Columbia Civil Rights Lawyers

Joanna's practice focuses on employment law, civil rights, and education law consultations and cases, including Title IX cases. Joanna consults on employment agreements, severance agreements, noncompete clauses, and University matters such as research misconduct, faculty misconduct, and conflict of interest matters. Joanna has over fifteen years of experience as both a plaintiff's lawyer and a defense attorney. She has tried cases in state and federal court.

John D. James was born in St. Charles, Missouri. John received his B.A. from Tulane University with a major in English Literature. John graduated summa cum laude. John received his Juris Doctorate from Tulane University School of Law. He graduated as a member of Order of the Coif, which is an honor bestowed on students who are in the top 10% of their class. He was also a member Tulane’s Law Review. John gained courtroom experience through Tulane’s Criminal Clinic and while working as an intern for the Lincoln County Public Defender’s Office. During this time, John obtained his first Not...

Highly experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney specializing in criminal defense, civil rights litigation, and post-conviction relief.

Very few lawyers can claim repeated record setting results like attorney Ryan Bradley. Feared by defendants and insurance companies, you can rest assured Ryan will deliver on your injury case. The Missouri Lawyers Weekly called Ryan the "Winningest Attorney" in Missouri and has routinely featured him for extraordinary verdicts and settlements though the state.

Steven A. Waterkotte is a Managing Partner and founding member of Combs Waterkotte. Steven A. Waterkotte focuses his practice almost exclusively on criminal defense. He defends the rights of the accused in felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. Mr. Waterkotte has a reputation as a passionate and relentless fighter for his clients. Steve Waterkotte has jury-tried many cases in courtrooms across Missouri. He has obtained not guilty verdicts on cases ranging from murder to rape to misdemeanors. He has been widely recognized in the criminal defense industry by his peers as demonstrated by a number of awards such as Best...

Bailey Privette pursued her passion for law by completing her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and Information Technology from the State University of New York at Albany. She later moved to Missouri to pursue her law degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law, where she served as a board member of UMKC Law Review, participated in Moot Court, and was recognized by the American College of Bankruptcy for her outstanding knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code. Before graduating, Bailey worked at two law firms in the Kansas City area, specializing in...

Jonathon Nicol is an experienced business attorney who has been practicing since he graduated from law school in 2005. With trial and appellate specialties, Jonathon has tried diverse matters in state and federal courts and before arbitrators. He has been appellate counsel of record on myriad appeals and writ petitions nationwide. Jonathon also obtains favorable settlements for clients. Jonathon’s seasoned perspective blends corporate and entrepreneurial senses. He helps clients to start and run their businesses, protect their corporate and personal interests, and buy and sell assets. Jonathon aids clients with both their specific problems at hand, as well as their greater...

Never a stranger to hard work or adversity, I wrestled in high school, spent three years as a Combat Engineer on active duty with Untied States Army and completed by reserve service working through college. After many years of working with partners in private practice, I saw the need for a firm that was more client friendly and accessible online. Some matters require a personal approach. However, if you got caught-up in some small town speed trap or were falsely accused of smoking marijuana on one Southeast Missouri's beautiful rivers, matters can often be handled...

Tim Belz has been in private practice in St. Louis, Missouri since 1982. He has handled dozens of cases concentrating on the civil liberties of individuals and organizations, particularly first amendment rights of free speech, religious freedom and association, and parental rights. He has also handled numerous business litigation matters. He has practiced in many state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Belz is a 1976 graduate, with high honors, of the University of Iowa Law School, where he graduated Order of the Coif, an honor open to those in the top ten percent of their class....

Christopher Bent is the managing member of the law offices of Christopher Bent, LLC in St. Louis, Missouri. He is dedicated to enforcing and protecting the rights of business owners, Municipalities and individuals in matters involving labor and employment; contract law; business and real estate transactions. Mr. Bent has 18 years of experienced handling traditional labor law, employment law and all aspects of litigation. He regularly represent employers and individuals before state and federal administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). He has successfully represented municipalities in ongoing labor disputes alleging...

Andrew Kuhlmann is a St. Louis trial lawyer with experience in complex litigation. He focuses on employment law, commercial disputes, civil rights, and personal injury litigation. Andrew Kuhlmann has represented businesses and individuals in Missouri, Illinois, and throughout the United States.