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Bio

An Exceptional Track Record Of Success

For 30 years, John Simon has devoted himself to fighting for the victims of negligence in St. Louis and across the nation. Because of his unparalleled skill and belief in the power of the law, John has secured over 150 verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million or more for his clients.

John’s practice is among the most accomplished in the nation:

  • He has secured over 150 verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million each.
  • He has obtained more than 15 verdicts/settlements over $10 million.
  • He has secured more than 25 verdicts/settlements over $5 million.

Fighting for Plaintiffs Across the United States

John’s conviction and passion for the law form the cornerstone of our practice. His belief in the power of hard work, persistence, and dedication allows him and his fellow attorneys to achieve incredible results. Above all, he knows that a group of committed individuals working together can accomplish great things—that’s the heart of his firm.

 

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Professional Associations

  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Executive Committee, President 2018-2019
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Executive Committee, President-Elect 2017-2018
  • America’s Top 100 Attorneys® for Missouri, Lifetime Achievement
  • National Academy of Jurisprudence, 2016
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Executive Committee, Vice President 2016-2017
  • Pound Civil Justice Institute, Supporting Fellow, 2015
  • The Inner Circle of Advocates (100 Top Plaintiff Attorneys in the U.S.) 2014-present
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Founding Member, 2014-present
  • Global Directory of Who’s Who, 2014-present
  • American College of Trial Lawyers, 2011-present
  • Marquis Who’s Who in America, 2014-present
  • American Inns of Court, 2011-present
  • Theodore McMillian American Inns of Court, St. Louis, Founding Member, 2011-present
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2009-present
  • American Trial Lawyers Association, 2009-present
  • The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, 2008-present
  • American Association for Justice, 2003-present
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Board of Governors, 2003
  • American Board of Trial Advocates, 2001-present
  • Martindale-Hubbell® Rating: AV, 1996-present
  • Arkansas State Bar Association, 1992-present
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1990-present
  • Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers, 1990-present
  • Missouri Association of Trial Lawyers Board of Governors, 1991-present
  • St. Louis County Bar Association, 1990-present
  • St. Clair County Bar Association, 1990-present
  • Lawyers Association of St. Louis, 1990-present
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy Advocates Association, 1989-present
  • Illinois State Bar Association, 1987-present
  • Bar Association of the Metropolitan St. Louis, 1987 – present
  • The Missouri State Bar Association, 1986-present
  • American Bar Foundation
  • American Bar Association
  • American Intellectual Property Law Association
  • Litigation Counsel of America: Barrister, Order of Centurions
  • Litigation Counsel of America: Advocate, Order of Certus
  • Litigation Counsel of America: Member, Trial Law Institute
  • Litigation Counsel of America: Member, Diversity Law Institute
  • 2021 Chambers USA – Band 1
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Results

Bettering the Lives of Clients Nationwide

John’s practice is driven by improving the lives of his clients and making the products they use safer. For example, when a natural gas explosion killed Louis Brown, his family came to John. John’s investigation showed Laclede Gas knew 80,000 copper gas lines were lying under St. Louis neighborhoods at risk for corrosion. John not only secured $8 million for Louis Brown’s family, but the case forced Laclede Gas to replace all 80,000 faulty lines.

In another pivotal case, John fought for Captain Mike LeBrun, a firefighter who passed out in a burning building due to a faulty oxygen alarm system in his breathing tank. Though he lived, the oxygen deprivation tragically damaged Captain LeBrun’s brain. John ensured that Mike received the millions of dollars he would need to get the medical care he required—while forcing the makers of the respirator, Mine Safety Appliances, to issue a nationwide warning about the failed air tank alarm.
John has secured more than 15 verdicts/settlements over $10 million, and more than 25 verdicts/settlements over $5 million. Here are some of his most notable cases:

  • $105 Million – Products Liability Case Against Bridgestone/Firestone
  • $42 Million – Personal Injury Case Against Gateway Hotel Holdings
  • $32 Million – Class Action Claim
  • $25 Million – Class Action
  • $20.8 Million – Vioxx
  • $18 Million – Class Action
  • $17.6 Million – Medical Malpractice
  • $15 Million – Product Liability
  • $13.5 Million – Auto Accident Case Against Paving Company
  • $12 Million – Auto Accident
  • $12 Million – Patent
  • $11 Million – Personal Injury
  • $10.8 Million – Medical Malpractice Case Against Medical Clinic
  • $10.25 Million – Personal Injury
  • $10 Million – Auto Accident
  • $10 Million – Defective Product Case Against Manufacturer
  • $10 Million – Personal Injury
  • $9.5 Million – Product Liability
  • $8 Million – Personal Injury
  • $7.9 Million – Fen Phen
  • $7.35 Million – Medical Malpractice
  • $6.51 Million – Product Liability
  • $6.22 Million – RR Crossing
  • $6.03 Million – Auto Accident
  • $6 Million – Personal Injury
  • $6 Million – Product Liability
  • $6 Million – Premises Liability
  • $5.81 Million – Product Liability
  • $5.8 Million – Class Action
  • $5.75 Million – Medical Malpractice
  • $5.1 Million – Auto Accident
  • $5 Million – Patent Litigation
  • $5 Million – Product Liability
  • $5 Million – Auto Accident
  • $5 Million – Product Liability
  • $5 Million – Medical Malpractice
  • $5 Million – Medical Malpractice
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Awards

John’s honors and awards reveal what John’s clients already know—he stands among the best litigators in the United States. These awards include Lawyer of the Year for both Product Liability and Personal Injury, and he was listed in the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® Top 10 in 2009, and 2013-2017. Additionally, his induction into The Inner Circle of Advocates – which consists of the 100 top plaintiff attorneys in the United States.

  • Best Lawyers in America® 2005-present
  • The Inner Circle of Advocates (100 Top Plaintiff Attorneys in the U.S.) 2014-present
  • Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow, 2014-present
  • AV® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® 1996-present
  • Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in St. Louis 2020
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® Top 10 Attorneys 2009, and 2013-2019
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® Top 50 for St. Louis, 2006-2019
  • Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs in St. Louis 2018
  • Best Lawyers in America® St. Louis Product Liability Lawyer of the Year 2015, 2018
  • St. Louis Magazine Lawyer of the Year 2016
  • SLU Law Order of Fleur de Lis Hall of Fame 2016
  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s Robert Walston Chubb Award 2016
  • Corporate LiveWire Product Liability Lawyer of the Year for Missouri 2016
  • Best Lawyers in America® St. Louis Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs Lawyer of the Year 2016
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Distinguished Lawyer Award 2015
  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Defenders of Justice Award 2015
  • ACQ5 Law Award Missouri Product Liability Lawyer of the Year 2014
  • American Society of Legal Advocates Top 100 Litigation Lawyers in Missouri 2013
  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Equal Justice Award 2013
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis President’s Distinguished Service Award 2013
  • Missouri Lawyers Weekly Influential Appellate Award 2011
  • Best Lawyers in America® St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year 2011
  • St. Louis Bar Foundation Golden Anniversary Fellow 2010
  • St. Louis Bar Foundation Spirit of Justice Award – Inaugural Year 2009
  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Special Services Award 2007
  • The American Trial Lawyers Association Top 100
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis President’s Outstanding Service Award
  • Riverfront Times Best Lawyer in St. Louis
  • Best Lawyers in America® Personal Injury for 11 years
  • Included in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® list since 2005
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Bar Admissions

  • State of Missouri
  • State of Illinois
  • State of Arkansas
  • State of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern Districts of Arkansas
  • U.S. District Court, Western Districts of Arkansas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
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Published Works

  • Attack Your Own Case Before Your Opponent Does, Missouri Lawyers Weekly, July 20, 2009, at 15.
  • An Overview of Punitive Damages in Business Tort Litigation in Missouri, 54 St. Louis Bar Journal 28 (2007).
  • Pharmaceutical Litigation: The Plaintiff’s Overview, 51 St. Louis Bar Journal 12 (2005).
  • Plaintiff in Products Liability Case: Overview. 48 St. Louis Bar Journal 4 (2002).
  • Theories of Liability in Accounting Malpractice Cases: A Plaintiff’s Perspective, St. Louis Bar Journal (1991).
  • Intrastate Forum Non Conveniens in Missouri, Journal of Missouri Bar (1990).
  • Distinctive Aspects of Litigation Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act: An Overview, St. Louis Bar Journal (1989).
  • Federal Employers’ Liability Act Cases: Instructing on Sole Cause. Journal of the Missouri Bar (1988).
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Seminars Presented

  • Trial Masters, 08/30/2018, Lawyers Association and USA&M
  • Vor Dire, 12/08/2017, KTLA’s 2017 Annual Meeting and CLE Seminar
  • Voir Dire, 06/20/2017, The Simon Law Firm, P.C. Hon. Richard B. Teitelman Memorial Seminar to Benefit the Legal Services of Missouri
  • Trial Wars – Return of the Jury; 06/13/2017; Interactive All-Day Mock Trial by Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Civil Trial Practice CLE; 05/18/17; Saint Louis County Bar Association
  • The Art and Science of Jury Persuasion; 2/24/16; Denver Empirical Justice Institute Conference
  • Effective Deposition Techniques, Closing Arguments & Ethics; 12/04/15
  • Dealing with Experts, 06/23/15, The Simon Law Firm, P.C. Seminar to Benefit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
  • Review and Analysis of Heien v North Carolina (US Supreme Court), 11/13/14, Theodore McMillian Inns of Court, St. Louis
  • Voir Dire – Factual Scenario, 11/06/14, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys CLE (MATA)
  • Closing Arguments, 06/06/14, Attorney Information Exchange Group Trucking Seminar 2014 (AIEG)
  • Trial Masters Series, Closing Arguments, 05/30/14, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Bench & Bar 2014 (BAMSL)
  • From Main Street to Wall Street, Marketing through Referrals, 05/01/14, American Bar Association Firm Marketing Conference (ABA)
  • Lessons of 1,000 Trials: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Presenting a Winning Case at Trial, 04/26/13, The Missouri Bar
  • Insider’s Guide to Personal Injury Litigation, 2010, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)
  • Truck Accident Litigation from Start to Finish, 2010, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Opening Statements, 06/22/2010, The Simon Law Firm, P.C. Sixth Annual Seminar to Benefit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
  • Tips for Handling Personal Injury Cases, 2007, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Using Federal Regulations to Build a Punitive Damages Case, 2007, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Claim in Trucking Cases & Discovery and Proof of Driver Fatigue, 2008, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA)
  • Making Discovery Work for You in a Products Liability Case, 6/20/2007, The Simon Law Firm, P.C. Third Annual Seminar to Benefit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
  • Building a Strong Foundation for Your Case, 12/14/2007, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Expert Witness Seminar, 10/24/2006, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • What Are You Missing?, 06/15/2005, The Simon Law Firm, P.C. Annual Seminar to Benefit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc.
  • Advanced Trial Advocacy in Missouri, 01/19/2005, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Bad Faith Litigation in Missouri, 10/21/1997 and 11/19/1998, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Current Developments in Products Liability in Missouri, 06/11/1998, National business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
  • Bad Faith Litigation, 07/18/1996, National Business Institute, Inc. (NBI)
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Teaching Experience

Adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law teaching Trial Advocacy (2000 to present).

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Community Involvement

  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Board of Directors 2017
  • Gateway 180 Annual Auction Committee, Chair 2015, 2016, 2017
  • Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Justice for All Ball, Honorary Chair 2016
  • The Simon Law Firm, P.C. Annual Seminar to Benefit Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, 2005-present
  • St. Louis Bar Foundation, Board of Directors 2011-present
  • Project XOXO Inc. to Benefit the Homeless, Founder 2009-present
  • Access Academies, Board of Directors
  • St. Mary’s, Board of Directors
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Our mission is to provide the highest-quality legal services with
integrity, professionalism, and respect for our clients.

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