News

Four Lewis Rice Attorneys Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®

Best Lawyers in America® has named Lewis Rice members John M. Hessel, Barry A. Short, Richard B. Walsh, Jr., and Tom W. Zook among its "Lawyers of the Year" for 2018. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. Only one attorney in each practice area and designated metropolitan area may receive the honor of "Lawyer of the Year."

John M. Hessel, St. Louis Litigation - First Amendment Lawyer of the Year

John represents business clients in commercial transactions and commercial litigation, with a focus and extensive experience in addressing the unique needs of local and national media entities, publishing companies, and municipalities who are confronted with issues involving defamation, newsgathering, access to records, and other First Amendment issues. He is a member of the Firm Management Committee, and he is active in many charitable organizations. John previously received the "Lawyer of the Year" award for municipal law in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016 and for First Amendment litigation in 2014. Best Lawyers has included him in its annual list since 2009.

Barry A. Short, St. Louis Litigation - White Collar Crime Lawyer of the Year

Barry A. Short has more than 40 years of litigation experience in federal and state courts. His principal areas of practice include white collar criminal defense, complex commercial litigation, mass torts, securities, and internal investigations. He represents individuals and corporations in all varieties of criminal prosecutions. Barry's career highlight involves arguing the case Sell vs. United States in the U.S. Supreme Court. He previously received the "Lawyer of the Year" award for white collar crime in 2011 and 2012. Best Lawyers has included him in its annual list since 2006.

Richard B. Walsh, Jr., St. Louis Litigation - Antitrust Lawyer of the Year

Rick practices primarily in the area of complex commercial litigation including antitrust, intellectual property, and securities litigation. His background includes litigating antitrust claims in the health care, bicycle component, aluminum products, agricultural products, professional sports, and fitness equipment industries. Best Lawyers has included Rick in its annual list since 2008 and was named "Lawyer of the Year" for antitrust - litigation in 2016.

Tom W. Zook, St. Louis Securities / Capital Markets Lawyer of the Year

Tom represents public and private company clients from across the country in varied industries, in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, corporate finance, general corporate law, and corporate governance. Tom is a member of the Firm's Management Committee, and he serves on a variety of boards and is active in various charitable organizations. He previously received the "Lawyer of the Year" award for securities / capital markets law in 2015. Best Lawyers has included him in its annual list since 2007.