Meet Ron Hack – Executive Member from St. Louis

What is your primary area of practice, and what drew you to it?

I primarily practice in toxic tort litigation (Asbestos defense), practicing in the area for almost 40 years. I also do commercial litigation. Additionally I also do small business corporate advice (including contract negotiation) as well as estate planning work for clients. I also serve as the firm’s General Counsel, assisting the firm with ethics and related matters.

Tell us about a recent memorable project, matter or case that you’ve worked on. What was fun? What was challenging?

Every asbestos case is challenging. I handle around 400 cases a year for various clients. My other commercial litigation runs the gamut from contract litigation to employment litigation.

My personal satisfaction comes from helping individuals with their estate planning documents so that all the forms are signed and there are minimal problems if an event arises requiring their use.

I recently argued a tax case before the Missouri Court of Appeals and then the Missouri Supreme Court. Unfortunately I lost but it was very interesting and challenging, especially having all the arguments via video.

Since the pandemic, what is one thing that has improved in your life?

Of course being able to focus more on individual cases. Additionally I do appreciate the time spent at home even though I am working. However, like everyone else I want to have the opportunity to go on vacations, especially outside the country.

And now, a wild-card question: What’s your favorite place to visit and why?

Paris–I have been there twice, the last time with our daughter. It is an amazing city, very beautiful. We walked and took buses so that we could actually see the city. It was a treat to actually walk the streets of the Latin Quarter that I had only heard about and saw some of the locations that have historical significance, especially those from the French Revolution. Of course, the food was fantastic. The Musee D’Orsay with impressionist art is really a gem that most people don’t know about so it is not crowded at all. Unlike most Americans we found the French to be very friendly even though our French was horrid. I would love to go back at least a couple more times.