St. Louis, MO – July 7, 2025 – Lashly & Baer, P.C. is proud to announce the significant expansion of its government and litigation practice groups, welcoming attorneys Michael McGinley, Kathryn Warren, and Trent Carriger. With deep local ties and substantial experience, these attorneys will provide Illinois communities in the Metro East with highly knowledgeable local counsel, tailored representation for municipal matters, and strengthened advocacy in complex litigation cases, demonstrating Lashly & Baer’s unwavering commitment to the region.
Michael McGinley joins the firm as a Shareholder. He brings a wealth of experience in public agency law, litigation, and municipal counsel. He currently serves as City Attorney for Highland, Wood River, and Litchfield, Illinois, where he advises on ordinances, real estate development, public policy, and litigation. McGinley is also a seasoned litigator, particularly in asbestos defense, consumer collections, and commercial disputes, representing clients from entrepreneurs to companies of all sizes across Illinois, and Missouri. Born and raised in Highland, Illinois, Mike is deeply embedded in the local community. A proud graduate of Highland High School and former General Manager of McGinley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Highland, Mike also spent his youth competing with the Edwardsville Breakers and Highland Splash swim teams.
“I am thrilled to join Lashly & Baer and introduce my clients to a firm with such a respected tradition of excellence,” McGinley said. “Having grown up in Highland and dedicating my career to serving communities like Wood River, and Litchfield, I deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities in our region.”
Kathryn Warren joins Lashly & Baer after a distinguished 15-year career with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she served as Chief of the Criminal Division. Katie has been recognized for her trial success and is frequently sought for training on courtroom advocacy. Her civil practice focuses on working directly with elected and appointed officials to meet the ever-increasing legal demands municipalities face in the modern era, both inside and outside the courtroom. A graduate of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton, Katie resides in Madison County with her husband Chris Warren and their children. They continue their deep engagement with Madison County through extensive volunteer work with the Troy Titans Football Club and serving as chairs of the Stanley Talbot Memorial Endowment, a charity honoring fallen Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Stanley Talbot by providing scholarships for children of police officers.
“Our Metro East clients will greatly benefit from Katie’s courtroom prowess and her demonstrated commitment to the community,” said Patrick Foppe, a Lashly Shareholder and Breese native now residing in Edwardsville. “Katie’s blend of legal expertise and community service aligns perfectly with Lashly & Baer’s values.”
Trent Carriger, an Associate in the firm’s General Liability practice, enhances Lashly & Baer’s litigation capabilities. A lifelong resident of Highland, Trent is deeply involved in local youth sports, serving as a coach for the Post 439 Legion baseball teams and Highland High School’s baseball program. During his time at law school, Trent was also a dedicated substitute teacher in the Highland Community Unit School District No. 5.
“Trent is a natural fit for our firm,” added Foppe. “His active involvement in the Highland community and commitment to mentoring young people exemplify the spirit we aim to cultivate at Lashly & Baer.”
“We are excited about this talented group’s ability to deepen our roots in Illinois,” said Lisa O. Stump, President of Lashly & Baer. “Mike, Katie, and Trent exemplify our commitment to serving clients not just as attorneys, but as engaged members of the communities they represent.”
Celebrating its 113th year in business, Lashly & Baer, P.C. maintains offices in downtown St. Louis and Belleville, Illinois, recognized nationally for excellence in health care, transportation, municipal, corporate, employment, medical malpractice, and personal injury defense law.
About Lashly & Baer, P.C.
Celebrating 113 years in business in 2025, Lashly & Baer, P.C. has offices in Downtown St. Louis and Belleville, Illinois. The firm has been recognized as one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report, receiving national ranking in Health Care Law and top St. Louis rankings in Corporate Law, Employment Law – Management, Health Care Law, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and Personal Injury Law – Defendants. Lashly’s government clients include Bi-State Development Agency, City of Wentzville, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Rockwood School District, City of Crestwood, City of Ellisville, City of Festus, City of Glendale, City of Normandy, City of Wentzville, St. Louis County Library, and St. Louis Public Library.