Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in St. Louis
Brown James offers clients effective, efficient, and experienced legal representation combined with strength and confidence. Our lawyers possess specific advocacy skills across diverse practice areas, delivering cost-efficient litigation solutions tailored to client needs. With a proven approach to fee-for-service billing, we prioritise careful planning, early evaluation, and creative teamwork to ensure quality outcomes. Recognised by leading legal directories such as The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, our team includes members of prestigious professional organisations like the American College of Trial Lawyers. We maintain a commitment to community service through pro bono activities and support diversity initiatives, including participation in the Women Lawyers Association and the Mansfield Rule Certification.Our Midwest regional presence spans seven offices, serving clients in state and federal courts across Missouri, Kansas, southern Illinois, and northern Arkansas. We actively mentor associates, providing hands-on litigation experience early in their careers. Our dedication to work-life balance includes non-traditional scheduling options and domestic partner benefits. Through strategic planning and excellence, we deliver results-driven legal solutions while fostering an inclusive workplace environment.
Services
Appellate
Arson-Fraud Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Class Action
Construction Law
Highlights and features
- We offer cost-efficient litigation strategies tailored to client needs.
- Our team includes nationally recognised attorneys with diverse expertise.
- We maintain a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- We provide hands-on litigation experience to associates early in their careers.
- Our Midwest regional presence ensures localised legal knowledge across four states.
Associations and certifications
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Super Lawyers
- American College of Trial Lawyers
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel
Services
Appellate
Our appellate specialists handle complex legal challenges with precision. We focus on strategic brief writing and oral advocacy to overturn unfavourable rulings or defend judgments. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of procedural nuances and precedent-setting cases across state and federal courts.
Commercial Litigation
We resolve high-stakes business conflicts through litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Our team addresses contract disputes, partnership disagreements, and corporate governance issues while prioritising cost-effective strategies aligned with commercial objectives.
Construction Law
Specialising in construction defect claims and contract enforcement, we represent contractors, developers, and insurers. Our services include dispute resolution, lien enforcement, and risk management advice to ensure project compliance with industry regulations.
Class Action
We defend businesses against class action lawsuits while also representing plaintiffs in significant consumer rights cases. Our approach combines rigorous case analysis with settlement negotiation expertise to achieve optimal outcomes for all parties involved.
Arson-Fraud Litigation
Our specialists investigate and litigate arson and insurance fraud cases with technical precision. We collaborate with forensic experts to build compelling evidence, ensuring successful outcomes for insurers and policyholders in complex fire-related disputes.
People
Kevin J. Adrian
Principal
Kevin J. Adrian specialises in complex litigation strategy with over 25 years of trial experience. He focuses on commercial disputes and appellate advocacy, consistently delivering successful verdicts for corporate clients.
Oluwatosin A. Agunloye
Associate
Oluwatosin A. Agunloye concentrates on construction law and insurance defence. She brings emerging expertise in dispute resolution and contract negotiation to support mid-sized contractors and developers.
Denise Baker-Seal
Principal
Denise Baker-Seal leads the firm's diversity initiatives while handling employment law cases. Her practice includes representing employers in discrimination claims and workplace safety compliance matters.
Severine L. Bateman
Associate
Severine L. Bateman specialises in appellate law, preparing detailed briefs and motions. She supports senior attorneys in high-profile cases requiring meticulous legal research and analysis.
David P. Ellington
Principal
David P. Ellington focuses on class action defence with particular expertise in consumer protection litigation. He has successfully represented national retailers in multi-state lawsuits involving false advertising claims.
Questions
What areas of law does Brown & James specialise in?
We specialise in appellate law, commercial litigation, construction disputes, class actions, and arson-fraud litigation, with additional expertise across 15+ practice areas.
Which states does Brown & James operate in?
Our primary service areas include Missouri, Kansas, southern Illinois, and northern Arkansas, with additional capabilities through our ALFA International network.
How does Brown & James handle complex litigation?
We employ strategic planning, early case evaluation, and creative teamwork to manage complex litigation efficiently while maintaining cost-effectiveness for clients.
What diversity initiatives does the firm support?
We actively participate in the Mansfield Rule Certification, maintain a Diversity Committee, and support organisations like the Women Lawyers’ Association and Mound City Bar Association.
