DANNA MCKITRICK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Attorney With Danna McKitrick P.C.'S Bankruptcy and. Read
Tom DeWoskin has practiced in the field of bankruptcy and general insolvency law for more than 40 years. He leads the firm's bankruptcy and creditor's rights practice group. Tom also served as a bankruptcy trustee in the Eastern District of Missouri for most of his career.
Tom believes that getting to know his clients, their business and their goals is important in delivering efficient and effective representation. Tom is committed to the success of small to medium-sized businesses. He understands that many factors contribute to the success of a business, and his understanding of the many issues which contribute to that success enable him to deliver top-notch representation to his clients.
He has represented:
Debtors in Chapter 11 reorganization cases in various industries.
Debtors in complex Chapter 7 liquidation cases.
Debtors in out-of-court workouts.
Secured and unsecured creditors in both Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases.
Creditors' Committees in Chapter 11 cases.
Other bankruptcy trustees.
Purchasers of assets out of Chapter 11 cases.
Additionally, Tom has served as receiver in the Missouri state courts.
As a result of his experience in all aspects of the area, Tom is better able to understand the positions of all sides and therefore negotiate more effectively. Whatever the nature of the counsel he provides, his goal is to protect his clients' interests by developing thoughtful, cost-effective solutions to their needs.
Well regarded in his field, Tom has written articles on various bankruptcy and commercial law topics for general and professional publications. He speaks before a variety of professional groups and local, state and national legal associations.
Tom was named to the 2022 Top 100 POWER List for Bankruptcy Law and the 2021 POWER List for Bankruptcy Law by Missouri Lawyers Media.
Bankruptcy attorney Tom DeWoskin remains hopeful Chemical Building Acquisition LLC can yet obtain crucial financing for renovating historical downtown St. Louis building. Read more »
Unfortunately, one of Tom DeWoskin's clients needs to file for Chapter 11 reorganization.
Tom DeWoskin discusses things to consider before you personally guarantee a business loan the March Legal Matters column of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Principal
- Attorney, Is Adjunct Professor at Fontbonne University
Brian Weinstock discusses the first decision in Missouri regarding a private employer's vaccine mandate Read more
St. Louis, MO - Fontbonne University has added Danna McKitrick principal Brian S. Weinstock Read more »
Brian Weinstock concentrates his practice in real estate and corporate transactional law, workers' compensation, insurance defense, and other civil and commercial litigation.
Brian's M.B.A., coupled with his work experience, gives him added perspective in organizational behaviors. For businesses of all sizes, he provides financial and legal analysis as well as operational strategies and ideas to manage financial and legal risk.
Litigation. Brian assists businesses and insurers with managing risk and coverage options. He handles workers' compensation, insurance defense, and various other civil and commercial disputes including many trials and settlements of high-dollar claims.
Real Estate. Brian's legal counsel and litigation representation cover virtually all aspects of real estate transactions including due diligence, leasing, financing, management, contracts, and oversight.
Corporate Law. Advising clients proactively, Brian applies years of corporate legal experience and understanding of the inner-workings of business. He offers guidance to minimize operational vulnerabilities, consider financial implications, and develop strategic direction. He also serves as general counsel for two companies.
Brian believes that maintaining an open line of communication is essential in his legal practice. To that end, he strives to be available to answer questions as they arise and return calls quickly. These actions reflect Brian's reliability and commitment to earning trust as the first person business clients call.
Job Titles:
- Senior Counsel
- Joins Danna McKitrick As Senior Counsel
Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced the addition of Bryan J. Schrempf to the firm.
Danna McKitrick is a mid-sized law firm delivering solid legal representation through a broad variety of services to businesses, insurers, and individuals. Responsive service, healthy client relationships, and quality legal services are key to living up to the firm's reputation for excellence, and contribute to the likelihood of obtaining favorable outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Estate & Trust
- Transactional Attorney and Member
Cheryl Beebe-Snell is a transactional attorney and member of the business and personal legal service team. She primarily works with closely-held businesses, both existing and emerging, by coordinating all transactional legal needs of the business. In this realm, she handles special circumstances surrounding business entity formation and the details pertinent to business sales, mergers, or acquisitions by performing thorough due diligence, offer evaluation, and negotiation.
In day-to-day operations, Cheryl provides a wide range of services including tax analyses, contract work, and strategic employee benefit scenarios. With the long-term best interest of business owners in mind, Cheryl employs her wisdom in strategic succession planning (including restrictive transfer agreements) and establishes long-term benefits for shareholders via retirement plans, both qualified and non-qualified, and other means. Her knack for integrating business owners' current needs along with their long-term objectives has led to successful outcomes for pleased business owners and their well-prepared successors.
Part of Cheryl's repertoire is the creation of complex estate plans for business owners and other high net-worth individuals. This is achieved through a variety of legal vehicles often involving gifting and trusts suited for a person's unique circumstances. She also works in the administration of trusts. Core to her philosophy of providing proactive rather than reactive legal services is Cheryl's nature of thinking ahead and planning on behalf of her clients. Her goal is to offer continual assistance toward problem avoidance rather than responding later to unnecessary situations.
Her trademark - providing overall guidance to closely-held businesses - begins with developing trusting relationships with clients. In addition to being a co-chair of the firm's strategic planning committee, Cheryl is an active speaker for local groups in business and tax-related issues and at law seminars.
Job Titles:
- Senior Counsel
- Joins Danna McKitrick As Senior Counsel
Courtney English is an intellectual property and business law attorney. She focuses her practice on business formation, contracts, and ensuring brand protection through trademark searches, filing, and prosecution. She strives to make her clients feel comfortable and empowered when seeking her counsel.
Courtney has personal experience forming two successful businesses. She also served in the legal department for two multi-million dollar corporations where she negotiated, drafted, and reviewed contracts and assisted with business formation and trademark protection. She has additional experience with the State Attorney's Office of Florida.
Courtney was honored as one of the 2023 "Best Attorneys" by the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced the addition of Katherine M. Flett to the firm.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Chairman
- Principal
- Board Chair for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs
- Elected As Board Chair for JCPA
- Helps Author Amicus Brief for Resettlement Injunction
- Named Chair - Elect of JCPA
David Bohm is an experienced litigator working with health care, government, and business clientele. He handles matters involving employment, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and complex contracts, and represents clients before various administrative agencies. He is skilled in mediation and arbitration techniques as an alternative to litigation.
Employment. David represents clients in disputes involving claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, including whistleblower suits, disclosure of trade secrets, and violation of non-compete agreements. He also advises employers about how to prevent discrimination and other claims.
Intellectual Property. While his work in this area consists primarily of litigation involving trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, David also advises companies on how to protect their intangible property rights.
Health Care. David defends doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other health care professionals facing discipline from licensing agencies, including the Mo. State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts, or who are threatened with loss or restriction of hospital privileges.
Government. David counsels clients about, and litigates, issues involving under-funded public pensions, liquor licensing, zoning, building codes, and hazardous waste handling. He is a former Assistant St. Louis City Counselor, and is seasoned in representing clients before state and local licensing and regulatory agencies.
David has argued before the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Missouri Court of Appeals, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has assisted in briefing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal Circuit Courts of Appeal. Since joining the firm, he has drafted several bills, which have been enacted as state statutes, including the Missouri Religious Freedom Restoration Act and a law permitting social service agencies to act as guardians for disabled individuals.
David received the Albert "Red" Villa Human Rights Award from the St. Louis Civil Rights Commission (1992), the Jurisprudence Award from the Anti-Defamation League (1994), and, with his family, the Netzach Award from the St. Louis chapter of the American Jewish Committee (2008).
David was the recipient of the 2020 JCPA Tikkun Olam Award from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. He also received the "2020 Top Verdicts & Settlements Award" from Missouri Lawyers Weekly for the settlement of a class action lawsuit against the St. Louis Rams involving personal seat licenses (PSLs).
David Bohm has been elected as board chair for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. Read more »
David Bohm was one of the authors of an amicus brief regarding an injunction request regarding refugee resettlement on the behalf of a number of interfaith agencies. Read more »
David Bohm is a recipient of the the Missouri Lawyers 2020 Largest Verdicts and Settlements Award.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Joins Danna McKitrick As Associate Attorney
Drake Meyer advises clients on a variety of corporate and business transactions including entrepreneurial, real estate, and corporate formation and governance matters. He also represents individuals and businesses in litigation related to contracts, real estate, and other civil matters.
Admitted to practice in Missouri, Drake earned his J.D. from University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2022. He earned his Bachelor of Science in AgriBusiness Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2017.
Drake has experience in project management with an international agribusiness research and development company.
Drake Meyer discusses if it is worth investing in crypto and blockchain for the June 2023 issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced the addition of Drake Meyer as associate attorney.
Danna McKitrick is a mid-sized law firm delivering solid legal representation through a broad variety of services to businesses, insurers, and individuals. Responsive service, healthy client relationships, and quality legal services are key to living up to the firm's reputation for excellence, and contribute to the likelihood of obtaining favorable outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Joins Danna McKitrick As Estate Planning and Business Law Associate
Jaime Curry focuses her practice on assisting individuals, families, and business owners with navigating their estate and tax planning to plan for their futures. Believing that estate planning is for everyone and that each situation is unique, Jaime assists her clients with planning for their specific circumstances.
Danna McKitrick, P.C. has announced the addition of Jaime Curry as associate attorney.
Danna McKitrick is a mid-sized law firm delivering solid legal representation through a broad variety of services to businesses, insurers, and individuals. Responsive service, healthy client relationships, and quality legal services are key to living up to the firm's reputation for excellence, and contribute to the likelihood of obtaining favorable outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Attorney
- Appointed Head of Danna McKitrick 's Title Litigation Practice
- Real Estate Attorney With Danna McKitrick, P.C., Spoke. Read
Jeff Schmitt is an experienced advisor for individuals, closely-held businesses, lenders, and insurers in a variety of legal matters and lawsuits. He advises clients proactively to minimize risk and works strategically to reach the most desirable outcomes for clients.
Real Estate. Representing property owners, contractors, lenders, and homeowner associations, Jeff has an acute understanding of property and construction-related matters, including: construction disputes; contract negotiation and disputes: title; lending; liens; property easements; and indentures.
Jeff regularly represents the interests of community associations in neighborhood, condominium, and townhome developments to best equip their trustees and foster cohesive and successful communities. He is also the head of the firm's Title Litigation practice group.
Banking and Finance. Jeff advises and supports lenders regarding all types of lending activities including asset-based and cash flow loans, commercial mortgage loans, and equipment. His experience includes evaluating potential collateral interests, identifying risk, and documenting the entire loan transaction. When unavoidable, Jeff represents lenders and creditors in loan restructuring, workouts, bankruptcies, and foreclosures. He also defends banks in lender liability claims.
Litigation. Jeff has the courtroom experience to provide wise counsel to clients on when to assert their rights, leading them through litigation if necessary. Jeff litigates business and commercial disputes, title claims, professional negligence defense, and probate and fiduciary claims. Jeff has represented numerous clients in state appeals and Federal appellate courts, including successfully arguing Naylor Senior Citizens Housing, LP, et al. v. Sides Construction Company, Inc., et al. before the Missouri Supreme Court.
Pension and Retirement Plans. Representing public pension and retirement plans in disputes, Jeff has succeeded in compelling proper funding of plans to ensure long-term availability of benefits for employees and beneficiaries through litigation and negotiation. He also represents plan trustees and administrators in defending against claims arising from their fiduciary duties to the plan.
Highly respected by his peers, Jeff was recognized by The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers' Section as a "Young Lawyer You Should Know" (2010). Jeff has also been selected as a Missouri & Kansas Rising Star from 2011-2017 by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters publication.
Jeff formerly served as president and board member for the Clayton Chamber of Commerce in Clayton, Missouri.
St. Louis, MO - Danna McKitrick, P.C. attorney, Jeffrey R. Schmitt is the newest president of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce effective January 2011 Read more »
Saint Louis, MO - February 3, 2012 - Jeffrey R. Schmitt, a principal at Danna McKitrick, P.C., has recently been appointed head of the firm's Read more
Clayton, MO - Danna McKitrick attorney Jeffrey Schmitt is appointed to a three-year term on the board of directors Read more
Jeff Schmitt discusses the shift of converting commercial office space to industrial use in the April 2023 issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Jeff Schmitt discusses if your contracts should anticipate another pandemic in the November 2022 issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Jeff Schmitt discusses business interruption insurance coverage of COVID-19 losses in the September issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Danna McKitrick is a mid-sized law firm delivering solid legal representation through a broad variety of services to businesses, insurers, and individuals. Responsive service, healthy client relationships, and quality legal services are key to living up to the firm's reputation for excellence, and contribute to the likelihood of obtaining favorable outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Appointed Head of Danna McKitrick 's Title Litigation Practice
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Banking & Finance
- Construction
- Insurance
- Promoted to Principal
- Real Estate
St. Louis, MO - Jan. 3, 2011 - Danna McKitrick is pleased to announce Jeffrey R. Schmitt has been elected to the position of principal.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- New President of Missouri Venture Forum
- Principal With Danna McKitrick for over 30 Years, Passed Away on October 26, 2023. Read
- Securities
- Securities Law and Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets
With profound sadness, Danna McKitrick, P.C. announces the passing of our partner and friend, Joseph R. Soraghan on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Joe was a member of the firm for over 30 years.
A founding member of the Missouri Venture Forum, Joe will be remembered for his commitment to the start-up and entrepreneurial community. He also mentored entrepreneurs through the Gateway Venture Mentoring Service and the Information Technology Entrepreneur Network (ITEN). He loved assisting entrepreneurs with structuring and funding their businesses.
Joseph R. Soraghan has been selected for the St. Louis Business Hall of Fame. Read more »
Joe Soraghan discusses securities law and cryptocurrency and digital assets in the August 2022 issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Joseph R. Soraghan, principal with Danna McKitrick for over 30 years, passed away on October 26, 2023.
Joe Soraghan discusses the overstatement of the demise of crypto in the February 2023 issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Danna McKitrick is a mid-sized law firm delivering solid legal representation through a broad variety of services to businesses, insurers, and individuals. Responsive service, healthy client relationships, and quality legal services are key to living up to the firm's reputation for excellence, and contribute to the likelihood of obtaining favorable outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Elected Principal
Katherine Flett discusses best practices for sexual harassment policies in the trucking industry.
Katherine M. Flett has been named as one of the 2022 Top 100 People to Know to Help You Succeed in Business in St. Louis.
Katherine Flett has had a case study published in the Transportation Lawyer Journal on the trucking industry and driver classification issues.
Katherine M. Flett has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce. Read more »
Katherine Flett is a member of the litigation team whose primary focus is on assisting clients with business litigation, employment law, real estate matters, transportation and trucking, insurance defense, and bankruptcy matters.
Business Law. Katherine advises businesses of varied sizes, from closely-held, family-owned businesses, to large corporations. She assists them with corporate governance matters, contract review and disputes, and any other issues that businesses face.
Katherine Flett has been elected as Principal at Danna McKitrick, P.C. Read more »
Local Counsel. Katherine has served as local counsel and assisted out-of-state attorneys with pro hac vice admission in cases for businesses and individuals. She is familiar with the local rules and procedures of the courts listed below and can assist in determining the best strategy in these venues. Katherine is available to serve as local counsel for cases filed in the following courts: Missouri Circuit Courts for the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County; Illinois Circuit Courts for Madison County and St. Clair County; the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Professional Liability Defense
- Professional Service Organizations
- Representing Investors and Owners
Mike McKitrick discusses why it is important for business owners to have estate plans for their business in the September 2022 St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Mike McKitrick discusses things to consider when renewing or negotiating a commercial lease in the October issue of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly.
Mike McKitrick brings strategies and problem-solving to businesses by applying perspective and wisdom gleaned from many years of practicing in both transactional law and commercial litigation. This duality allows Mike to introduce significant insights and preventative strategies in day-to-day operations.
Corporate. Mike serves large and small businesses as outsourced general counsel, providing advice and assistance as legal issues arise. He guides in structuring and negotiating business transactions, financial transactions and loan documentation, risk analysis and prevention, and regulatory issues.
Trusts and Estates. As a trusted advisor, Mike works with clients to plan and implement their estate distributions. He also works to resolve issues involving owners, trustees, and beneficiaries of trusts.
Mike represented the plaintiff beneficiary in Tidrow v. Director, Missouri State Division of Family Services which established the viability of supplement support trusts in Missouri.
Real Estate. Representing investors and owners, Mike is seasoned in the legal aspects of commercial and residential real estate transactions. He handles purchase, sale, and lease negotiations. He also resolves title issues, breaches of contract, partition disputes, licenses, easements, and indentures.
Mike models his personal service philosophy of "abilities": availability, affability, and ability. His persistence and desire to understand and deal successfully with a variety of people have been core in the growth of his legal practice.
After law school, Mike served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
PRACTICE AREAS
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Job Titles:
- Estate Planning
- Probate Administration & Litigation
- Trust & Estate Administration
Job Titles:
- Senior Principal
- Honored As a 2020 Top Estate Planning Advisor
Ron Danna is the senior principal and leading transactional attorney for the firm, with a law career spanning over 40 years. Ron represents legal needs of business owners and executives in a variety of industries. Ron's main focus is closely-held and family-owned businesses, advising his clients on the legal aspects of running and growing a successful business, such as business formation, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate transactions. He also handles the legal needs for many business owners, executives and private clients, providing advice regarding transactions for taxes, trusts, estate plans, and other personal affairs, including international investors.
Mergers and Acquisitions. The sale or purchase of a business takes many forms, but all will have tax implications. With effective planning, Ron and his team of tax attorneys minimize the tax "bite" on these sales, mergers or acquisitions. He has handled numerous transactions in this area and always keeps the client's personal and tax goals at the forefront when completing these substantial transactions, no matter how small or large they may be.
Closely-held and Family-owned Businesses. Many of Ron's business clients are small to mid-sized businesses. For these clients, he acts as their "outsourced" general counsel, involved in day-to-day operations and transactions and is just a phone call away. He provides legal guidance on succession planning, tax planning, business growth opportunities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and business operations - whatever is required to successfully run a business.
Manufacturing. Many of Ron's clients are manufacturers or distributors. He understands their legal needs and the countless issues these businesses face on a daily basis. Ron works with his clients to develop key strategies for protecting and advancing their operations. He represents both manufacturers and distributors in the production and sale of domestic international products. International Distributor Agreements are complex and impacted by a foreign country's laws. He has worked on such agreements for sales in many nations.
Estate Planning. Ron's strong background in tax law enhances his ability to discern his clients' estate plan needs and create estate plans that avoid probate, minimize taxes, and meet their goals to transfer wealth to the next generation. He helps set up trusts for individuals, and families, guiding them through the formation, funding, administration, and distribution of assets to the beneficiaries. Down streaming wealth to successive generations should be a part of any business person's estate plan. Ron is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
Transportation. Ron has a long history serving the motor carrier business and transportation industry, giving him a deep understanding of the industry's business operations, regulations, and laws. In addition, Ron has provided legal counsel for a mid-sized fuel hauling company for over 35 years, contributing to the organization as a director on their board for over 25 years.
A proud veteran of the Armed Forces, Ron served as a captain in the United States Army.
Ron Danna is named as a SBM 2020 Top Estate Planning Advisor. Read more »
EDUCATION
LL.M. in Taxation, Washington University School of Law (1974)
J.D., Washington University School of Law (1964)
B.S.B.A., University of Dayton (1961)
Job Titles:
- Honored As a 2020 Top Estate Planning Advisor
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Employment
- Marijuana Panel Member and Brian Weinstock Presented on Work Comp and Unemployment Benefits / Claims at 2020 AIM Conference. Read
Ruth Binger and Katherine Flett presented a Facebook Live webinar on compliant workplace environments and COVID-19 for the Greater St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Read more