MANUFACTURING
- OVERVIEW
- EXPERIENCE
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
- PROFESSIONALS
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RELATED PRACTICES
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RELATED INDUSTRIES
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REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS
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Aegion
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American Commercial Barge Line
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Baldor Electric Company
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Barry-Wehmiller Group
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Federal Signal Corporation
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Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A.
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Martin Engineering
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Sukup Manufacturing Company
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Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
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Zoltek
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The manufacturing sector has long been the engine of America’s economy. Today, efficient processes, technological advances and true cooperation among industry participants are business imperatives as companies strive to remain competitive on a global playing field. In the face of a challenge, be it economic or environmental, or when an opportunity calls for swift response, Thompson Coburn provides an integrated approach designed to meet manufacturers’ unique business needs.
We work with our manufacturing clients to provide solutions to help them be more efficient and more competitive. We work with public and privately held companies to identify appropriate acquisition opportunities and to strategically assess potential divestiture of non-core operations.
Our attorneys advise clients on competition issues and help them implement antitrust compliance programs. In addition, we assist clients with distribution issues and advise them with respect to advertising marketing and the use of sweepstakes and contest. We can devise appropriate tax strategies designed to minimize a company’s overall tax rate. We also help clients negotiate Customs and Border Protection and U.S. State Department regulations to facilitate efficient supply-chain and distribution channels.
Recognizing that proprietary processes and products are the core of every manufacturing business, we help companies protect their intellectual property. We also work to support our manufacturing clients' efforts to build efficiencies through the acquisition and deployment of technology, and we assist with procurement of all other goods and services. In addition, we work with our clients to maximize their investment in their employees, including developing competitive benefit plans, implementing comprehensive immigration strategies for the employment of key international personnel, and working with management on labor relations.
Case Studies
Securing global trademark protections for PowerBar
Silencing product liability claims against a siren manufacturer
Our client Yamaha Motors was involved in a significant products liability suit with nearly $400 million at stake. The suit stemmed from the death of a man while using Yamaha personal watercraft on the Colorado River. Because the man owned an annuities brokerage firm, nearly 20 expert witnesses were called to try to calculate his future earnings. The first trial resulted in a hung jury. The second trial is scheduled to begin in June 2010.
Thompson Coburn represented Kawasaki Heavy industries and its subsidiaries in major patent litigation against a Bombardier Recreational Products. Bombardier first filed suit against our client in the Middle District of Florida on several patents and demanded a substantial royalty payment. We successfully petitioned the USPTO to re-examine all of the patents in suit from the Florida litigation, resulting in a Court Order staying that litigation. Simultaneously, Kawasaki filed suit against Bombardier in the Eastern District of Texas on several Kawasaki patents, thus shifting the advantage to Kawasaki. The parties settled on terms favorable to our Kawasaki. This was a complex case, with four lawsuits filed in four jurisdictions.
Our client Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA was involved in a class action lawsuit filed in Johnson County, Texas, a nationally known class action venue. The presiding judge in the case had ruled on nearly every class action filed in that venue in the preceding 10 years and had certified every single one. Discovery was very broad and lasted for almost two years. During a two-week certification hearing, both sides presented expert testimony, including legal experts, economists and engineers. Our work during the certification was so compelling that the plaintiff’s counsel withdrew the action before the closing arguments in the hearing.
Our attorneys served as counsel to Zoltek Companies, Inc. in connection with $150 million secondary offering of common stock through underwriters led by Merrill Lynch & Co.
The firm served as counsel to the owners of Northstar Battery LLC in connection with sale of Northstar Battery to Altor.
Publications
A top hat plan checklist for employers
NAFTA, tariffs and trade wars: Are you ready to do battle in Missouri?
EPA announces ‘adjacent’ under Clean Air Act now limited to physical proximity
Participate in standard-setting bodies? The enforceability of your patents could be affected
Seven steps to avoid the new waves of Chinese tariffs on industrial goods
In California, when is a ‘worker’ considered an ‘employee’?
IFR for steel and aluminum exclusions
The Cleaning Product Right to Know Act of 2017: California’s newest warning requirements
Prop 65: 9 chemicals added to California’s list for required warnings
PTAB offers clarification on inter partes review and state sovereign immunity
3 compliance obligations you may not know you have
5 points to remember before relying on the EPA’s new NSR guidance on projected future emissions
The hidden exposure of tenant estoppels and SNDAs
Supreme Court heralds tectonic shift in venue selection for patent suits
What to do when the government comes calling: A checklist for handling facility inspections
USPTO launches new proof of use audit program
Environmental deregulation under President Trump: Business as usual?
University patents now immune to inter partes review: Will business come calling?
The shifting standard for IPR estoppel: Where are we now?
5 tips for environmental due diligence in business transactions
Missouri to join Right to Work ranks: Is the fight over or just warming up?
New circuit split raises questions about ‘permit shield’ defense in Clean Water Act cases
D.C. appellate court strikes another nail in the coffin for the Frye test
EPA reveals first 10 chemicals to be reviewed under a more robust toxic substances act
Texas overtime ruling directly affects California employers
In new litigation, Amazon takes a stronger stance on counterfeit products
Industry custom evidence held admissible in CA product liability case based on defective design
California expands pay equity, limits pay stub requirements
Nevada case a reminder to foreign entities: Protect your due process rights when served
What U.S. companies need to know about their IP rights post-Brexit
U.K. now requires supply chain transparency on human trafficking risks
Key considerations for representation and warranty insurance
Doing business in California or the UK? You may be required to be a watchdog for human trafficking
Technology companies: Are your employment policies due for a reboot?
Fashion industry awash in copyright lawsuits: What you can do
Former head of OSHA discusses workplace injury policies, DOJ enforcement
U.S. Department of Labor issues final rule updating overtime regulations
New OSHA reporting and anti-retaliation rules
Micro UAS Committee charts bold new course for FAA treatment of smaller unmanned aircraft
Shippers, are you ready for SOLAS’ verified container weight mandate?
Preemption prevails in watercraft case under Federal Boat Safety Act
Government contractors must address domestic trafficking
Illinois appellate court strengthens sole proximate cause defense in asbestos cases
Electronic waste rules could help thwart flow of counterfeit parts
USPTO publishes new (and largely improved) guidance for subject matter eligibility
Supreme Court overturns EPA’s 'Tailoring Rule,' upholds GHG BACT for 'anyway' sources
Sale/leaseback transactions moving full steam ahead
Counterfeits can kill U.S. troops. So why isn't Congress and DoD doing more to stop it?
Acceptable specimens are key to strong trademark protection
International trade compliance: 6 basic products questions a company should answer
Blog Posts
Connected medical device vulnerabilities continue to impact manufacturers, health care
Yet another Target settlement highlights data breach costs
Did U.S. executive order signal trouble for EU citizen privacy rights?
Cybersecurity liability: Delaware has good news for directors
New Prop 65 warning rules impose additional burdens on California businesses
The serious security vulnerabilities of mobile devices
Don’t doubt the data breach: Massive Yahoo hack reminds us it’s not if, but when
NIST and FAIR develop tool to merge cybersecurity risk standards
Can 3D printing technology be stolen by sound recorders?
What you need to know about the new EU-U.S. data transfer pact
TCLE
Overtime Law 2016 – Expanded New Rule: What It Means for You
News
Texas jury quickly delivers defense verdict to Kawasaki in trial over off-road vehicle
Gain Executive Insights on trade developments with Thompson Coburn, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Barry Klinckhardt, Susan Myers among 2018 Corporate Counsel Award winners
New Jersey jury awards $11 million to Thompson Coburn client in pet invention dispute
Stitching together opportunities for refugees in the U.S.
Lexology recognizes David Rownd with Client Choice Award for litigation
De Smet High School names Nick Lamb to its Hall of Fame
Another win for Federal Signal as federal judge orders plaintiffs’ counsel to pay $127K in sanctions
Kevin Kercher wins Volunteer Service Award from AUTM
Thompson Coburn congratulates Bob Chapman of Barry-Wehmiller on best CEO honor
Renato Mariotti an in-demand source on federal raid of Caterpillar headquarters
Ryan Russell Kemper named to St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list
A stitch in time: Thompson Coburn secures trademark protection for iconic Cherry Dress
Three Thompson Coburn attorneys tapped for St. Louis Magazine’s 2016 ‘Power List’
Congratulations to our 2017 ‘Lawyers of the Year’
Sean McGowan, Tyler Black publish series on drone technology for global security publication
Updated trade compliance materials now available
Tim Sullivan, Jayna Rust to lead ‘Lunch and Learn’ for federal contractors at Eastern Foundry
Thompson Coburn earns corporate counsel recommendations five years running in national report
Tim Sullivan completes government contracting blog series on Federal News Radio
Los Angeles litigator, business advisor Rich Reinis joins Thompson Coburn
Jury throws out hearing loss claims against Federal Signal in Philadelphia
Thompson Coburn earns eight national top-tier rankings in U.S. News ‘Best Law Firms’ survey
Intellectual property litigator Sam Watkins joins Thompson Coburn in Los Angeles
Kelly Simon named 2014 Up & Coming attorney
Chemical Safety Board investigator shares insights from two high-profile environmental incidents
27 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2014 Chambers USA
Jim Slear leads webinar on ‘Navigating the Russian and Ukrainian Sanctions Maze’
UMSL Research & Innovation Week to feature Tom Schlafly presentation
Steve Ritchey publishes article on patent basics for American Ceramic Society
St. Louis CLE will explore intellectual property enforcement in China
Two partners named ‘2014 BTI Client Service All-Stars’
Ryan Kemper, Thompson Coburn environmental practice featured in St. Louis Lawyer
Jim Burger writes about counterfeits for Defense One
Kawasaki wins defense verdict in Jet Ski explosion suit
Cliff Godiner, Hope Abramov to dissect a modern labor dispute at SHRM annual conference
Thompson Coburn wins union election, decertifies longtime union facility
Eric E. Boyd joins Thompson Coburn's Environmental Group
Thompson Coburn secures latest defense win for Federal Signal in product liability trial over sirens
Chicago judge tosses nationwide class action against Kawasaki
Manufacturing magazine publishes Rob Kamensky article on distribution agreements
102 Thompson Coburn attorneys featured in 2013 Best Lawyers list
Thompson Coburn leads Federal Signal’s $110 million sale of FSTech to 3M
David Coffman joins Thompson Coburn as a partner
Steve Garlock quoted in front-page Wall Street Journal story on FURminator’s patent successes
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Partner
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St. Louis
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A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor and employment practice is bolstered by her experiences as an in-house attorney for more than ... A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Gordon is a highly experienced trial attorney who has achieved significant courtroom wins for clients in cases involving commercial disputes, white collar criminal defens... Gordon is a highly experienced trial attorney who has achieved significant ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ed serves as a key tax advisor to companies embarking on any type of corporate restructuring, from acquisitions and dispositions to spinoffs and management changes. Ed serves as a key tax advisor to companies embarking on any type of corpor... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ed has substantial experience in a wide range of complex lawsuits, most of which involve multi-party environmental litigation. Ed has substantial experience in a wide range of complex lawsuits, most of ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Cathy focuses her practice on employee benefits, taxation and closely-held businesses. Cathy focuses her practice on employee benefits, taxation and closely-held ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Dan handles various types of complex litigation, including business, tort, product liability, intellectual property, and class action defense. Dan handles various types of complex litigation, including business, tort, ... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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With over 30 years of experience, Walter serves a diverse group of clients in the acquisition, development and sale of commercial, industrial and residential properties f... With over 30 years of experience, Walter serves a diverse group of clients ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Matt serves as co-chair of our insurance practice group, guiding policyholders, insurers, and insurance professionals on everything from policy placement through the liti... Matt serves as co-chair of our insurance practice group, guiding policyhold... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Jim is an experienced real estate strategist and negotiator who counsels companies on a broad range of real estate matters, including acquisitions, dispositions, develo... Jim is an experienced real estate strategist and negotiator who counsels ... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Allen Fagel practices in Thompson Coburn’s Corporate & Securities area. Allen Fagel practices in Thompson Coburn’s Corporate & Securities area.... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Dean has extensive first chair trial experience, limiting his practice to intellectual property and commercial litigation. Dean has extensive first chair trial experience, limiting his practice to i... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Jay serves as a critical business partner and advisor for a variety of companies, from startups to multi-level international organizations. Jay serves as a critical business partner and advisor for a variety of comp... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Matt draws on his wide-ranging corporate law background to guide entrepreneurs toward growth and success at each stage of their business. Matt draws on his wide-ranging corporate law background to guide entreprene... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ron advises clients on privately negotiated acquisitions and dispositions of businesses, including transactions requiring prior notification to the Federal Trade Commissi... Ron advises clients on privately negotiated acquisitions and dispositions o... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group. Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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For more than 30 years, Steve has maintained a national trial practice in bet-the-company litigation. For more than 30 years, Steve has maintained a national trial practice in b... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a variety of mechanical and electrical arts. Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent app... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Benjamin is a corporate advisor and business strategist for a wide variety of privately-held businesses, manufacturers, financial institutions, and nonprofits. Benjamin is a corporate advisor and business strategist for a wide variety ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property disputes including patent prosecution, IP litigation, Post-Grant Proceedings, trademark, non-inf... David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property d... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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During her more than 30 years of legal practice, Lori has been helping clients solve some of the most challenging employee benefit problems. During her more than 30 years of legal practice, Lori has been helping clie... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Rob is a pragmatic, solution-oriented advisor who guides companies through major transactions as well as provides comprehensive advice on their day-to-day operations and ... Rob is a pragmatic, solution-oriented advisor who guides companies through ... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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David is a corporate architect who develops and implements creative legal strategies that help clients achieve their high-level business and financial objectives. David is a corporate architect who develops and implements creative legal s... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Kevin’s practice encompasses all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, unfair competition, trade secrets and related areas. Kevin’s practice encompasses all areas of intellectual property law, includ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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John handles a wide variety of commercial litigation in state and federal courts across the country. John handles a wide variety of commercial litigation in state and federal c... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Michele serves as a key corporate securities and compliance advisor to public and private companies. Michele serves as a key corporate securities and compliance advisor to publ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Nick is a highly experienced trial lawyer in all types of civil litigation, including the defense of railroad, product liability and other personal injury claims, and the... Nick is a highly experienced trial lawyer in all types of civil litigation,... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Litigation can be a chess match or a street fight: Rob has the skills and experience needed to navigate either approach. Litigation can be a chess match or a street fight: Rob has the skills and e... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Tom is a veteran M&A and corporate finance attorney who provides clients with common-sense solutions to address complex transactional issues. Tom is a veteran M&A and corporate finance attorney who provides client... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Janette has over thirty years’ experience practicing in all areas of state and local taxation, including representing clients before state and local taxing authorities in... Janette has over thirty years’ experience practicing in all areas of state ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Greg represents clients in mergers and acquisitions and sophisticated securities offerings, and offers advice on the wide range of regulatory and compliance issues affect... Greg represents clients in mergers and acquisitions and sophisticated secur... |
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Chairman
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St. Louis
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Tom has served as chairman of Thompson Coburn for 18 years, leading the Firm through a period of growth and nationwide expansion. Tom has served as chairman of Thompson Coburn for 18 years, leading the Fir... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Manoo serves as a strategist for high-stakes litigation, tapping his well-honed research and writing skills to craft motions and briefs that help clients navigate thorny ... Manoo serves as a strategist for high-stakes litigation, tapping his well-h... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Rick's litigation practice includes a wide range of matters, with emphasis in product liability, commercial litigation and maritime matters. Rick's litigation practice includes a wide range of matters, with emphasis ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation and over the course of his legal career has compiled substantial first-chair jury trial experience. Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation and over the ... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Alan represents clients in all aspects of intellectual property litigation, with a strong emphasis on patent litigation at both the trial and appellate court levels, and ... Alan represents clients in all aspects of intellectual property litigation,... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Carl has represented corporations in high-stakes litigation on a regional and national basis for over 25 years. Carl has represented corporations in high-stakes litigation on a regional a... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the world's largest consumer products companies and service providers, with a focus on IP portfolio man... Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the worl... |
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Partner
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Southern Illinois
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Kurt is experienced in the defense of personal injury and property damage litigation including FELA, trucking, product liability, class action and mass tort litigation. Kurt is experienced in the defense of personal injury and property damage l... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and provides comprehensive counsel on licensing and technology transfer. Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Carl is a first-chair trial lawyer whose cases and verdicts have been covered by The National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, The New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg News, C... Carl is a first-chair trial lawyer whose cases and verdicts have been cover... |
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Partner
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Chicago
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Dave is a practical and resourceful business litigator with a long track record of successful results. Dave is a practical and resourceful business litigator with a long track re... |
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Partner
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Washington, D.C.
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Robert counsels clients in all aspects of international transactions with a focus on the trade and shipment of goods. Robert counsels clients in all aspects of international transactions with a... |
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Partner
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Los Angeles
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Art represents employers in high-stakes employment litigation and labor relations matters. Art represents employers in high-stakes employment litigation and labor rel... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Kelly uses her experience with US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the US Department of Labor, and the US Department of State to gain compliance for employers with a... Kelly uses her experience with US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Paul is a highly effective litigator and regulatory compliance attorney who has resolved environmental and real estate/construction disputes in state and federal courts a... Paul is a highly effective litigator and regulatory compliance attorney who... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Peter is a nationally recognized environmental attorney who helps companies respond to major environmental incidents, navigate regulatory actions, and successfully resolv... Peter is a nationally recognized environmental attorney who helps companies... |
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Senior Counsel
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St. Louis
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Dave represents railroads and major manufacturers in environmental and occupational exposure litigation throughout the Midwest and across the country. Dave represents railroads and major manufacturers in environmental and occu... |
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Partner
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Southern Illinois
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For 20 years, Erick has defended product liability, toxic tort, trucking litigation and railroad injury cases in some of the most difficult jurisdictions in the country. For 20 years, Erick has defended product liability, toxic tort, trucking li... |
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Partner
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Los Angeles
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John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation for companies across the country, particularly as they relate to California operations. John serves as a one-stop resource for employment counseling and litigation... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Jennifer is a partner in the Firm's Intellectual Property and Media Law practice groups. Jennifer is a partner in the Firm's Intellectual Property and Media Law pra... |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Dudley handles commercial and product liability litigation. Dudley handles commercial and product liability litigation. |
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Partner
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St. Louis
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Roman is a nationally recognized litigator who represents major corporations in high-stakes litigation in venues across the country. Roman is a nationally recognized litigator who represents major corporation... |
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