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Overview

An experienced litigator and client advocate, Cynthia focuses her practice on complex commercial disputes.

Cynthia is committed to effective case management at all stages of litigation, from initial strategy to appeal. Clients look to her to defend their interests on a wide range of civil matters in both state and federal court. She has practiced across a broad spectrum of industry sectors – including healthcare, construction and retail services – in class action lawsuits, insurance coverage and bad faith matters, and non-compete disputes, among other sophisticated commercial litigation.

Clients value Cynthia’s industry-first mindset, examining the intersection of each client’s short- and long-term goals with customized litigation strategy. What she enjoys most about legal work – in or out of the courtroom – is learning about her clients’ business so as to provide creative, favorable resolutions that meet their needs.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024
  • Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame, 2020

Education

  • J.D., University of Missouri School of Law
    • magna cum laude
    • Order of the Coif
    • Missouri Law Review
  • B.A., University of Missouri
    • summa cum laude
    • Political Science and French
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Experience
  • Obtained reversals by all three districts of Missouri Court of Appeals of lower courts' decisions upholding administrative rulings of Missouri State Tax Commission against corporate client in tax appeals.
  • Obtained ruling in Missouri Court of Appeals affirming order setting aside default judgment against national fast food franchisor.
  • Acted as local counsel in class action litigation and assisted with strategy to secure reversal in Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals of district court's remand order and to negotiate favorable settlement in federal court.
  • Secured summary judgment dismissing claims against insurance company in coverage action related to civil rights lawsuit arising out of wrongful conviction claim.
Outside the Office

Cynthia is cooking her way around the world: A to Z.

Starting with Afghanistan, Albania and Algeria, Cynthia prepares national dishes from countries around the globe to share with family and friends. She and her husband also enjoy hiking, whether at the Grand Canyon or nearby Castlewood State Park.

Community Leadership
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI), Legislative Reporting Liaison, Missouri, 2019-present; Illinois, 2017-2018