MoveMakers & NewsMakers for March 19, 2024

St. Louis | Across MO

St. Louis

Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce that Zackary G. Smith joined the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group as an associate attorney in the firm’s St. Louis office.

Throughout his legal career, in both private practice and as an in-house attorney, Smith has worked closely with public and privately held companies in industries including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and real estate. His practice focuses on general and complex commercial litigation, arbitrations, and administrative proceedings in jurisdictions throughout the country.

Before joining Spencer Fane, Smith was associate general counsel at one of the largest design-build general contractors in the nation. In this role, Smith managed and supervised global litigation strategy and was responsible for negotiating and drafting various commercial agreements and construction contracts.

“Given his experience and background, Zack brings a unique perspective to handling complex commercial and construction disputes and will make a dynamic addition to the St. Louis office,” said Amy Mistler, Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in St. Louis. “We are excited to welcome Zack and strengthen a critical area of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group.”

Smith received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Lindsey Wilson College and earned his Juris Doctor at Washington University School of Law. During law school, Smith worked with the Children’s Rights Clinic, where he represented juveniles involved in a variety of legal matters, and the Urban Revitalization Clinic, where he conducted research on the redistricting laws and policies of the St. Louis Board of Alderman.

Goldberg Segalla added Lauren A. Behan to the firm’s Toxic Tort and Environmental Law practice groups in St. Louis.

Behan focuses her practice on representing product manufacturers, distributors, general contractors, and other businesses in toxic tort and environmental litigation. She is engaged in all stages of litigation, including preparing cases for filing; drafting motions, pleadings and briefs; conducting legal research in preparation for motion hearings; and participating in depositions, trials, and appeals. Behan draws on experience gained while practicing civil litigation and family law. Before joining private practice, Behan gained courtroom experience as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Behan earned her B.A. from Truman State University and her J.D. from the Washington University School of Law.

Across MO

Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch (BB&D), a premier law firm known for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and client-focused legal solutions, proudly welcomes four experienced trial attorneys as members, and one attorney as associate. With one member in Kansas City, this expansion strengthens the firm’s capabilities in achieving outstanding results in complex, high-stakes litigation throughout Missouri and nationwide.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our litigation practice with the addition of these exceptional attorneys and to expand our geographic reach beyond our current offices in St. Louis and Mid-Missouri to meet the corporate, litigation, and regulatory needs of our clients in the Kansas City region,” said BB&D Managing Member Kevin Fleming. “It’s an exciting time of growth for our firm and an exciting time to be a part of the vibrant Kansas City community.”

With the addition of these exceptional new litigation attorneys, BB&D is poised to build upon its legacy of success in litigating complex, high-stakes cases. Led by founding member Bob Blitz, the firm’s notable achievements include the successful litigation against the NFL and its team owners over the relocation of the St. Louis Rams, garnering a $790 million settlement, and Bob’s crucial role on the team of private attorneys securing a $183.2 million settlement for Missouri cities and counties against opioid makers and distributors.

“Adding experienced and talented litigators to our team—attorneys who try cases and who have a track record of success over their careers—continues the firm’s commitment to excellence in all we do,” said BB&D Founding Member Bob Blitz. “I am excited about the future of the firm.”

BB&D’s headquarters are in St. Louis, and its new Kansas City office is located at 104 W. 9th Street, Suite 205B in downtown Kansas City. The firm also has offices in Jefferson City and Columbia.

BB&D’s new litigation members and associate are:

Andrew Blackwell - Member

Andrew Blackwell is an experienced trial attorney in St. Louis who focuses his practice on complex commercial and employment disputes, as well as emerging issues related to digital assets. He has successfully tried cases to resolution in federal and state court, in arbitration, and before administrative bodies.

Anthony "Tony" Bonuchi - Member

Tony Bonuchi’s litigation practice focuses on business disputes and appellate matters. He also leads the firm’s new Kansas City office, where business and community leaders, fellow lawyers, and individual clients turn to Tony’s broad experience and talent for understanding the big picture when faced with complex and thorny problems.

Kelley Farrell - Member

Kelley Farrell is an experienced trial attorney in St. Louis, concentrating her practice in employment, real estate, and commercial litigation throughout Missouri and around the country.

Jim Ferrick - Member

Jim Ferrick is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience in high-stakes litigation nationwide. Jim has brought or defended claims in all aspects of commercial and employment law, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, unfair competition commercial torts, violation of wage payment obligations, discrimination and retaliation, defamation, products liability, and many others. Jim has tried numerous cases to verdict and argued before state and federal appellate courts.

Julie Chambers - Associate

Julie’s practice focuses on civil litigation. Julie joined BB&D after practicing with a small law firm where she gained experience in various civil and criminal litigation matters throughout Missouri and Illinois. Julie obtained her law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law and clerked for Judge Mary Barzee in Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Learn more about Julie.

McCausland Barrett & Bartalos welcomes four new hires to firm.

Rebecca Fisher

Rebecca Fisher joined McCausland Barrett & Bartalos as an Associate Attorney in February 2024. She attended Sam Houston State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She taught 2nd grade for one year before deciding to return to law school. She graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law in December 2021. Prior to joining McCausland Barrett & Bartalos, she worked for the Division of Legal Services for the Department of Social Services. She has also served as the Title IX & Equity Coordinator for Columbia College.

Payton Anderson

Payton joined McCausland Barrett & Bartalos as an Associate Attorney in October 2023. He attended the University of North Texas before attending Michigan State University School of Law, where he graduated in 2022. Payton began his legal career at JPMorgan Chase Co. as a Compliance Associate. After moving to Kansas City, Payton decided to switch to litigation.

Paul Taylor

Paul joined McCausland, Barrett & Bartalos, P.C. as an Associate Attorney in February 2024. He attended Emporia State University for his undergraduate degree. Prior to graduating, Paul experienced a farming accident resulting in the loss of his leg. After overcoming recurring infections and surgeries, Paul learned to walk again, and decided to pursue law. He attended Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Prior to joining McCausland Barrett & Bartalos, Paul worked as a Bailiff/Law Clerk for Associate Circuit Judges Robert Trout and Kyndra Stockdale in Division 32 in Independence, Missouri. After clerking, Paul was an Assistant Missouri Public Defender practicing criminal defense in the Kansas City Trial Office in Jackson County for 2.5 years. He then transitioned to private practice as an Associate Attorney at BurnettDriskill, Attorneys, practicing in the areas of Social Security disability, ERISA and Non-ERISA long-term and short-term disability appeals, Railroad Board Disability Claims and personal injury claims.

Andrew Monroe

Andrew M. Monroe joined McCausland Barrett & Bartalos in August 2023. He earned his Juris Doctor at the University of Indiana Maurer School of Law, where he participated in the Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition and was an active member of the Environmental Law Society. While in school, he interned for Mexico's largest environmental non-profit, the Conservation Law Center, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. He received his B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005.

Before law school, Mr. Monroe taught English abroad and traveled extensively.