vital to a local, voluntary bar like BAMSL because of the energy, new ideas, and enthusiasm they bring to the overall membership. This month we want to expose BAMSL s YLD, the Young Lawyers Division, for what they really are. The YLD is comprised of BAMSL members under the age of 36 or who have practiced law five years or less. Though often known solely for their monthly happy hours, these young men and women are about much more than just having a good time. It s a group that naturally works well together mainly because we have a lot in common despite working in different practice areas, said Benjamin Hodges, the YLD Chair. Having become lawyers fairly recently and with memories of law school not far behind us, we share many of the same experiences that create a good bond. At the same time, we re looking for mentors and for many of the more seasoned BAMSL attorneys to attend our functions to help us there. Over the years, the YLD has been instrumental in operating, promoting and elevating many of BAMSL s signature activities and events. The well-known long-running Call-A- Lawyer program carried by KTVI-TV (Channel 2) is staffed by YLD members. They also provide a good amount of the LD volunteer efforts at the annual Motion for Kids party each December, and take the lead in the annual Law Clerk s Luncheon scheduled this year for July 11. Currently, they are working on organizing several new volunteer opportunities for service in the community where they can make a difference. While many refer to the YLD as the training ground for future bar leadership, which it is, a young lawyer s time serving the YLD often provides a measurable example to veteran attorneys in areas of professionalism, character, and diligence. It s a good way to get noticed by prospective employers or get referred to new clients. Chair Hodges also says the group Continued on page St. Louis Lawyer

17 YLD continued from page 16. wants to form a mentoring program for BAMSL members and is interested in forming a St. Louis leadership academy. These new efforts, they believe, will give new life to the YLD and add value to membership in the Association for lawyers of all ages. Take me out to the ballgame... The YLD is now helping organize the annual Night Out at the Ballpark, where BAMSL members and non-member guests take in a Cardinal s game as a starting point for getting involved in other association activities. Non-members can sign up for the game also and get a free ticket if they join BAMSL at the same time. This year s outing, with only 150 tickets available, will take on a new format for the Friday, August 15 game between the Cardinals and San Diego Padres being watched from Ballpark Village s Brew House. These normally-$50 tickets are available for only $35 each and include the Ballpark Village buffet! Firms can purchase a pack of 10 for $500 and get a sponsor listing as recognition. Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell will give a welcome talk and other special guests are expected to welcome BAMSL YLD and OLD members. Sponsors are also being sought to help defray the costs. The sign of a unified, engaged profession. Always seeking higher ethical standards, greater diversity, and access to justice for all. The BAMSL Bar Center is located at 555 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63101, (314) bamsl@bamsl.org SUSTAINING BAR ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS Sustain Your Commitment. Upgrade your membership to a Sustaining Member for extra benefits. We appreciate your support. July

18 People & Places Bryan Cave has announced two new associates have joined their St. Louis office. Marsha C. Clarke will practice with the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Client Service Group. Clarke received her J.D. in 2013 and L.L.M. in taxation in 2014, both from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. LaRue L. Robinson has joined the Commercial Litigation Client Service Group. Robinson received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in Prior to joining the firm, Robinson was an attorney with the United States Army Judge Advocate General s Corps. Kevin F. O Malley, an officer in the Litigation Practice Group of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale with more than 40 years of trial experience, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. O'Malley O'Malley is the Leader of the Medical Negligence and White Collar Crime and Regulatory Compliance areas of practice. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and is the senior author of the nine-volume treatise, Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, used in federal trials throughout the United States. All of us at Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, P.C. are delighted that the President nominated one of our lawyers. Kevin O Malley s skills as a trial lawyer and legal scholar have been recognized by many national organizations. His abilities to confront and resolve contentious issues in a civil and courteous manner are especially noteworthy and have been recognized by his colleagues. Kevin is a leader with quick insights and a desire to hear from all sides of an issue," said Vince Garozzo, President of Greensfelder. "We are confident that he will bring his tenacity, good judgment, natural diplomacy and sense of fair play to his new responsibilities in Dublin representing our country in Ireland. Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. also added two attorneys to its litigation practice group as Associates. Gino P. Gusmano will counsel clients on a variety of business matters, including complex litigation, compliance and regulatory review, insurance coverage analysis, and contract drafting and interpretation. He will also serve in Greensfelder s data breach, privacy/security practice group. He earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. Shannon Summers focuses on product liability, mass toxic tort, and asbestos litigation. He has significant experience conducting depositions in high-exposure, high-value personal injury litigation and earned his J.D. from Valparaiso University Law School in Valparaiso, Ind. Martha C. Brown & Associates recently announced that M. Brigid Fernandez has been chosen as the recipient of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys' (NAELA) Outstanding Chapter Member Award for Missouri. The award is presented in recognition of the NAELA Chapter members who demonstrate outstanding initiative and leadership on behalf of their chapters. Fernandez was recognized for her key role in the St. Louis area National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) which inspires, educates and empowers the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning for the last five years. She received her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law. Jeff S. Hebrank, HeplerBroom Partner, has received the 2014 Distinguished Member Award from Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC). The award is given to the member that has demonstrated years of commitment to Hebrank advancing the IDC s goals of insuring the courts and legislators are always reminded of the importance of the jury system and that a fair and level playing field for all litigants that find themselves in a law suit is essential to our system of justice. He is a past President and 10-year Board Member of the IDC. JurisTemps recently announced Ann M. Lamb as Senior Legal Recruiter on their recruiting team. Lamb is responsible for placing all levels of legal professionals on a temporary and permanent basis with all types of law firms and in-house corporate legal departments in the Greater St. Louis area. She brings extensive experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, with 14 years in allied provider and physician recruitment for a nationwide search firm, having earned a Masters in Health Administration from Webster University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts Lamb from Saint Louis University. Luz Maria Henriquez has joined Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) as staff attorney in the Children s Legal Alliance program. She will be responsible for Henriquez providing representation to children and families relating to all aspects of education law. Prior to joining LSEM, Henriquez served as a litigation associate at Hogan Lovells, US LLP in New York, where she was awarded the firm s 2013 Pro Bono Associate of the Year. Henriquez earned her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. In addition, she was a visiting law student at New York University School of Law. Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd and Hanly Conroy Bierstein Sheridan Fisher & Hayes, national leaders in mass tort and complex litigation, recently announced they merged effective July 1, The firm will be called Simmons Hanly Conroy and have offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and Alton, Ill. Simmons and Hanly Conroy have been co-counsel partners for over a decade, successfully resolving product liability litigations. The Simmons Firm employs more than 60 attorneys and 150 professional support staff spread among their five offices. Hanly Conroy operates out of New York and employs nine attorneys. Formed in 2002 by Paul Hanly and Jayne Conroy, the firm has assumed leadership roles in high profile, multi-jurisdictional litigation such as the September 11 litigation, Pinnacle hip replacement litigation, and more. The merger gives us a New York office, expands our attorney depth and creates a streamlined practice with centuries of 18 St. Louis Lawyer

19 People & Places litigation experience, said Chairman John Simmons. David P. Franklin recently joined HeplerBroom in its St. Louis office as an Associate. Franklin is a litigation attorney with a primary emphasis in the defense of complex, multi-party civil cases, including all aspects Franklin of: products liability, toxic torts, premises liability, personal injury, and appellate law. Prior to joining HeplerBroom, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, from He obtained his J.D. from University of Missouri School of Law in William D. Holthaus, Jr. has joined the construction practice group of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale. A former project engineer, Holthaus once worked for three large St. Louis general contractors and brings the perspective of the Holthaus construction industry to his practice. He represents contractors, engineers, and architects in matters involving construction defect claims, contract claims, and professional liability claims in federal and state court and earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law after receiving a Masters in Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Rebecca Danielson has joined PohlmanUSA Court Reporting and Litigation Services as Human Resources Manager. She brings over ten years of human resource and recruiting experience to the firm. Danielson s responsibilities include recruitment, employee policies, benefit administration, and performance management. The Onder Law Firm recently held a cocktail reception at their Webster Groves office to show their support for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) and so that the plaintiff s bar could learn more about LSEM s many services and programs. At the reception, $4,500 was donated to LSEM with over 60 attorneys attending the event. Troy A. Bozarth, Partner with HeplerBroom s Edwardsville office, has been installed as President Elect of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (IDC) at the organization s annual meeting held in May. Bozarth has served as a member of the IDC Executive Committee for the past three years and previously served as a member of the organization s Board of Directors. Bozarth will become President of the IDC in June The mission of the IDC is to ensure civil justice with integrity, civility, and professional competence. Bozarth focuses his practice on trials involving complex commercial litigation matters including class actions, insurance defense, Jones act, maritime law, and antitrust law. He earned his J.D. from Drake University in Dearing & Hartzog recently added Leonard W. Buckley, Jr. to their firm as Of Counsel and Elaine M. Bauer as an Associate. Buckley was a principal with Leonard W. Buckley, Jr., P.C. since 1977, handling numerous lawsuits in both State and Federal courts and assisting individuals and small businesses with various business issues and estate planning matters. Bauer is a 2010 cum laude graduate of Washington University in St. Louis Bozarth Buckley Bauer School of Law where she served as a staff editor for Global Studies Law Review. In addition to her work with Buckley over the past four years, she previously worked as an intern for the Hon. Jean C. Hamilton and as a volunteer attorney with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Western Missouri/Eastern Kansas Chapter, recently announced the results of their election with Jack T. Bangert Dalgleish Bangert, Kutak Rock, as President; Kirk Presley, Presley & Presley, as Vice President/President-Elect; Doug R. Dalgleish, Lathrop & Gage LLP, as Treasurer; and William Carr, White, Graham, Buckley & Carr, as Secretary. Williams Venker & Sanders associate Nathan D. Leming was recently appointed by the Kirkwood, Mo. City Counsel to their Library Board, following his nomination by Mayor Arthur J. McDonnell. He will serve in this capacity until It Presley Carr Leming is the responsibility of the Board to exercise full administrative authority over the library tax and how it is spent, including library operations. Leming focuses his practice on general liability defense including transportation law, product liability, insurance defense, and premises liability in addition to working within the healthcare and employment practice areas. BAMSL Director of Continuing Legal Education Daniel G. Barnett was recently elected to serve as a Director on the Board of the St. Louis Institute for Association Leadership (STIAL) for a two-year term. Barnett July

20 BAMSL Legal Placement Service: Job Postings The following positions are available at press time. To view current job openings, go to and click on Career Center. To apply for these job opportunities, or to obtain additional information regarding BAMSL s Legal Placement Service, call Jennifer A. Macke, Esq., Director of Legal Placement, at the Bar Association office, (314) , extension A resume may be ed to jmacke@bamsl.org. ATTORNEY POSITIONS Leading coal producer with corporate headquarters located in downtown St. Louis seeks a well-rounded environmental and operations attorney. Qualified candidates must possess a minimum of five-plus years in-house experience specifically in the coal or mining industry and have graduated from an accredited law school. Bar licensure in any state is required. Out-of-state candidates are encouraged to apply. St. Louis (downtown) based law firm with a regional presence seeks a full-time four to six year associate attorney. Qualified candidates will have four to six years of experience handling a variety of corporate and real estate matters, including development and joint ventures, corporate governance, and general corporate transactional work. Mid-sized civil litigation defense firm located in downtown St. Louis seeks two associates. Qualified candidates will have two to six years of civil defense litigation experience and be licensed in Missouri and Illinois (or willing to sit for the Illinois bar exam). Small (busy) Clayton litigation firm seeks Lateral Partner with a portable book of business (enough to support herself/ himself). Firm could accommodate one to three attorneys. Generous financial arrangement. Succession possibilities. Well-established mid-sized downtown law firm with both a transactional and a litigation practice group seeks lateral hire(s). Firm could accommodate one to two attorneys. Qualified candidates will have at least a $300,000 book of business. Please see website for additional details. Small well-established Clayton general civil practice seeks affiliation with mid-career attorney with book of business. Opportunity for partnership and business sharing relationship. No salary. Candidate will share in office expenses. PARALEGAL POSITIONS Company, headquartered in downtown St. Louis, seeks an experienced full-time corporate transactional paralegal. Position will predominantly focus on general corporate transactional matters (annual reporting, business organization, maintaining corporate records, document retention policies, corporate compliance, due diligence, corporate acquisitions, etc.). Qualified candidates will have five-plus years experience as a corporate paralegal working in a corporate in-house environment. Four-year degree in Paralegal/Legal Studies or non-legal BA/BS with paralegal certification preferred. Small Chesterfield Elder Law firm seeks a full-time probate/ trust administration paralegal. Minimum of three years of probate/trust administration experience required, including a strong knowledge of the probate process. Paralegal degree and/or certification preferred. Well-established Clayton firm seeks full-time corporate paralegal. Qualified candidates will have a college degree and two-plus years of corporate transactional experience. Prominent IP firm has an opening for a litigation paralegal in its St. Louis (Clayton) office. Qualified candidates will have fivew-plus years of litigation experience, federal court experience, and an understanding of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and a four-year degree from a fully accredited University and/or College. Large downtown law firm seeks mid-level litigation paralegal with experience in litigation technology. Qualified candidates will have five to 10 years of experience as a litigation paralegal in a law firm environment. In addition, knowledge of litigation technology programs and e-discovery processes are required. SUPPORT STAFF POSITIONS Commercial real estate development management company located in Clayton seeks a full-time legal administrative assistant. Position will support two attorneys and one paralegal. Qualified candidates will have three-plus years experience in a real estate legal department, preferably in a corporate setting. College degree a plus. Office Timeslips. Offer pending at time of publication. Large (prominent) downtown firm seeks full-time legal secretary for a floater or litigation opening. Experience with Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Outlook, timeentry, and document management systems is required. A typing speed of 70 wpm+, transcription, and a minimum of three years legal secretarial experience is also required. Plaintiff asbestos firm located in Alton has an opening for a full-time legal intake specialist. This position will be responsible for speaking with individuals: verifying information/background, obtaining work history, and product exposure. Qualified candidates will have one-plus years experience working in a med-legal litigation law firm. Plaintiff asbestos experience preferred. Note: Candidates working for asbestos defense firms need not apply conflict. Nationwide firm dedicated to representing management exclusively in workplace law and litigation seeks a permanent part-time file clerk/receptionist for its St. Louis (Clayton) office. Position will include both file clerk (heavy) and receptionist (light) responsibilities. Qualified candidates will have prior experience working in a legal environment. Proficiency in MS Office Suite programs is required. Hours: 20 hours per week (flexible). 20 St. Louis Lawyer