John M. Hessel Named 2025 ‘Lawyer of the Year’ by Best Lawyers in America®

Best Lawyers® has named Lewis Rice member John M. Hessel among its "Lawyers of the Year" in Litigation – First Amendment for 2025. 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 2025 Lewis Rice attorneys named Best Lawyers® .

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. Best Lawyers® has included John in its annual list since 2009, and he has been named "Lawyer of the Year" 10 times since 2011 in various areas including Litigation - First Amendment, Municipal, and Litigation-Municipal. He also received the ICON Award from Missouri Lawyers Media in 2022 and the Spirit of Justice Award from the St. Louis Bar in 2018 in addition to other recognitions.