John M. Hessel, Member

Best Lawyers in America® has named Lewis Rice members John M. Hessel, Matthew J. Madsen, Barry A. Short, and Richard B. Walsh, Jr. among its "Lawyers of the Year" for 2020. 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."

Click here to view the 58 Lewis Rice attorneys named in Best Lawyers in America.

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. John has received the "Lawyer of the Year" award for First Amendment litigation and municipal law seven out of the last 10 years. Best Lawyers has included him in its annual list since 2009.

Matthew J. Madsen, St. Louis Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year

Matt's practice includes representing affluent private clients on complex estate and wealth transfer planning matters, estate and trust administration and litigation, and audits of gift and estate tax returns. Matt also counsels owners of closely held businesses on business succession planning and other company matters. Best Lawyers has included him in its annual list since 2008.

Barry A. Short, St. Louis Litigation - Bet-the-Company Lawyer of the Year

Barry has more than 40 years of litigation experience in federal and state courts. His principal areas of practice include complex commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, 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, 2012, and 2018. 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 he was named "Lawyer of the Year" for antitrust - litigation in 2016 and 2018.