News and Opening Remarks |
Lashly & Baer Attorney Re-Elected Chair of USLAW Network’s Transportation Practice Group for Second Term
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 ― USLAW Network, Inc. re-elected Kevin L. Fritz Chair of USLAW's Transportation Practice Group for a second consecutive term. Fritz is the first person within USLAW to receive a second term. USLAW Network, Inc. is an international organization composed of over 100 independent, defense-based law firms with nearly 6,000 attorneys covering the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Africa. Among the U.S. based firms, there are over 150 offices in 47 US states specializing in business transactions and litigation.
Non-Compete Search Terms Too Broad?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012 – Timm W. Schowalter and Rebecca M. Christensen recently prevailed in the federal district court in Missouri on behalf of Custom Hardware Engineering (CHE). CHE, a provider of computer hardware maintenance services, alleged that three former employees violated their employment agreements by forming a competing business. The court allowed CHE to conduct forensic discovery on the electronically-stored information on the former employees’ computers by using an expansive search term list. The former employees argued the search terms were too broad and would lead to duplicative production; however, the Court ordered the discovery to be conducted according to CHE’s proposed terms. The decision was picked up and reported by the national publication CCH Employment Law Daily.
Lashly & Baer, P.C. Celebrates 100th Anniversary in 2012
Saving a bridge, desegregating city schools, and revitalizing downtown are highlights of firm’s history St. Louis, Missouri (January 4, 2012) – In 2012, the downtown St. Louis law firm Lashly & Baer, P.C. will mark 100 years of service to the St. Louis region. The firm, known for its involvement in civic activities and for handling a number of landmark legal matters, plans to continue its tradition of volunteerism and support of initiatives that benefit downtown St. Louis as well as the entire metropolitan area.
“For our centennial, we wanted to find a way to reflect our commitment to St. Louis, so we will be renewing and increasing our efforts in community service activities. It’s important for us to know we are making an impact in the city where we live and work,” said Kenneth C. Brostron, President and Managing Partner of Lashly & Baer. “We’re proud of our long tradition of public service and are grateful for the opportunities we have had to make a difference in St. Louis.”
Many of the firm’s attorneys have been active both professionally and personally in efforts to revitalize downtown St. Louis. In the late 1990s, John Fox Arnold, the firm’s Chairman, took on a leadership role to reorganize Downtown St. Louis, Inc. into a new partnership structure and to create Missouri’s first community improvement district. The Partnership for Downtown St. Louis now actively represents and advocates the interests of residents, business and property owners in all 360 blocks of downtown St. Louis and has helped develop a strong core for the region.
Over the years, Lashly & Baer has provided counsel to clients engaged in some of the most significant projects in St. Louis including the MetroLink light rail transit system, the St. Louis Convention Center Headquarters Hotel, and the successful effort to transfer jurisdiction of the crumbling, historic McKinley Bridge to the Illinois Department of Transportation for rehabilitation. Arnold tirelessly led each of these projects, and his leadership on the bridge project led his fellow attorneys to dub him “the man who saved the McKinley Bridge,” according to Brostron.
The firm is also well respected for its work on behalf of the Board of Education for the City of St. Louis in the desegregation case that began in 1972 and brought about equal education opportunities for city students and hundreds of millions of dollars for new and renovated schools in the city.
Other noteworthy cases for the firm include a 1932 lawsuit involving the Moon Motor Car Company, a Brooklyn National League Baseball Club case in 1946, and the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority in 1954 that expanded downtown development.
“We are very proud of the firm’s accomplishments over the past 100 years and look forward to the next 100,” said Brostron. “It is exciting for all of us to be a part of such a great milestone.”
The firm was founded in downtown St. Louis in 1912 and led by Jacob M. Lashly. Lashly was considered one of Missouri’s most outstanding trial lawyers and served as President of the American Bar Association and The Missouri Bar. His brother, Arthur, and later his son, John H. Lashly, joined the firm. The firm’s other namesake, David Baer, Jr., joined in 1982.
Today, Lashly & Baer has 43 lawyers who practice in diverse areas such as health care, government, banking, transportation, education and employment. The firm has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the “Best Law Firms in America,” and its leadership team of Brostron, Arnold, and Richard D. Watters has been named on the list of “Best Lawyers in America” for many years. In addition, Watters was named 2011 St. Louis Best Lawyers Health Care Lawyer of the Year.
The firm is housed in a former bank at 714 Locust Street, built in 1917 and later converted into law offices when the firm purchased the building in 1978. The firm took great pains to retain the building’s original architectural features, including walnut paneling, the continued use of the teller windows and a magnificent bank vault that is now used as the law library. The thick metal doors and imposing locking mechanisms along with armored walls make this library, and the firm, one of a kind.
“We like the idea of staying connected to St. Louis’ past, and to our firm’s history, but at the same time we always look forward,” Brostron said. “We’re planning for a future that allows us to continue to represent the needs of our region and clients in a positive way. We’re committed to staying downtown and supporting the city’s growth and success for many years to come.”
Physician Assistant Supervision and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Forms
The law has recently changed in Missouri regarding who can prescribe controlled substances. Mid-Level practitioners such as Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants can now prescribe certain controlled substances so long as certain criteria are met and certain steps are taken. We have revised our Physician Assistant Supervision form and our Advanced Practice Registered Nurse forms to take these recent changes into account. Our forms set out the criteria that must be met in Missouri before a Physician Assistant or Advance Practice Nurse can lawfully prescribe controlled substances. Please contact Carolyn M Kopsky or Richard D. Watters at (314) 621-2939 if you would like a copy of these forms for a nominal fee.
Non-competes: Enforceable in this job market?
Thursday, December 9, 2011 - Lashly & Baer, P.C. partner, Timm W. Schowalter, was a Guest Columnist in the St. Louis Business Journal’s Your Turn column entitled "Non-competes: Enforceable in this job market?" Click here to view a copy of his column.
Local Firm Gets Top Rankings From U.S. News & World Report
Friday, November 11, 2011 – U.S. News & World Report and The Best Lawyers in America® have released the 2011 Best Law Firms rankings, and St. Louis’ Lashly & Baer, P.C., has been given top marks in the St. Louis region.
In the St. Louis rankings, Lashly & Baer earned “St. Louis Tier 1” in Health Care Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, while earning “St. Louis Tier 2” in Corporate Law and Labor Law - Management. In addition, Lashly & Baer earned "National Tier 3" in Land Use & Zoning Law.
In addition to this recognition, three attorneys from Lashly & Baer have been included in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Richard D. Watters, listed in Health Care Law, recently joined a distinguished group of attorneys who have been included in Best Lawyers for 20 years or longer. Also listed in Best Lawyers were John Fox Arnold in Corporate Law and Kenneth C. Brostron in Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants.
Legal Workshop for the Missouri School Counselor Association
On Saturday, November 5, 2011, Lisa O. Stump and Lawrence J. Wadsack presented to the Missouri School Counselor Association. The Workshop addressed legal and ethical issues associated with student records and confidentiality issues, college letters and recommendations, residency/custody issues, and bullying, as well as emerging technology and student conduct including cyberbullying, sexting, the use of smartphones, and social media.
2012 OIG Work Plan Provides Compliance Focus For Providers
Lashly & Baer partner, Stuart J. Vogelsmeier, published an article in the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Greater St. Louis Chapter Fall 2011 Newsletter entitled "2012 OIG Work Plan Provides Compliance Focus for Providers." CLICK HERE to download a copy of the article or visit the HFMA Greater St. Louis Chapter website to view the Fall 2011 Newsletter.
Lashly & Baer Attorney, Kathryn B. Forster, Discusses Bullying in Ladue News
Monday, October 24, 2011 - With awareness about bullying and cyberbullying on the rise after several recent extreme cases, it’s more important than ever for school districts to be aware of their students’ behaviors and to have solid policies in place to deal with infractions. Kathryn B. Forster explains some of the ways schools are dealing with this issue. Click here to view the article in Ladue News.
Nine Lawyers Selected as 2011 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers and Four Selected as 2011 Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars
Monday, October 24, 2011 – 2011 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers has selected nine Lashly & Baer, P.C. lawyers who were nominated by their peers as being in the top 5% of Missouri and Kansas lawyers. They are John Fox Arnold, Kenneth C. Brostron, Kevin L. Fritz, Stefan J. Glynias, James C. Hetlage, Stephen G. Reuter, Michael J. Smith, Richard D. Watters, and Wendy J. Wolf. In addition, Kenneth C. Brostron has been selected as the Top 50 St. Louis lawyers. 2011 Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars has selected Mark R. Feldhaus, Patrick E. Foppe, Kathryn B. Forster, and Sarah J. Hugg as top young lawyers in Missouri and Kansas.
Students 2011: Bullying, Smartphones, Sexting and More…
On Saturday, October 1, 2011, Lisa O. Stump and Lawrence J. Wadsack presented to more than 200 board members and administrators at the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) Annual Conference in Osage Beach, Missouri. Their presentation entitled, “Students 2011: Bullying, Smartphones, Sexting and More…” addressed legal issues associated with emerging technology and student conduct including cyberbullying, sexting, the use of smartphones, and social media. Download Handout
Lashly & Baer Attorney, Kathryn Forster, Discusses "The Facebook Law" on Fox 2 News
Monday, September 26, 2011 – Kathryn B. Forster appeared on the Fox 2 News Morning Show at 7:15am with Randi Naughton discussing the revisions to the so-called “Facebook Law” that Missouri lawmakers approved on September 23, 2011. View the Fox 2 News interview by clicking here.
Resources To Help You Grow: Are you looking to build or expand a Senior Living Community?
Lashly & Baer partner, Richard D. Watters, along with the Senior Living Forum Affiliated Partners, will be discussing all aspects of building or expanding a senior living facility including CON process to get a new facility approved and initial licensing, financial opportunities and hurdles in the senior living business, alternative financing, Medicare/Medicaid issues, insurance due diligence when acquiring a facility, selecting a general contractor and trends in design, and electronic medical records solutions. The discussion will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 from 5:15pm to 8:30pm at Missouri Athletic Club West. If you would like to attend this informative discussion, please email Tiffany Walker at tiffanyw@heffins.com.
Kathryn B. Forster Elected to the Board of Directors of Citizens for Modern Transit
September 23, 2011 – Lashly & Baer attorney, Kathryn B. Forster, was recently elected to a three-year term to the Board of Directors of Citizens for Modern Transit. Citizens of Modern Transit leads advocacy efforts to expand light rail as the critical component of an integrated, affordable and convenient public transportation system that will enable economic growth to improve quality of life in the St. Louis region. Click here to view Citizens of Modern Transit's press release.
Protecting Your Bottom Line: New Illinois Workers' Compensation Law Seminar
Lashly & Baer partner, Andrew G. Toennies, spoke on Protecting Your Bottom Line: Everything you NEED to know about the New Illinois Workers' Compensation Laws that changed as of September 1, 2011. The educational seminar was held on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 8am to 10am at the Holiday Inn in Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Three Lashly & Baer, P.C. Attorneys Selected in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012
Three lawyers from Lashly & Baer, P.C. were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). They are John Fox Arnold (Corporate Law), Kenneth C. Brostron (Medical Malpractice Law-Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants); and Richard D. Watters (Health Care Law).
OIG Takes Critical Look at Certain Joint Ventures
Lashly & Baer partner, Stuart J. Vogelsmeier, published an article in the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Greater St. Louis Chapter Summer 2011 Newsletter entitled "OIG Takes Critical Look at Certain Joint Ventures." CLICK HERE to download a copy of the article or visit the HFMA Greater St. Louis Chapter website to view the Summer 2011 Newsletter.
Margaret M. Mooney Selected as Chair-Elect of the YWCA Metro St. Louis.
August 16, 2011 – Lashly & Baer attorney, Margaret M. Mooney, was recently chosen as Chair-Elect of the YWCA. She will begin her 2 year term as Chair in March 2012. The YWCA’s mission is to work for eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Victory in Supreme Court
Friday, July 29, 2011 - Michael J. Smith and Tricia J. Mueller recently prevailed before the Missouri Supreme Court resulting in the dismissal of their client with prejudice from a medical malpractice suit. Plaintiff had originally filed his cause of action for wrongful death on the last day of the three year statute of limitations. Instead of naming Smith and Mueller’s client, however, Plaintiff merely identified the Defendant as John Doe with an allegation that John Doe was a healthcare provider who had provided care to the decedent. Plaintiff subsequently amended his Petition purporting to substitute Smith and Mueller’s client for John Doe. Smith and Mueller effectively argued to the Court that Plaintiff’s description of John Doe was insufficient and that the substitution of Defendant did not relate back to the date Plaintiff first filed suit. This resulted in the Court holding that the statute of limitations expired.
Lashly & Baer Attorneys Obtain Defense Verdicts for Highway Technologies, Inc.
On July 13, 2011, Stephen L. Beimdiek and Sarah J. Hugg obtained defense verdicts in favor of Highway Technologies, Inc. in the Circuit Court of Buchanan County, Missouri following seven days of trial.
In the case of Janet Peterson and Linda Lambright v. Progressive Contractors, Inc. and Highway Technologies Inc., the Plaintiffs sought damages for the wrongful death of their mother, Virginia Winslow, and for personal injuries to Janet Peterson.
The case stemmed from a single vehicular accident in a construction zone on the Pony Express Bridge in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 23, 2007. Plaintiff Janet Peterson’s daughter, Tiffany Peterson, was driving the car. Janet Peterson and her mother, Virginia Winslow (“Decedent”), were passengers. The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission had contracted with Progressive Contractors to repair the expansion joints on the bridge. Progressive then entered into a sub-contract with Highway Technologies to provide temporary traffic control devices for the construction areas.
During the course of the construction work, the right lane of the bridge was closed to traffic. Plaintiffs claimed that while driving across the bridge, Tiffany Peterson thought she needed to enter the closed right lane to get to the exit located just past the end of bridge. She drove between two cones closing the right lane and around a temporary concrete barrier before ending up in an exposed hole in the bridge deck where Progressive was performing its expansion joint repair work. The car came to rest on the remaining rebar at the bottom of the hole.
The Plaintiffs claimed that the temporary traffic control devices on the bridge failed to comply with the plans developed by The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission and the standards set-out in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and that the traffic control set-up was otherwise dangerous and caused the accident by failing to direct and keep motorists out of the construction zone.
Plaintiff Janet Peterson suffered a fractured elbow in the accident. Plaintiffs’ decedent, Virginia Winslow, sustained injuries, as well, including an abdominal wall hematoma and the rupture of a pre-existing abscess in her abdomen, which resulted in e. Coli infected pus being released into her abdominal cavity. Decedent underwent emergency colon re-section surgery and was hospitalized for seventeen days before being discharged. Approximately four months later, however, Decedent suffered a heart attack and was re-admitted to the hospital. At that time, she was found to have a bloodstream infection (sepsis), which doctors later discovered to be caused by e. Coli. Within three days, the decedent developed septic shock, suffered another heart attack, and died.
Plaintiffs alleged that their mother’s death was caused by the car accident. Plaintiffs claimed that following the accident, e. Coli organisms that had been released into their mother’s body from the ruptured abscess had become sequestered in either the abdominal wall hematoma or a pre-existing aortic graft, and eventually made their way into her bloodstream and caused her to develop sepsis, which then led to her heart attack and ultimately her death. Susceptibility tests done on the e. Coli organisms during both hospitalizations showed the e. Coli organisms to be nearly identical.
Defendants claimed that the traffic control in place on the bridge provided a reasonably safe road for the motoring public, that they complied with the traffic control plan developed by the State, and that the accident was caused by the negligent driving of Tiffany Peterson. Defendants further claimed that the decedent’s death was the result of a pre-existing medical condition, and not the result of any injuries she sustained in the accident.
Plaintiffs’ last settlement demand prior to trial for both claims was $950,000.
At trial Plaintiffs asked for $1,000,000 for the wrongful death of their mother and $500,000 for Janet Winslow Peterson’s injuries.
The Jury deliberated for approximately 50 minutes before returning verdicts in favor of Defendants on both claims.
Lashly & Baer Attorney Receives Levee Stone Award
The 2011 John H. Poelker Levee Stone Award will be presented to John Fox Arnold at the Partnership for Downtown St. Louis’s Annual Membership Luncheon on Tuesday, June 28th. The recipient of this annual award is recognized for their leadership, extraordinary vision and personal commitment in advancing the revitalization of downtown St. Louis.
Shontaia J. Riley Elected to Board of Trustees of the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri
June 18, 2011 – Lashly & Baer attorney, Shontaia J. Riley, was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri.
Jennifer Tyus Selected to the 2011-2012 FOCUS Leadership St. Louis Class
June 15, 2011 - Lashly & Baer attorney, Jennifer A. Tyus, has been selected as a member of the 36th FOCUS Leadership St. Louis Class of 2011-2012.
Lashly & Baer Wins for La Quinta Inns and Suites
Stephen L. Beimdiek recently won a defense verdict from a St. Louis County jury on behalf of La Quinta Inns and Suites in a premises liability suit. The Plaintiff claimed she slipped and fell on a slippery substance/wet tile located outside the front entrance of a La Quinta. The Plaintiff sustained a fractured ankle and lateral epicondylitis (elbow injury) from her fall. She claimed that La Quinta failed to keep the area where she fell clear, failed to inspect the area frequently enough such that it could have discovered the slippery substance that she claimed was on the tile, and failed to warn that the tile was wet to the extent it had rained earlier. The Plaintiff incurred approximately $21,000 in medical bills for the treatment she received following her fall, claimed that she had continuing problems with both her ankle and her elbow, and asked the jury to award her $70,000.
La Qunita denied that any dangerous condition existed on the tile and maintained that to the extent the tile was wet, it was from a recent rain and the Plaintiff should have anticipated that the tile would have been wet.
After deliberating for approximately 1 hour the jury found in favor of La Quinta, and judgment was entered on its behalf.
Lashly & Baer Supports the Launch of Client's New Website
Lashly & Baer secured Multi-State Service Mark filings for our client, Nicole Benoist Edgerton, to support the launch of her company's new website - minipinkbook.com, an online guide to boutiques, restaurants, beauty services and attractions. The website will be available in July beginning in four cities - St. Louis, Nashville, Kansas City and Atlanta. Along with a curated list of the best each city has to offer, Mini Pink Book will also include trends, products and insights from stylish personalities. Click here to view the recent article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and more about Nicole and Mini Pink Book.
Lashly & Baer Attorneys Obtain Two Certificates of Need
On May 9, 2011, attorneys Richard D. Watters and Margaret Scavotto secured Certificate of Need approval for Black River Community Medical Center, a 3-bed community hospital in Poplar Bluff, MO and Springfield Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, a 66-bed assisted living facility dedicated entirely to treating individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Jury Sides With Big Tobacco In Historic City of St. Louis v. American Tobacco
Friday, April 29, 2011 - Lashly & Baer, representing Missouri Hospitals, presented their clients case to a jury in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis. After a dozen expert witnesses and dozens of hospital administrators presented for more than 9 weeks in this historic case, the jury announced a 9 to 3 verdict for the Defendants. The jury members, while finding that the hospitals proved that cigarettes are defective and unreasonably dangerous, were not convinced that the hospitals were overall damaged in treating sick smokers.
Face To Face Encounters Change Home Health Services
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - Lashly & Baer Partner, Stuart J. Vogelsmeier, published an article in the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Greater St. Louis Chapter Spring 2011 Newsletter entitled "Face To Face Encounters Change Home Health Services." CLICK HERE to download a copy of the article or visit the HFMA Greater St. Louis Chapter website to view the Spring 2011 Newsletter.
Lashly & Baer, P.C. Clients Recognized for Ultrasound Imaging With Smartphone
Lashly & Baer, P.C. clients, William D. Richard and David Zar, have been recognized multiple times for their development of coupling USB-based ultrasound probe technology with a smartphone. Most recently, they were awarded the 2011 Best Mobile Health Innovation by the Global Mobile Awards. In addition, Zar was featured on Good Morning America on February 15, 2011 to demonstrate the smartphone application.
The Future of Medicine
Lashly & Baer Health Care Attorney, Richard D. Watters, discussed "The Future of Medicine" with Mike Castellano (CEO of Esse Health), Dr. John Hubert (President of Mercy Clinic), and Dr. Michael Rau (Chairman of Patients First Health Care) at a seminar held at the Saint Louis Zoo on Friday, April 29, 2011. The health care leaders discussed their different group practice models and how they are prepared to meet the challenges of health care reform.
Lashly & Baer Attorneys Speak at 2011 MoASBO Spring Conference
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - Lisa O. Stump, Rhonda A. O'Brien and Kathryn B. Forster presented at the 2011 Missouri Association of School Business Officials Spring Conference. Programs were entitled "Disclosure of School District Information," "Cafeteria Plans," and "Use of Social Networking Websites: What's Legal, What's Not." Click on the presentation title to download.
Legal Issues Related to Purchasing
Lashly & Baer partner, Stuart J. Vogelsmeier, will be speaking at the Institute for Supply Management St. Louis upcoming educational event on “Legal Issues Related to Purchasing” on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. Mr. Vogelsmeier represents one of the largest health care group purchasing companies in the Midwest, and regularly counsels clients on purchasing, leasing and licensing of products and technology in the health care area. CLICK HERE for more event information.
Melissa Vighi Selected by Commercial Real Estate Women for Member to Member Business Award
March 18, 2011 - Lashly & Baer attorney, Melissa A. Vighi, was selected by the St. Louis chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women to receive their annual Member to Member Business Award. Visit Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) St. Louis for more details.
Lashly & Baer Attorney Wins for District Hospital
February 28, 2011 - Judith C. Brostron recently won a victory for her client in the Supreme Court of Illinois in a case of first impression interpreting the statute of limitations for public entities. Plaintiff filed a Complaint against Jersey Community Hospital District and a doctor almost two years after plaintiff’s injuries occurred. The Circuit Court dismissed the Complaint against the hospital under the one-year statute of limitations for public entities. Plaintiff appealed arguing that the 2003 amended version of the Tort Immunity Act applied because plaintiff’s injuries arose out of patient care. The Supreme Court held that plaintiff’s injuries for sexual assault by the physician did not “arise out of patient care,” and therefore the one-year statute of limitations applied. View the complete opinion 109738 at http://www.illinoislawyernow.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/109738.pdf.
John Fox Arnold selected by St. Louis Business Journal as a Most Influential St. Louisan
February 28, 2011 - Lashly & Baer attorney, John Fox Arnold was selected by the St. Louis Business Journal as a Most Influential St. Louisan. Click here to view the complete list.
Lashly & Baer Attorney Named St. Louis Health Care Lawyer of the Year
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named Richard D. Watters as the “St. Louis Best Lawyers Health Care Lawyer of the Year” for 2011.
Steven Naifeh, president of Best Lawyers, says, “We continue to believe – as we have believed for more than 25 years – that recognition by one’s peers is the most meaningful form of praise in the legal profession. We would like to congratulate Richard D. Watters on being selected as the ‘St. Louis Best Lawyers Health Care Lawyer of the Year’ for 2011.”
Richard D. Watters was also selected by his peers for the 20th straight year for inclusion in The Best Lawyers of America® 2010. He has also been selected in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers each year since 2005, including Top 50 Lawyers in 2007, and Top 50 and 100 Lawyers in 2005. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from Saint Louis University School of Law.
Lashly & Baer Attorneys Win Summary Judgment for IPC International Corporation
February 17, 2011 - Stefan J. Glynias and Sarah J. Hugg recently won summary judgment for their client IPC International Corporation in a wrongful death case filed in the City of St. Louis. Summary judgments are infrequently granted because they decide the case without the necessity of the expense and time for a trial. The Plaintiffs alleged that IPC was negligent in its provision of private security services, and that such negligence led to the shooting death of their family member. A thorough investigation of Plaintiffs’ claims and extensive discovery, revealed that the decedent’s death was the result of a premeditated, targeted assassination that was carried out despite the presence of witnesses and armed police officers. Accordingly, IPC’s conduct could not have been the proximate cause of the Plaintiffs’ injuries. The Circuit Court for the City of St. Louis agreed, and entered judgment in favor of IPC, dismissing Plaintiffs’ claims against IPC with prejudice and denying Plaintiffs leave to amend their Petition against IPC.
Stefan J. Glynias Served as Panelist at MUSIC Annual Meeting
Stefan J. Glynias served as a panelist at the 2011 Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) Annual Meeting on January 27, 2011. Topics were discussed in detail regarding school administration, liability in connection with construction contracts, among other legal topics pertaining to school districts.
Key Compliance Issues for 2011
Lashly & Baer partner, Stuart J. Vogelsmeier, spoke at the Health Care Financial Management Association St. Louis Chapter Winter Meeting on January 21, 2011, on Key Compliance Issues for 2011. Click here to access the presentation.
Attorney, Kevin L. Fritz, Elected Chair of USLAW Network, Inc.'s Transportation Group
January 6, 2011 - USLAW Network, Inc. elected Kevin L. Fritz Chair of their Transportation Group. USLAW Network, Inc. is a national organization composed of over 65 independent, defense-based law firms with over 4,000 attorneys covering the United States and Latin America. Among the firms, there are over 150 offices in 48 U.S. states specializing in business transactions and litigation. Fritz holds a J.D. from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.
