Wuestling & James, L.C. is, and, has been rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell for over twenty-five years. Wuestling & James, L.C. enjoys a long standing reputation for excellence in trial and appellate work. The firm was founded in 1962 by the Honorable Harry M. James. Judge James was well recognized as one of the premier trial attorneys in St. Louis prior to his appointment to the Bench in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis. The firm’s other founding partner, Richard C. Wuestling, III, was widely considered as one of the best trial attorneys in St. Louis at the time of his early death in 1984. Mr. Wuestling was a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, and President of the Washington University School of Law Alumni Association.
Sons William F. James and Richard Wuestling, IV were trained in jury trial and appellate practice by Judge James and the elder Wuestling. As the firm has grown, Bill James and Rick Wuestling have continued the traditions they learned from their elders (excellence through training, skill, aggressive advocacy and hard work). This culture has produced a notable record of firm success and individual accolade. William F. James received the Lon O. Hocker Trial Attorney of the Year Award from the Missouri Bar Foundation emblematic of “outstanding expression of the quality of professional competence, industry, integrity and courtesy indicative of an able trial lawyer.” Rick Wuestling received an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell after 5-1/2 years of experience. Rick Wuestling is a member of the Best Lawyer in America in the areas of Legal Malpractice Defense and Personal Injury Defense. In 2006, Missouri Lawyer’s Weekly, named Thomas E. Fagan as one of Missouri’s Up & Coming Lawyers that had dedicated themselves to the legal profession and who merited recognition.
Wuestling & James specializes in litigation. Typically, the firm defends professionals, entities and insurance companies. In commercial litigation, the firm represents Plaintiffs as well as Defendants. The firm’s attorneys have, collectively, tried over 200 jury trials to conclusion.
