MoveMakers and NewsMakers for January 14, 2025

St. Louis | Across MO

St. Louis

Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Matthew J. Rossiter has joined the firm’s Private Client Services Practice Group and its Trust & Estate Litigation team as a Partner in St. Louis, along with Counsel Maxwell G. Murtaugh. Joining Rossiter and Murtaugh is legal administrative assistant Debra A. Duello. These additions follow the Oct. 30 St. Louis addition of Private Client Services Associate Justin Hilton from Harrison LLP. 

Rossiter and Murtaugh join Lathrop GPM from Rossiter & Boock, LLC, a St. Louis boutique law firm focusing on litigation and estate planning. Rossiter is recognized statewide for his trust and estate litigation experience; he is one of only four attorneys ranked in Band 1 in Chambers High Net Worth’s Missouri Private Wealth Disputes table. Building on the momentum of Lathrop GPM’s combination with Hopkins Carley last year, which nearly doubled the size of the firm’s Private Client Services group to 50 attorneys, Rossiter and Murtaugh further enhance the Private Client Services group’s litigation depth. 

"We’re thrilled to bring a dedicated Trust & Estate Litigation team to St. Louis,” said Marya Robben, partner and leader of Lathrop GPM’s Private Client Services Practice Group. “Matt is a seasoned trust and estate litigation attorney with impressive experience across a range of fiduciary disputes. Matt and Max will build upon our existing Private Client Services strength in St. Louis and robust national platform to enable comprehensive support to clients across Missouri and Illinois.” 

Rossiter has tried cases throughout Missouri and Illinois, representing trustees, banks, beneficiaries, personal representatives and claimants in all areas of estate administration. Rossiter has tried nearly every type of case related to a person’s trust and estate planning and administration. His experience also includes appellate matters involving trust interpretation and validity, probate and trust administration, guardianship and breach of fiduciary duty. 

“I’m excited to join Lathrop GPM during a period of transformational growth for both the firm and its Private Client Services group,” said Rossiter. “The firm’s national platform – including its strengths across trusts and estates, tax and corporate – complement and enhance my existing practice.” 

Rossiter holds a J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law and a B.A. from Marquette University. Murtaugh earned his J.D. also from St. Louis University School of Law, magna cum laude, and his B.D., cum laude, from Occidental College in Los Angeles. 

Across MO

National law firm Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce it has elected 30 attorneys, including seven Missouri lawyers, to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2025.

This year’s partner class reflects the firm’s never-ending pursuit of better ways to serve its clients, colleagues, and communities. The addition of these partners strengthens Husch Blackwell’s ability to deliver legal solutions across its practices areas and its clients’ industries.

“Our reputation for exceptional client service is built on the strength of our people," said Husch Blackwell Chief Executive Jamie Lawless. “Elevating these talented attorneys is not only an acknowledgement of their achievements—it represents our commitment to building a team of leaders who approach each new challenge collaboratively and with our clients’ interests in mind.”

The Husch Blackwell partnership class of 2025 includes:

Katie Jenner
Trecia Moore
Ryan Olson
Kip Randall
Paul Smelcer
Ryan White
Sarah Zimmerman

This partner class, like all Husch Blackwell attorneys, will be empowered to collaborate across practice areas and draw on each other’s industry knowledge to deliver custom-tailored client strategies. Twelve practice areas are represented in this partner class: Appellate; Banking & Finance; Commercial Litigation; Consumer Finance; Corporate, M&A & Securities; Energy Regulation; Intellectual Property; Labor & Employment; Mass Tort & Product Liability; Private Wealth; Real Estate & Development; and White Collar, Internal Investigations, & Compliance.

The firm’s continual expansion through both its virtual office, The Link, and new brick-and-mortar locations is also evident in this partner class. These attorneys are based in 16 cities across the United States and many work remotely as members of The Link. In a recent interview with Law360 Pulse, J.Y Miller, office managing partner of The Link, shared how Husch Blackwell’s uncommon approach to remote work doesn’t impact its attorneys’ ability to grow their careers, saying “everyone, regardless of their location, has the same level of eligibility and opportunity to make partner at the firm.”

Further, this partner class comprises of 43% women, 10% racial and ethnic minorities, and 10% LGBTQ+ attorneys, reflecting the diverse perspectives that are foundational to empathy-based client service. The firm was recently recognized in Bloomberg Law’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework, a listing that recognizes law firms that meet or exceed an established threshold of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Husch Blackwell also elevated seven attorneys to the position of senior counsel, effective January 1, 2025. These attorneys demonstrate the deep industry knowledge and understanding of client challenges that are crucial to the firm’s continued success. The 2025 Husch Blackwell senior counsel class includes Erin Burns, Molly Dugan, Liz LaFoe Frederick, Samantha Gugliuzza, Shayan Heidarzadeh, Jameson Sauseda, and Alaina Zermeno.

Kutak Rock is proud to announce its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of dedicated service to clients and a legacy of innovation, collaboration and success. From its humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska in 1965 to its presence in 19 locations across the nation today, the firm has grown to become a respected leader in the legal industry.

Over the past 60 years, Kutak Rock has continually expanded its footprint, opening offices in key markets to meet the needs of its clients and communities. Highlights of the firm’s journey include:

• 1965: Founded in Omaha, Nebraska
• 1977: Expansion to Denver, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
• 1989-1999: Growth to Phoenix (1990, relocating to Scottsdale in 1999), Little Rock (1989), and Pasadena, California (1994)
• 2000s: Opening offices in Richmond, Chicago, Philadelphia and Minneapolis
• 2010s: New locations in Spokane, Rogers and Springfield
• 2021: Most recent expansion to Tallahassee, Florida

Kutak Rock’s successful growth is a testament to its deep commitment to fostering long-lasting client relationships and creating a supportive, dynamic environment for its team members.

John Petr, Chair of Kutak Rock, shared, “Our assets are our people—dedicated, creative and committed individuals who bring energy and expertise to serve our clients every day. For 60 years, these talented professionals have partnered with our clients to achieve their objectives, address their concerns and realize their vision. It’s a milestone worth celebrating, but also a reminder that our work begins anew each day as we build the future together.”

Hilary Jackler, Vice Chair of Kutak Rock, added, “The foundation laid by our predecessors has steadily grown over the decades. While we have evolved in many ways, the core principles that defined our early days—dedication to our clients, colleagues and communities—remain unchanged. Each member of Kutak Rock has played a crucial role in building the unique and stable firm we are today.”

Together, the firm has supported thousands of clients in achieving their goals while creating a workplace defined by collaboration and shared purpose. From three founders to more than 1,000 firm members, Kutak Rock’s growth has been driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to innovation, enabling it to see and pursue opportunities that others overlook.