MoveMakers and NewsMakers for November 19, 2024

St. Louis | Kansas City

St. Louis

Carmody MacDonald P.C. is proud to announce the promotion of Ryann Carmody and Brad Crandall to shareholder, and Lauren Gamel and Ryan Prsha to partner. These promotions highlight the talent and experience that drive the firm’s continued success.

Ryann Carmody’s extensive experience as a prosecutor has provided a strong foundation in civil litigation. She has handled a wide range of complex cases, including condemnation matters, employment cases, and commercial litigation cases. She has received the Missouri Lawyers Weekly “Legal Champion” Award for her successful defense in a high-profile case, as well as the Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award for her pivotal role in assembling a 100-acre site in North St. Louis for the construction of the National Geospatial Agency. Ryann is a versatile litigator who brings commitment, strategic insight, and strong advocacy to every case she handles. She values the relationships she has developed with clients, lawyers, and judges. Ryann earned her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law.

Brad Crandall adds valuable strength to the corporate/transactional practice group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, commercial real estate, and corporate law. Before joining Carmody MacDonald, he was a founding member of a prominent St. Louis-based law firm. His sharp legal acumen and excellent reputation have been a tremendous asset to the firm. Brad received his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.

“Ryann and Brad joined our firm with impressive legal experience, and they have excelled in meeting our clients’ and our firm’s needs,” said Tina Babel, Carmody MacDonald litigation practice group leader. “They have also received several professional awards and recognition. Their promotions are well deserved.”

Lauren Gamel, a rising star in civil litigation, focuses on resolving commercial, employment, and real estate disputes for businesses and individuals. She has consistently delivered outstanding results for clients in high-stakes cases. Lauren earned her J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law.

Ryan Prsha, another top performer, has become a key player in the firm’s litigation practice group. Ryan, who focuses his practice on complex commercial/business litigation and civil appeals, has consistently shown his ability to skillfully handle even the most challenging of legal situations for clients. He is a graduate of University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia.

“Lauren and Ryan have been instrumental in driving the firm’s success,” added Tina Babel. “They put in the time and energy needed to achieve strong results in challenging cases, and their dedication is being rewarded.”

Armstrong Teasdale announces the addition of Counsel Nicole C. Behnen and Associate Joey Bartholomew to the firm’s St. Louis office.

Behnen has more than 25 years of experience defending lawsuits involving product liability, premises liability and toxic torts, with a focus on asbestos litigation. She has managed the daily activities in thousands of asbestos cases in Illinois and Missouri, and her in-depth knowledge of the major players in asbestos litigation allows her to offer comprehensive advice to her clients and partner with them to develop strategies to successfully resolve each claim.

With a focus on tax law, Bartholomew is experienced in advising financial services clients on all aspects of international tax planning and guidance, formation of portfolio management companies, and asset acquisitions. He also provides counsel on the tax implications of corporate acquisitions and restructurings.

Kansas City

Kutak Rock is excited to announce the addition of 36 new associates to its offices nationwide in 2024. These talented attorneys bring a range of skills and expertise in key practice areas, including litigation, corporate law, public finance, tax credits, real estate, and mergers & acquisitions. The new hires reflect the firm’s continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients across the country.

John Petr, Chair of Kutak Rock, remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of associates to Kutak Rock. Their diverse backgrounds and skills will not only enhance our ability to serve our clients but will also strengthen our national presence. We look forward to their contributions as they build successful careers with the firm.

Kansas City Office: 

Emma Kate Dillon joined the firm’s public finance group as an associate. She earned a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Arkansas. She is admitted to practice in Missouri.

Lukas Fields joined as an associate in the firm’s intellectual property group. He earned his J.D. from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and a B.S. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is admitted to practice in Missouri. 

Jason Kotlyarov joined the firm’s litigation practice as an associate. He holds a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, and an LL.M. (Taxation) and B.S. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is admitted to practice in Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas.

Samuel Nulton joined the firm as an associate in the mergers and acquisitions group. He earned a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law and a B.S. from the University of Kansas. He is admitted to practice in Missouri.