Best Class-Action Law Firms in Missouri

Class-action lawsuits require specialized legal expertise, particularly in Missouri where complex state and federal regulations govern mass tort litigation. Missouri has 334 class action lawyers practicing across various firms, from large multinational partnerships to boutique litigation specialists.

Claims administrators and law firms seeking class-action representation need attorneys with proven track records in mass tort cases, consumer protection disputes, and securities litigation. The state's legal landscape includes established firms with dedicated class-action divisions, specialized plaintiff-side practices, and defense-oriented teams that handle corporate clients facing group litigation.

1) Husch Blackwell LLP

Husch Blackwell LLP emerged from a 2008 merger of two established Missouri firms. The firm now operates with over 700 attorneys across 22 U.S. offices.

The firm maintains strong Missouri presences in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield. They also utilize an innovative virtual office platform to serve clients nationwide.

Husch Blackwell has gained significant recognition for defending clients in mass nationwide asbestos-related litigation. They also handle claims involving PCBs, benzene, and PFAS exposure.

Their class action defense team handles multidistrict litigation and coordinated industry attacks. The firm defends cases in both state and federal courts across the country.

The attorneys work on supplier litigation, toxic exposure cases, and mass consumer protection matters. They have experience with "bet the company" litigation that can determine a client's future.

Claims administrators work with Husch Blackwell on complex defense strategies. The firm's Missouri offices provide regional expertise while their national presence offers broad coverage for multi-jurisdictional cases.

2) Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Armstrong Teasdale stands as one of Missouri's most established class action defense firms. Founded in 1901, the firm has grown into one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States.

The firm maintains 358 attorneys across 13 U.S. offices, with headquarters in Clayton, Missouri. Their litigation group represents the firm's largest practice area, handling complex class action matters for clients nationwide.

Armstrong Teasdale's class action litigation practice focuses on defending companies against multi-plaintiff lawsuits. The firm's attorneys handle cases involving consumer protection, securities, employment, and product liability claims.

Claims administrators work regularly with Armstrong Teasdale on settlement administration matters. The firm's experience spans decades of class action defense work across multiple industries and jurisdictions.

The firm earned 33 first-tier metropolitan rankings in the 2023 U.S. News Best Law Firms report. Their trial lawyers have secured dozens of top-ranking verdicts over the years, demonstrating their courtroom capabilities.

Armstrong Teasdale serves clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging businesses. Their class action team combines legal expertise with practical business understanding to minimize litigation costs and reputational damage.

3) Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP operates as one of Missouri's most established class action defense firms. The firm formed through a merger in February 2018 between Bryan Cave and Berwin Leighton Paisner.

The firm maintains strong Missouri roots dating back to 1873 in St. Louis. Their Missouri-centered mass torts and product liability team focuses primarily on defending life sciences clients in multidistrict litigation cases.

BCLP has handled more than 1,000 class action lawsuits across the United States in the past 15 years. The firm defends class claims across all areas of substantive law in virtually every U.S. jurisdiction.

Their litigation team includes fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers and Chambers-recognized class action litigators. BCLP stands among the few law firms that have successfully defended multiple certified class actions to jury verdict.

The firm serves 40% of Fortune 500 companies with over 1,200 lawyers across 30 offices globally. Claims administrators work with BCLP's trial lawyers who specialize in defeating class certification and securing favorable verdicts for corporate defendants.

4) Thompson Coburn LLP

Thompson Coburn LLP operates as one of Missouri's largest law firms with over 400 attorneys across 50 practice areas. The firm has nearly 100 years of experience serving clients throughout the United States.

Thompson Coburn earned top-tier rankings in U.S. News 2025 Best Law Firms across 127 practice areas. The rankings evaluate firms based on client feedback, peer reviews, and industry insights.

The firm specializes in complex litigation, MDL, and class action cases. Their attorneys have particular expertise defending agriculture and food companies, consumer products manufacturers, and financial services firms in class action lawsuits.

Thompson Coburn maintains 219 attorneys selected to Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. The firm generates $286 million in gross revenue and ranks 129th nationally by size according to the National Law Journal's 2025 NLJ 500.

Claims administrators benefit from the firm's extensive experience in environmental class actions and multidistrict litigation. The firm's data-driven approach helps streamline complex case management processes for institutional clients.

5) Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

Shook, Hardy & Bacon operates as one of Missouri's most established class action defense firms. The firm has defended companies in complex litigation for over 130 years.

The Kansas City-based firm employs more than 500 attorneys across multiple offices. They focus primarily on defending corporations against product liability and mass tort claims.

Best Lawyers awarded Shook the 2024 Practice Group of the Year for Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants. This national recognition distinguished them as the only firm in this category.

The firm serves major companies in pharmaceutical, medical device, automotive, and technology sectors. Their trial experience spans national and international litigation matters.

Shook earned five National Tier 1 rankings in Best Lawyers' 2025 report. They received 63 total recognitions across various practice areas.

Claims administrators work with Shook on high-stakes defense matters requiring specialized litigation experience. The firm's century-long track record provides credibility in complex class action scenarios.

Their California offices lead much of the automotive product liability work. The team develops case strategies for leading manufacturers facing multi-district litigation.

6) Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C.

Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. operates as a full-service law firm with significant class-action capabilities. The firm has served clients throughout the Midwest for over 43 years.

The firm maintains offices in multiple locations including Kansas City, Missouri and O'Fallon, Illinois. Their legal team includes 71 attorneys who have earned recognition on Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.

Sandberg Phoenix specializes in business litigation, products liability, and intellectual property law. These practice areas align directly with common class-action lawsuit requirements for claims administrators and opposing counsel.

The firm earned a Top-Tier 1 ranking among St. Louis law firms in their core practice areas. This recognition demonstrates their litigation capabilities in complex multi-party cases.

Peter von Gontard serves as senior counsel and founding partner. He concentrates on high-exposure product liability cases and has successfully tried numerous jury trials in federal courts.

Employee reviews indicate strong firm culture with a 4.3 out of 5 rating on Glassdoor workplace reviews. Eighty percent of employees would recommend the firm to colleagues, suggesting stable attorney retention for ongoing class-action matters.

7) Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP

Stueve Siegel Hanson LLP earned national and regional rankings in the 2024 U.S. News Best Law Firms edition. The firm received recognition for mass tort, class actions, antitrust, and commercial litigation.

The Kansas City-based firm maintains a national practice representing both companies and individuals in class action matters. They handle consumer protection cases, data breach litigation, and business contingency matters on a contingency fee basis.

The firm's attorneys trained at top law schools and major national firms. Eighteen attorneys at the firm earned Super Lawyers or Rising Stars recognition, indicating peer recognition for their legal skills.

Stueve Siegel Hanson focuses on complex litigation across multiple practice areas. Their experience includes antitrust cases, consumer class actions, and employment disputes.

The firm operates with a business model that allows them to take cases on contingency. This approach enables them to represent clients who might not otherwise afford complex litigation against large corporations.

Their founding partners previously worked at some of the country's largest law firms before establishing their own practice.

8) The Simon Law Firm

The Simon Law Firm, P.C. handles complex multi-plaintiff class action cases throughout Missouri. The firm was founded in 2000 and operates primarily from St. Louis.

The firm has earned over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements since its founding. For two consecutive years, they achieved the highest jury verdict in Missouri.

John G. Simon leads the firm's class action practice. He specializes in mass tort litigation, consumer fraud, and product liability cases for plaintiffs.

The Simon Law Firm successfully handled a major class action against two large payday lenders. This case eliminated millions of dollars in debt and provided cash payments to thousands of Missouri residents.

The firm focuses on consumer fraud class actions and predatory lending cases. They have shaped Missouri law regarding predatory lending practices through their litigation work.

Claims administrators and opposing counsel recognize the firm for their aggressive litigation approach. The National Law Journal has called them one of the "winningest firms" in the nation.

The firm maintains BBB accreditation and handles cases involving commercial litigation, catastrophic injuries, and intellectual property disputes alongside their class action work.

9) Liebert Cassidy Whitmore

Liebert Cassidy Whitmore operates as a specialized California law firm focusing on labor, employment, and municipal law matters. The firm was formed through a merger in October 2000 between two established legal practices.

The firm earned recognition as a 2025 Best Law Firms ranked firm for exceptional service to public education and nonprofit organizations. This ranking demonstrates their expertise in specialized litigation areas.

Claims administrators working with public sector clients may find value in their municipal law focus. The firm handles complex employment disputes for government agencies and educational institutions.

Their attorneys specialize in California labor and employment law, particularly representing management in workplace litigation. Five attorneys recently earned Best Lawyers recognition for 2026.

The firm maintains offices in California and serves primarily public sector clients. Their track record includes handling employment-related class actions for municipalities and school districts throughout the state.

For claims administrators managing public sector accounts, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore offers specialized knowledge in government employment law and municipal liability issues.

10) Husch Blackwell's Mass Tort and Class Action Group

Husch Blackwell operates as class action defense attorneys representing companies across multiple industries in complex litigation matters. The firm handles everything from multidistrict litigation to coordinated industry attacks and mass consumer claims.

The firm has gained significant visibility defending clients in nationwide asbestos-related litigation. They also represent regional and national companies in claims involving exposure to PCBs, benzene, and PFAS chemicals.

Joseph Orlet leads trial counsel duties in toxic tort and product liability cases. He serves as national coordinating counsel for multiple-defendant joint defense groups in mass tort litigation.

Their class action experience spans companies in airline, natural gas, real estate, insurance, and banking industries. Recent cases include defending trust companies against fraud claims and fiduciary duty breaches in IRA administration.

Brandan Mueller heads the product liability team, focusing on compliance issues and product safety matters. The firm provides both trial counsel and national coordinating counsel services in PFAS litigation and asbestos cases.

Claims administrators and law firms often engage Husch Blackwell for mass tort litigation defense strategies requiring experienced coordination across multiple jurisdictions and defendant groups.

Class-Action Lawsuits in Missouri

Missouri class action litigation requires specific legal standards and procedures that differ from individual claims. These cases typically involve consumer protection, employment disputes, and product liability matters that affect multiple plaintiffs with similar damages.

Key Legal Requirements

Class action lawsuits in Missouri must satisfy four critical requirements under Missouri Rule 52.08, which mirrors federal standards. The numerosity requirement mandates that individual lawsuits would be impractical due to the large number of affected parties.

Commonality requires shared questions of law or fact among all class members. Typicality ensures the representative plaintiff's claims align with those of the broader class.

Adequacy of representation demands that lead plaintiffs and their attorneys can fairly protect all class members' interests. Courts examine potential conflicts of interest and the legal team's experience with similar cases.

Missouri state courts apply these standards strictly. Federal courts in Missouri follow identical requirements under Federal Rule 23.

The court must also determine whether a class action is the superior method for resolving the dispute. This analysis considers manageability, efficiency, and whether individual suits would create inconsistent judgments.

Typical Case Types

Consumer fraud cases dominate Missouri class action filings. These involve deceptive business practices, false advertising, and breach of warranty claims affecting numerous customers.

Employment law violations frequently generate class actions. Wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, and benefit denials impact multiple workers simultaneously.

Product liability cases arise when defective products cause similar injuries to many consumers. Class action litigation handles pharmaceutical side effects, automotive defects, and dangerous medical devices effectively.

Data breach lawsuits have increased significantly. Companies that fail to protect customer information face claims from thousands of affected individuals.

Securities fraud cases target publicly traded companies for misleading investors. These typically involve accounting irregularities or false statements about company performance.

Environmental contamination cases allow affected property owners and residents to pursue compensation collectively. These complex matters often span multiple years and require extensive expert testimony.

Benefits and Challenges

Class actions provide access to justice for claims that would be economically unfeasible as individual lawsuits. Small monetary damages become viable when aggregated across hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs.

Efficiency benefits include reduced court congestion and consistent outcomes. One judgment resolves all similar claims rather than creating conflicting decisions across multiple cases.

Settlement negotiations favor plaintiffs when claims are consolidated. Defendants face greater financial exposure and reputational damage, encouraging fair resolution.

Challenges include prolonged litigation timelines that can extend several years. Class members often receive modest individual recoveries after attorney fees and costs.

Certification requirements create significant hurdles. Courts deny class status when individual issues predominate over common questions.

Notice requirements can be expensive and complex. Reaching all potential class members through appropriate channels requires substantial resources and court approval.

How to Choose the Right Class-Action Law Firm

Selecting the right law firm requires careful analysis of their courtroom success, communication practices, and cost transparency. These factors directly impact case outcomes and client satisfaction throughout the litigation process.

Evaluating Experience and Track Record

The firm's litigation history provides the clearest indicator of their capability to handle complex class-action cases. Claims administrators should examine the firm's win-loss ratio in similar cases over the past five years.

Settlement amounts achieved by the firm demonstrate their negotiation skills and ability to secure favorable outcomes. Firms that consistently obtain settlements above industry averages typically possess stronger litigation strategies.

Case complexity matters significantly when evaluating experience. A firm that has handled data breach cases may not be suited for securities fraud litigation. Specialized knowledge in class action lawsuits proves essential for navigating industry-specific regulations and procedures.

Review the firm's appellate court experience. Many class-action cases face appeals, requiring attorneys who understand higher court procedures and precedents.

Staff qualifications including paralegals and support staff impact case management efficiency. Firms with dedicated class-action teams typically provide more focused representation than general practice attorneys.

Client Communication and Support

Clear communication protocols prevent misunderstandings and ensure smooth case progression. Law firms should establish regular reporting schedules that align with claims administration timelines.

Response times for client inquiries directly affect case momentum. Professional firms typically respond to urgent matters within 24 hours and routine communications within 48 hours.

Technology integration enhances communication efficiency. Firms using case management software provide better document access and progress tracking for claims administrators.

Staff accessibility ensures continuity when primary attorneys are unavailable. Firms with multiple attorneys assigned to each case prevent delays during critical phases.

Point of contact designation eliminates confusion about communication channels. Each case should have one designated attorney who coordinates all client interactions and case updates.

Fee Structures and Costs

Contingency fee arrangements vary significantly between firms, typically ranging from 25% to 40% of recovered amounts. Understanding these percentages helps predict total case costs.

Cost advancement policies determine who pays for expert witnesses, court fees, and investigation expenses during litigation. Some firms advance all costs while others require client payment.

Fee calculation methods affect final client recovery amounts. Firms may calculate fees before or after deducting case expenses, creating substantial differences in net settlements.

Billing transparency requirements should include detailed expense reporting and regular cost updates. Professional law firms provide early assessment and risk evaluation to help clients understand potential financial commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting the right class-action law firm requires evaluating specific credentials, understanding fee structures, and assessing firm performance metrics. These considerations help claims administrators and law firms make informed partnership decisions.

What criteria should I consider when choosing a class-action law firm in Missouri?

Experience handling similar case types stands as the primary selection criterion. Firms should demonstrate successful outcomes in cases matching your specific industry or claim type.

Resources and staffing capacity determine whether a firm can handle complex litigation effectively. Large firms like Husch Blackwell LLP and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP typically maintain dedicated class-action teams.

Geographic reach matters for multi-jurisdictional cases. Firms with national practices can coordinate across multiple states when needed.

Technology infrastructure affects case management efficiency. Modern firms use advanced litigation software for document management and client communication.

Can you list some of the top-performing class-action law firms in Missouri?

Missouri class action attorneys include several nationally recognized firms. Husch Blackwell LLP handles complex commercial litigation across multiple practice areas.

Armstrong Teasdale LLP maintains a strong regional presence with class-action capabilities. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP operates as a global firm with significant Missouri operations.

Thompson Coburn LLP focuses on business litigation including class actions. Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. specializes in product liability and mass tort cases.

How do I determine the success rate of a class-action law firm in Missouri?

Court records provide objective case outcome data. Review final judgments, settlement amounts, and dismissal rates for specific attorneys and firms.

Bar association ratings offer professional peer evaluations. State bar websites maintain disciplinary records and professional standing information.

Client testimonials from similar cases indicate satisfaction levels. Corporate clients often provide references for comparable engagements.

Settlement approval orders contain detailed financial information. These public documents show actual recovery amounts and fee structures.

What are the typical fees or cost structures for class-action attorneys in Missouri?

Contingency fees range from 25% to 40% of total recovery amounts. Larger settlements often result in lower percentage fees through sliding scales.

Hourly rates for class-action work typically range from $400 to $800 per hour for partners. Associate rates generally fall between $200 and $500 per hour.

Cost advancement varies by firm policy. Some firms advance all litigation expenses while others require client cost deposits.

Fee shifting provisions in some statutes allow prevailing parties to recover attorney fees. This applies particularly in consumer protection and securities cases.

What is the average duration of a class-action lawsuit handled by Missouri law firms?

Simple consumer cases typically resolve within 12 to 18 months. These involve straightforward liability and damages calculations.

Complex securities or antitrust cases often take 3 to 5 years. Multiple motions, discovery disputes, and expert testimony extend timelines significantly.

Settlement negotiations can occur at any stage. Early settlements reduce costs but may limit recovery amounts.

Appeal processes add 1 to 2 years to final resolution. Class action lawsuit procedures include multiple review stages.

How can I verify the experience and qualifications of attorneys at a class-action law firm in Missouri?

State bar websites provide license verification and disciplinary history. Missouri Bar maintains current attorney standing and continuing education records.

Court filing databases show actual case involvement. PACER and state court systems contain detailed attorney appearance records.

Professional certifications indicate specialized expertise. Board certifications in civil trial advocacy demonstrate proven competence.

Academic credentials and publications reflect legal scholarship. Law review articles and continuing education presentations show thought leadership.