Gausnell, O’Keefe, & Thomas, LLC is excited to announce Principal Attorney Derek P. Ruzicka has been promoted within the firm to member and co-owner. His elevation is a recognition of his loyalty, hard work, and shared vision for the continued growth of the firm. In making the announcement, co-founder and fellow member Seth Gausnell noted, “Derek is a great addition to our team and we look forward to continuing to work with him for many years to come. We are very fortunate to have him as part of GOT.”
Derek will continue to focus his trial practice in a diverse range of areas, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He handles cases in a number of difficult venues, from the City of St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison and St. Clair Counties, in Illinois, and Federal Courts in East St. Louis and St. Louis. Whether through dismissal, favorable trial verdicts, or reasonable case resolutions, he has successfully handled difficult matters through conclusion.
Co-founder and fellow member Don O’Keefe noted “Derek’s addition to GOT as an owner validates the firm’s ongoing commitment to quality lawyers and people alike. His commitment to clients, the firm, family, and friends is second to none.”
Derek’s experience is extensive, having handled cases involving general liability matters, professional liability, toxic torts, including asbestos, benzene, and other substances, product liability, trucking, and environmental claims. He has represented product manufacturers of consumer products, power tools, industrial vehicles, manufactured housing, foundry equipment, and a host of others, including work in chemical exposures and pharmaceutical litigation.
Bill Thomas, co-founder, and fellow member, shared, “Derek, like Seth, Don, and I, came up through the ranks, and we are so happy to have him as part of firm ownership. He is generous with his time in mentoring young lawyers and his work for clients is unsurpassed. He guides them through difficult cases in difficult venues and gets great results.”
Derek represents large, multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses in various areas of practice. Derek has been selected for multiple years as a Super Lawyer, as well as being recognized by U.S. News as a Best Lawyer, and as America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys.