Crane, Lesicko, Suddy awarded for outstanding appellate work
Andrew J. Crane, Christine Lesicko, and Renee Suddy will receive this year’s Missouri Bar Foundation David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Awards.
The David J. Dixon Appellate Advocacy Awards recognize outstanding achievement in appellate practice by three lawyers who are 39 years old or younger. The award is named after the late Hon. David J. Dixon, whose tenacity, professionalism, and judicial skills epitomize outstanding appellate practice.
Crane, Lesicko, and Suddy will receive their awards Sept. 17 in Branson during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Judicial Conference.
Crane
A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Crane is the deputy chief counsel for the Governmental Affairs Section of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Crane enjoys the broader view required in appellate practice and how it can affect the law.
“To me, appellate courts still represent the opportunity for lawyers to shape the future of the law with their own diligence, intelligence, and written work,” he said.
When it comes to his practice, Crane values process over outcome. He is most proud of the cases where he has learned and grown as a lawyer. It is important for him to truly understand the case and how it can affect the client and the community.
“As lawyers, we see the impacts that those laws have on the people of our communities and work to make sure the laws are applied correctly and fairly,” Crane said. “I am honored to be a part of that effort.”
Lesicko
Lesicko earned her law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law. She is the co-chair of the appellate practice group and principal at Watters Wolf Bub Hansmann LLC. She previously clerked for Hon. Edward R. Ardini Jr., of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Western District.
Lesicko enjoys appellate advocacy because she can be creative while working within the confines of specific rules and records. She said she also sees it as an opportunity to ensure that litigants get a “fair shake” in the lower courts.
“I view my role as an appellate advocate as making sure the system works as fairly as possible for everyone involved in a case,” she said.
Lesicko encourages other lawyers to work hard and be the best advocates they can for their clients.
“You never know where your career will take you, but being diligent for your clients and collegial with opposing counsel and other attorneys in your practice area will go a long way to gaining a good reputation and getting opportunities,” she said.
Suddy
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Suddy is an assistant attorney general in the Criminal Appeals Section at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Suddy views her role as an opportunity to help shape people’s experience with the legal system.
“When parties see us working to reach the right result, in the right way, it builds trust in our system, which is so important,” she said. “Hopefully, people leave feeling heard, feeling like they were treated fairly, and understanding the process a little better.”
She enjoys being able to work on both sides in her practice area to maintain a well-rounded perspective and fully understand problems so she can help others comprehend them. She encourages other lawyers to keep learning and build trust in their professional judgment.
“Good judgment comes from information, perspective, and often a little humility ...” she said. “The more you know, the better you will understand the issues in front of you. Challenge yourself early and get outside your comfort zone.”
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.