William Thomas
CO-OWNER, MEMBER – ATTORNEY
Practice Areas: Arbitration, Construction, Product Liability, Professional Liability, Mediation, Medical Malpractice, General Liability
About Bill
Attorney In St. Louis, MO
Bill Thomas is one of the firm’s many experienced trial lawyers. His practice is diverse, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has tried over 70 cases to verdict in numerous difficult venues, from the City of St. Louis, Missouri, Madison and St. Clair Counties in Illinois, and Federal Court in East St. Louis and St. Louis. He was lead trial counsel in one of the longest civil jury trials in St. Louis County history, which lasted 100 trial days. In addition to his trial practice, Bill is actively involved in several professional organizations. He is a past president of the Lawyers Association of St. Louis, the local trial bar. Bill serves on the American Arbitration Association’s panel of neutrals as an arbitrator and mediator. Bill is involved in many professional organizations, including the International Association of Defense Counsel, where he serves on the Construction Law Committee as its programs vice chair, and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers, the Defense Research Institute and its Construction Law Committee, Product Liability Committee, Building Products – Substantive Litigation Group, and Professional Liability Committee. Bill is an associate member of the ASCE, AIA, and the St. Louis Engineer’s Club. He is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, was recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers as a Best Lawyer in Construction Law and Construction-Litigation, and was honored as “Lawyer of the Year” in Construction- Litigation for 2022, and “Lawyer of the Year” in Construction Law for 2023. He is a frequent lecturer and published author on many issues, from product liability to construction.
Background
Education:
- University of Notre Dame
- St. Louis University School of Law
Professional:
- Pitzer Snodgrass, P.C.
- St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office
- United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Missouri
Licensure
Licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois State Courts, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois, Federal Court of Claims and the Seventh and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeal.
Certificates and Accomplishments
- AV Rated by Martindale Hubble.
- Avvo Rating of a perfect 10.
- Eagle Scout.
- Graduate of the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers’ Trial Academy, 1995.
- Graduate of the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Trial Academy, Boulder, Colorado, 1998.
- Recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” for 2007.
- Recognized by Missouri Lawyers Media, named to their “Power List” of the top 30 Construction Lawyers in the State, 2023.
- Selected as Missouri and Kansas “Super Lawyer,” 2008, 2013 – 2023, Construction Law.
- Selected as a “Top 50” St. Louis Lawyer by Missouri and Kansas “Super Lawyer” Magazine, 2015, 2016.
- Named in AM Best, as a “Best Lawyer in America” in Construction Law and Litigation, 2019-2025.
- Recognized by AM Best and peers as “Lawyer of the Year” – Litigation-Construction 2022.
- Recognized by AM Best and peers as “Lawyer of the Year” – Construction Law 2023.
- “Missouri Power List” of most influential Construction Lawyers in the state, 2024.
- Director, writer and performer in Lawyers Association’s Annual “Gridiron Show,” performer, 1994 – 2018, 2022 – 2023, writer, 1995 – present, assistant director, 1995 – 2003; director, 2004 – 2016.
- Member, American Arbitration Association Panel of Neutrals
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation
- Recognized by AM Best and peers as “Lawyer of the Year” – Construction Law 2025.
Design Professional Blog
Navigating Daedalus’ Labyrinth (NavDaedLab) is a blog authored by Bill providing guidance and illumination to Design Professionals seeking to navigate the many pitfalls and perils of the modern practice.
Experience
- Defended a premises owner/farmer who was sued over alleged unsafe working conditions when one of his employees was injured by a large piece of farm equipment rolling over his leg. Received a jury verdict for nearly one quarter of the pretrial offer to settle.
- Served as local counsel and co-trial counsel representing a chemical manufacturer sued in the City of St. Louis, Missouri for alleged chemical exposure and significant pulmonary and respiratory injuries caused thereby. The case was aggressively prosecuted and tried, punitive damages were sought and submitted to the jury, along with a demand for $100,000,000.00 in damages. After a three-week jury trial, verdict for only 2% of the demand, which wound up being less than pretrial offers to settle after all set-offs were applied.
- Defended civil engineer in lawsuit brought by Department of Justice over alleged violation of the Fair Housing Act’s “design and construction” regulations in their design of an apartment complex. Despite establishing that the contractor and developer were the responsible parties, DOJ refused to dismiss client, and after a week-long trial, jury returned a verdict in favor of the engineer, finding no violation of the FHA. Trial court awarded defense fees and costs. One of the first FHA cases successfully defended in the entire country. Since that time, successfully handled a number of other FHA claims on behalf of design professionals.
- Represented structural engineer involved in the design of condominium project in Lake of the Ozarks. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client based on the economic loss doctrine, and the matter was appealed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, where the judgment was affirmed in a published opinion which further clarified the economic loss doctrine as a viable defense for design professionals.
- Represented geotechnical engineer in suit brought by developer of industrial quarry facility who claimed engineer’s opinions on selection of site for the facility led to millions of dollars in damages after the project had to be relocated. After week-long trial, jury returned defendant’s verdict in favor of client, affirming the defense that the developer failed to properly follow the engineer’s recommendations.
- Represented industrial and structural engineer who designed a grain elevator facility for a local international agribusiness company in Federal Court in St. Louis. Owner claimed the design was overly complex and created unnecessary constructability issues that added millions of dollars to the cost of the project. Through deposition discovery and motion practice, got the expert for the Owner stricken, and summary judgement on Owner’s claims. Owner paid the client significant counterclaim to resolve the case.
- Tried a three-week jury trial in St. Charles County, Missouri to verdict as co-counsel for developers and individual developer-member of the initial board of trustees of St. Charles County subdivision. Suit involved claims that the original development of subdivision along with continued failure to maintain the retention basins in the subdivision led to excessive collection of situation. Obtained a verdict significantly lower than the final settlement offer made during trial.
- Defended custom home builder sued by clients over claims of defects in the construction of their near million dollar home. Tried the case to verdict in St. Louis County and managed to bring the case in for a verdict that was under the set-off available from other prior settling defendants, and so, the net judgment was reduced to zero.
- Represented architect in lawsuit in Federal Court in St. Louis over design of custom home, wherein homeowners alleged design and construction administration services of architect allowed water infiltration, mold and other defects to occur. After aggressive motion practice, at pre-trial conference, most of plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed, and plaintiffs thereafter voluntarily dismissed case with prejudice as opposed to proceeding to trial.
- Defended civil engineer in lawsuit brought by developer over alleged errors made in preliminary earthwork calculations and importing of USGS and topographic information about a site into a program used to calculate the cut and fill quantities. After a two-week jury trial in St. Louis County, received a full defense verdict in favor of client.
- Represented architect designer of multiple student residence halls on local college campus where it was claimed a combination of design and installation issues led to significant mold and air quality issues. Case involved multiple parties, in notorious plaintiff-friendly venue. Along with prominent local HVAC consultant report, developed an approach to the case which highlighted construction and installation deficiencies. Matter was successfully resolved prior to trial.
- Represented geotechnical engineer in arbitration matter filed by Owner of an industrial facility claiming settlement and significant cracking of the floor slab in a newly constructed building. Multiple parties were involved, and after a week-long arbitration, received an award for only 1/3 of the original claimed damages.
- Represented geotechnical and environmental engineering firm in lawsuit filed by developers of residential subdivision who claimed they missed an illegal trash dump on the property. Was able to resolve the matter short of trial on favorable terms for the client.
- Defended architect designer of local public project where claim was made by member of design builder’s team that architect failed to catch mistake that cost the party millions in damages. Through aggressive defense, and discovery of smoking gun documents, was able to resolve the claim for a small fraction of the originally demanded amount.
- Represented civil engineering firm that designed and provided construction observation services to municipality for construction of a sewer line. During construction, an employee of the contractor was killed when a trench collapsed. After deposition discovery, was able to convince plaintiff’s counsel in the wrongful death suit to dismiss engineer from case.
- Represented architect in defense of a claim made by Owner who constructed two new commercial buildings using architect’s design. The Owner claimed the design of the roofs on both structures was substandard. Owner made excess claim against architect and aggressively pushed case to trial in arbitration. Through effective examination of Owner’s experts, and developing of evidence implicating contractor in failing to properly construct the roofs, was able to resolve the matter at significantly less than the demand.
- Represented Canadian manufacturer of dock leveling equipment in wrongful death lawsuit in hostile venue. Multiple parties were involved in the litigation, and after motion practice and mediation, managed to resolve the claim for a fraction of the contributions of other parties in the case.
- Represented geotechnical engineer in suit brought by developer of residential subdivision for claims the soil report and engineer’s interpretation of the data were in error, and cost the developer hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected rock excavation. After deposing plaintiff’s experts and pressing a motion for summary judgment, the suit was dismissed.
- Represented architect in suit brought by surety of construction company for claims the architect improperly certified payments resulting in overpayments to the contractor and a depletion of the project fund needed to complete the project. Established that the approval of pay applications was proper given the modular nature of the construction process, and matter was favorably resolved prior to trial.
- Represented architect in suit brought by local high profile university for design of “clean room” for use in laboratory grade grant work. Defense focused on establishing contractor failed to follow specifications and used improper products in construction which led to off-gassing of solvents in caulking which contaminated the room. Matter was resolved with minimal contribution to settlement.
- Represented construction contractor who built expansion and parking lot for local car dealership. Owner claimed pavement was improperly constructed, and sought reimbursement for all paving work. Tried case in arbitration and received award totally in favor of contractor, to include award of fees and costs.
- Represented high profile national trucking company in personal injury suit in Madison County, Illinois. Aggressive counsel representing plaintiff was unwilling to settle for anything less than full policy limits and took case to trial. After week-long jury trial in very dangerous venue, jury returned a verdict for exactly the pre-trial offer we had made to settle, which was a fraction of the demand.
- Tried over 30 cases relating to claims of personal injury, either as a result of vehicular negligence, premises liability or other negligence. Claims ranged in value, anywhere from several several thousand dollars to more than a million dollars. Numerous defendants’ verdicts and in most instances, verdicts were under the last settlement offer made prior to trial.
- Negotiated hundreds of construction contracts, for all varieties of participants in the construction process, from simple home additions to several hundred million dollar projects, both public and private. Drafted complete sets of custom contract documents, made edits and revisions to industry form and custom agreements, provided guidance and advice on risk avoidance and shifting provisions.
- Defended property owner of commercial real estate sued in arbitration by a potential purchaser for alleged breach of a sale agreement of the property, with claimed damages totaling $200,000.00. Received favorable award in arbitration denying all claims and only ordering return of escrowed earnest money funds, which client had offered to return pre-trial.
- Obtained a unanimous, complete defense verdict in jury trial over an underinsured motorist claim where the plaintiff asserted she suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a significant vehicle impact. Neutralized the plaintiff’s neurologist, and presented a neuropsychologist who evaluated the plaintiff and testified there were no impacts to her brain function.
Publications
- Author, “Big Impacts: Foreseeability of Collisions Imposes Responsibility to Address Risks,” Modern Contractor Solutions, May 2024, p. 40.
- Author, “Escalation Clauses: A Continued Necessity,” Modern Contractor Solutions, February 2024, p. 36.
- Author, Cover Story, “Outsourcing: Panacea or Pariah? Outsourcing Demands Careful Consideration,” Modern Contractor Solutions, December 2023, p. 38.
- Author, Cover Story, “Artificial Intelligence: The Arrival of AI Brings Caution for Use,” Modern Contractor Solutions, August 2023, p. 40.
- Author, “Project Data Retention – Reexamining Dos and Don’ts” Modern Contractor Solutions, March 2023, p. 40.
- Author, “A Team/B Team? Consider a Red Team – For Critical Design and Construction Milestones” Modern Contractor Solutions, December 2022, p. 38.
- Author, “Fast-Track Design Build: Avoid Risk of Incomplete Design,” Modern Contractor Solutions, August 2022, p. 42.
- Author, “Another Game Changer – Blockchain Tech – Track As-Built Conditions, Design Issues or Conflicts,” Modern Contractor Solutions, February 2022, p. 40.
- Author, “Change Is Coming – Renewable Energy Poses Enduring Challenges to Construction Professionals,” Modern Contractor Solutions, September 2021, p. 36.
- Author, “Best Practices – ‘As-Built’ Documents – Understanding the Risks and Responsibilities,” Modern Contractor Solutions, May 2021, p. 38.
- Author, “Proposed New Standard Unifying the Field – New Year, New Claims Methodology,” Modern Contractor Solutions, January 2021, p. 32.
- Author, “Preparing for and Combating the Reptile Theory in Depositions of Defendant’s Witnesses,” Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers Quarterly Report, Winter 2020.
- Author, “Preventing Lawsuits Due to Sick Buildings in the Age of COVID-19,” featured in Construction Executive – CE This Week Newsletter, November 13, 2020. Published on Construction Executive, November 2020.
- Author, “Is Your Construction Project Snakebit? – How to Tell and How to Respond,” IADC Committee Newsletter, Construction Law and Litigation, October 2020.
- Author, “A Recurrence of Sick Buildings in the Age of COVID,” IADC Committee Newsletter, Construction Law and Litigation, September 2020.
- Author, “Standard of Care: Building Considerations to be Adaptable Throughout Useful Life,” Modern Contractor Solutions, April 2020, p. 24.
- Author, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Document Retention – More Paper or Paper-Less?” Travelers Insurance Stamped, Sealed and Delivered, May 2014.
- Author, “Design Professional Ethics,” DRI’s For the Defense Professional Liability Issue, January 2011, p. 51.
- Author, DRI Defense Library Series, Construction Litigation Desk Reference: A State-By-State Compendium, Chapter on Missouri, 2010.
- Co-Author, Missouri Bar CLE Deskbook Series, Construction Law, 2009 Supplement, Chapter 1, “Construction Contracts: Risk Shifting Devices,” 2009.
- Author, “Fair Housing Act Amendments: Celebrating 20th Anniversary in Obscurity,” DRI’s For the Defense Construction Law Issue, August 2008, p. 60.
- Author, “Redevelopment and Remodeling Projects Pose Different Risks for Designers,” Law Day Collection of Articles: The Legal Side of Redevelopment, Rehab, Renovation & Rental, Published by the Missouri Bar, May 2006.
- Co-Author, Missouri Bar CLE Deskbook Series, Professional Liability, Chapter 4, “Design Professional Liability,” 2005.
- Author, “Professional Responsibility for Design Documents” 14 Missouri Lawyers Weekly 952, August 7, 2000.
- Staff Reporter, St. Louis Lawyer Magazine, the monthly magazine of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (1997-1999).
- Co-Author, “Defending Design Professionals: Is Contract Language an Adequate Shield?” 64 Defense Counsel Journal 389 (July, 1997).
- Various articles and casenotes published in “The Critical Path,” the publication of the Defense Research Institute’s Construction Law Committee.
Seminars and Presentations
- Faculty Member, International Association of Defense Counsel, “Exposing the Cracks: Litigation Case Studies & Environmental Issues in Plastic Construction Materials,” Webinar, June 2024.
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Faculty Member, National Business Institute (NBI) Seminars, Missouri Construction Law: Advanced Issues and Answers, Topic: “Ethics for Construction Attorneys,” Webinar, June 2024.
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Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Managing Engineering Liability and Risk, Topic: “Minimizing Risk by Maximizing Compliance with Rules of Professional Conduct,” Webinar, May 2024.
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Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Current Issues for Illinois Engineers, Topic: “Complying with Rules on Supervision, Responsible Charge and the Engineering Seal,” Webinar, November 2023.
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Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Current Issues for Illinois Engineers, Topic: “Practical Ethics Workshop,” Webinar, November 2023.
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Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Current Issues for Illinois Engineers, Topic: “Artificial Intelligence for Engineers,” Webinar, November 2023.
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Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Current Issues for Illinois Engineers, Topic: “Recognizing Your Rights, Responsibilities and Risks Under Contracts,” Webinar, November 2023.
- Presenter, American Bar Association 2023 Construction Law Foundations, “Commonly Used Building Materials/Basic Structural Engineering Concepts,” St. Louis, Missouri, November 2023.
- Presenter, [Client] Annual Claims Meeting, “Keeping Out of Harm’s Way – A Case Study and Lessons Learned for Handling Significant Injury Claims,” Lake Ozark, Missouri, October 2023.
- Faculty Member and Presenter, Strafford National Seminars, “Defeating Reptilian Tactics in Construction Litigation – Responding to Reptile Techniques During Discovery, Deposition, Voir Dire, Opening Statement, Cross-Examination, Closing Argument,” Webinar, June 2023.
- Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Managing Engineering Liability and Risk in Missouri, Topic: “Managing Risk in the Practice of Engineering,” Webinar, April 2023.
- Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Managing Engineering Liability and Risk in Missouri, Topic: “Understanding How Contracts Can Shift, Reduce (or Increase) Risk,” Webinar, April 2023.
- Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Managing Engineering Liability and Risk in Missouri, Topic: “Complying with Missouri Laws and Regulations,” Webinar, April 2023.
- Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Managing Engineering Liability and Risk in Missouri, Topic: “Law of Engineering Malpractice,” Webinar, April 2023.
- Faculty Member, AIA St. Louis Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, Topic: “Contract Risk Management,” December 2022.
- Faculty Member, “A Holistic Approach to Construction Disputes,” IADC Construction Law and Litigation Webinar, December 2022.
- Faculty Member and Presenter, HalfMoon Education Seminars, Managing Engineering Liability and Risk, “Managing Risk in the Practice of Engineering,” Webinar, October 2022.
- Presenter, Construction Lawyers Society of America, “Defeating Reptilian Tactics in Construction Litigation,” Webinar, February 2022.
- Faculty Member and Presenter, HalfMoon Education Seminars, Missouri Engineering Law, “Contract Law Primer for Engineers,” Webinar, November 2021.
- Faculty Member, “Reverse Engineering Contract Clauses for Effective Risk Management of Delay Claims,” International Association of Defense Counsel 2021 Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois, August 2021.
- Presenter, [Client] National Panel Counsel Annual Meeting, “Defending Against Reptilian Tactics,” Webinar, November 2020.
- Faculty Member and Presenter, Strafford Seminars, “Defeating Reptilian Tactics in Construction Litigation – Responding to Reptile Techniques During Discovery, Deposition, Voir Dire, Opening Statement, Cross-Examination, Closing Argument,” Webinar, November 2019.
- Faculty Member and Presenter, Litigation and Claims Management Seminar: “Creative Use of Technology in Claims and Litigation,” Topic: “Social Surveillance Technology,” Park City, Utah, September 2018.
- Presenter, Professional Development Seminars, Topic: “Professional Liability of Engineers,” St. Louis, Missouri, October 2017.
- Faculty Member, Litigation and Claims Management Seminar: “Combating the Reptile Theory,” Topic: “Defeating the Reptile During Depositions,” Vancouver, Canada, September 2017.
- Faculty Member, Litigation and Claims Management Seminar: “Combating the Reptile Theory,” Topic: “Defeating the Reptile During Depositions,” Boston, Massachusetts, May 2017.
- Presenter, Hall & Company AE Resource Webinar, Topic: “Document Retention For Design Professionals,” January 2017.
- Speaker, Litigation and Claims Management Seminar, Topic: “Managing Risk Through Limitation of Liability Clauses,” New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2016.
- Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Engineering Law and Ethics, Topic: “Handling Ethical Issues in Professional Engineering Practice,” St. Louis, Missouri, May 2016.
- Speaker, Difficulties Faced in the Litigation Process Seminar, Topic: “Techniques for Dealing with Difficult Judges,” Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, January 2016.
- Presenter, Half Moon Education Seminars, Legal Issues for Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, Topic: “Overview of Contract Law Principles, Risk Shifting and Avoidance Through Contracts,” St. Louis, Missouri, October 2015.
- Speaker, Case Management Strategies and Techniques Seminar, Topic: “Arbitration as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedure, Effective Pre-Claim Strategies,” Montreal, Canada, September 2015.
- Speaker, Construction Seminar, Topic: “Risk Shifting through Indemnity, Anti-Indemnity Acts and the ‘Additional Insured Loophole’,” Dallas, Texas, August 2015.
- Presenter, Hall & Company AE Resource Webinar, Topic: “Claims Against Design Professionals – 5 Things to Do and 5 Things Not to Do,” June, 2015.
- Presenter, Construction Liability Seminar, Topic: “Opening Statements and Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff’s Design Liability Expert Witness,” Chicago, Illinois, July 2014.
- Presenter, Hall & Company AE Resource Webinar, Topic: “Liability for ‘Delegated Design’ – Understanding and Avoiding Risks to Design Professionals,” July 2014.
- Presenter, Foxmoor Continuing Education Seminars, Law of Construction Defects and Failures, Topic: “Liability for Construction Defects and Failures,” St. Louis, Missouri, April 2014.
- Faculty, DRI Product Liability Conference, Building Products Specialized Litigation Group Committee, Topic: “Liability of Product Manufacturers Complying with Performance Specifications in Design/Build Projects – Liability for ‘Delegated Design’,” Phoenix, Arizona, April 2014.
- Presenter, Professional Development Seminars, Topic: “Professional Liability of Engineers and the Standard of Care,” St. Louis, Missouri, October 2013.
- Presenter, Hall & Company AE Resource Webinar, Topic: “Understanding Claim Exposures and Contractual Risk Transfer,” September 2013.
- Presenter, Construction-Product Liability Seminar, Canadian Litigation Counsel Client Appreciation Day, Topic: “Cross-Examination of the Plaintiff’s Product Liability Expert Witness,” Toronto, Canada, June 2013.
- Faculty Member, Mini Law School for the Public, Missouri Bar Speaker Series, Topic: “Professional Responsibility: The Responsibilities Design Professionals Have to Protect their Clients and the Public,” St. Louis, Missouri, April 2013.
- Speaker, Construction Seminar, Topic: “Enforceability of Limitation of Liability Clauses, a 50 State Review,” Chicago, Illinois, June 2012.
- Faculty Member, “Minimizing Engineering Liability Exposure,” Topic: Understanding Liability Under Contract, Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2012.
- Speaker, Construction Seminar, Topic: “Indemnity, Insurance and Additional Insured Status – A Loss Prevention Primer,” Chicago, Illinois, June 2011.
- Speaker, Willis North America 17th Annual Construction Risk Management Conference, Topic: “Understanding Claim Exposures and Contractual Risk Transfer,” Dallas, Texas, April 2011.
- Speaker, “Contractual Provisions for Minimizing Exposure or Losses,” Seminar, Charles L. Crane Agency Company, St. Louis, Missouri, March 2011.
- Speaker, Construction Seminar, Topic: “Multi-Party Claims and Third Party Practice in the Construction Context,” Phoenix, Arizona, December 2010.
- Speaker, “Architect & Engineer Liability for Indoor Air Quality/Mold,” St. Louis Chapter of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc.), St. Louis, Missouri, November 2010.
- Panel Member, BAMSL Bench, Bar & Professional Development Conference, Topic: “Handling the High Profile Case in the Information Age,” Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, June 2010.
- Speaker, Construction Seminar, Topic: “Multi-Party Claims and Third Party Practice in the Construction Context,” Chicago, Illinois, June 2010.
- Speaker, Construction Contracts from A-Z Seminar, Topic: “Ethical Considerations in Construction Contracting,” St. Louis, Missouri, February 2010.
- Speaker, Current Issues in Construction Arbitration Seminar, Topic: “Evidentiary Issues in Construction Arbitration,” St. Louis, Missouri, January 2010.
- Speaker, Lloyds of London International Seminar, “Jury Leanings When Times are Lean: An Assessment of Juror Decision-Making and Trends in Damage Awards Amidst the Worst Economic Downturn in Decades,” London, England, October 2009.
- Speaker, St. Louis Business Journal Seminar, Trends in Trial Technology, Topic: “A Practitioner’s Perspective,” St. Louis, Missouri, June 2009.
- Speaker, Construction Seminar, Topic: “Update on Enforceability of Limitation of Liability Clauses,” New York, New York, May 2009.
- Speaker, DRI Product Liability Conference, Topic: “Update on the Class Action Fairness Act and Developments in Consumer Protection Legislation,” San Diego, California, April 2009.
- Presenter, Construction Law Seminar, “Enforceability of Limitation of Liability Clauses in Construction Contracts,” Seminar, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2008.
- Moderator, Missouri Bar CLE Seminar, “Fundamentals of Construction Contracts: Understanding the Issues,” St. Louis, Missouri, October 2008.
- Faculty Member, Seminar, “Legal Issues for Missouri Professional Engineers,” Topic: Complying with Missouri Rules and Regulations on the Practice of Professional Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, September 2008.
- Faculty Member, Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference Trial College, Topic: “Client Preparation, Depositions, Direct and Cross-Examination,” Osage Beach, Missouri, June 2008.
- Presenter, Construction Law Seminar, “Enforceability of Limitation of Liability Clauses in Construction Contracts,” Chicago, Illinois, May 2008.
- Faculty Member, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) All Industry Day Seminar, Topic: “Presentation of a Mock Trial,” Chesterfield, Missouri, April 2008.
- Presenter, “OSHA Standards, Violations and ‘Multi-Employer’ Jobsites,” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, June 2007.Faculty Member, “Legal Issues for Missouri Design Professionals,” Topic: Professional Conduct and the Standard of Care, Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2007.
- Faculty Member, “How Design Documents Can Prevent or Cause Construction Claims in Missouri,” Topic: Regulations and Statutes Relating to Designers, Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, January 2007.
- Faculty Member, “Design Law for Missouri Architects and Engineers,” Topic: Laws and Regulations Governing the Design Process, Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, September 2006.
- Faculty Member, “Product Liability,” Topic: Depositions of Parties, Corporate Representatives, and Mediation Strategies, Seminar, Chicago, Illinois, July 2006.
- Faculty Member, “Tort Reform in Missouri: One Year Later: ‘Are We There Yet?’” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, June 2006.
- Faculty Member, “The Fundamentals of Construction Contracts: Understanding the Issues in Illinois,” Topic: Contractual Relationships with Design Professionals, Seminar, Fairview Heights, Illinois, January 2006.
- Presenter, “Product Liability Essentials: Hints, Pointers and Tips for Handling Missouri Product Liability Claims,” Seminar, Gallagher Bassett Agency, St. Louis, Missouri, November 2005.
- Faculty Member, “Legal Issues for Missouri Professional Engineers,” Topic: Complying with Laws and Regulations on the Practice and Unauthorized Practice of Professional Engineering, Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, November 2005.
- Faculty Member, “Water Intrusion and Toxic Mold Claims,” Topic: Defending Mold Claims, Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2004.
- Faculty Member, “Solving Water Intrusion and Mold Problems in Missouri” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, December 2002.
- Faculty Member, “Let’s Make a Deal: Understanding Construction Contracts” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2002.
- Faculty Member, “Claim Prevention for Missouri Design Professionals” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, January 2002.
- Faculty Member, “Inside the Jury Box: An In-depth Discussion of Juror Perspectives” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, August 2001.
- Faculty Member, “Construction Claims in Missouri” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, August 2001.
- Presenter, “Liability Issues in Construction Contracts,” Seminar, Charles L. Crane Agency Company, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2001.
- Faculty Member, “Missouri Construction Law: Can this Job Be Saved?” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, 2000.
- Faculty Member, “Missouri and Illinois Law for Design Professionals” Seminar, St. Louis, Missouri, 1997, 1998 & 1999.
- Assisted in the preparation of “The Liability of Design Professionals to Third Party Non-Clients,” for the International Association of Defense Counsel Construction Law Seminar, Spring 1997.
Associations
Active or former Member of the following organizations, and served in the following capacities:
- Panelist, American Arbitration Association, Roster of Construction Arbitrators and Mediators
- Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
- Barrister, Order of Optimus (72 or more cases tried to verdict)
- Member, Trial Law Institute
- Member, Diversity Law Institute
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- 1996-1998, Member at Large, Young Lawyers Division
- Construction Law Committee
- Law Related Education Committee
- Lawyers Association of St. Louis
- 2001-2003-Executive Committee Member, 2003-Treasurer, 2004-Secretary, 2005-Second Vice President, 2006-First Vice President, 2007-President-Elect, 2008-President
- Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers
- Professional Liability Subcommittee
- Defense Research Institute
- Product Liability Committee
- Building Products and Power Tools Specialized Litigation Groups
- Construction Law Committee
- Design Professional Subcommittee Vice Chair
- Substantive Law Committee Vice Chair
- Professional Liability Committee
- Design Professional Subcommittee Chair
- International Association of Defense Counsel
- Construction Law and Litigation Committee
- Committee Chair (2024-2025)
- Vice Chair, Publications
- Vice Chair, Programs
- Professional Liability Committee
- Vice-Chair, Architects & Engineers Liability
- Product Liability Committee
- Trial Techniques and Tactics Committee
- Construction Law and Litigation Committee
- Missouri Bar Construction and Environmental Law Committees
- The Harmonie Group (Former Firm Membership):
- 2011-Board of Directors, 2014-Board of Directors
- Litigation Practices Committee Co-Chairperson
- International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization
- American Society of Civil Engineers, Associate Member
- American Institute of Architects, Associate Member
- Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
- Former Vistage Group Member
- St. Louis Engineer’s Club
