- GuardianshipYou’ve worked hard for your family, so knowing that you have planned for their long-term well-being and financial security can bring you great comfort. We thoroughly analyze your estate and strategize the best means of transferring your assets, minimizing taxes, establishing guardianship for your children, caring for your pets, supporting personal philanthropic causes and protecting your loved ones. Your estate plan could include...
- Corporate LawBill’s practice includes real estate transactions and corporate and business law. He assists clients with entity organization, financing, property acquisitions and sales, and property tax assessment appeals. Bill represents landlords and tenants in retail and office lease transactions throughout the United States. He also counsels both public and private entities in the use of real estate incentives and economic development tools. He has worked on several of the most complex, high-profile real estate development projects in the St. Louis region.
- Mergers and AcquisitionsSteve, one of the firm’s founders, has practiced law in St. Louis for over 35 years. He is a fierce advocate for his clients. Mr. Stone’s practice focuses on real estate and development, business law, zoning, mergers and acquisitions, and government relations. Steve is experienced and well versed in real estate project financing, including brownfield tax credits, tax increment financing, community improvement districts, new market tax credits and others. Steve holds an L.L.M in taxation from Washington University. He has been actively involved in substantial development and redevelopment projects throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area throughout his career. His creativity and perseverance make him a valued ally.
- Business FormationA focus of our firm is helping clients start their own businesses. Our attorneys review your business plans and advise on issues involved in business formation and maintenance, including potential liability, corporate entity formation and tax structures. Once your business has been established, we continue to help it grow by advising on insurance coverage, investment strategies and corporate compliance issues. We also look after your best interests by finding strategies to limit your personal liability and increase your bottom line.
- Business DisputesDuring periods of prosperity or crisis, a business greatly benefits from comprehensive legal protection. Located in Clayton, Stone, Leyton & Gershman provides a broad range of business-related legal services. Our more than three decades working in business law allows us to anticipate challenges and avoid problems that can plague a business. We work to create complete solutions that address the full scope of an issue, setting your business up for continued success.
- Business TransactionsMr. Puricelli is a 1985 graduate of Washington University, where he graduated Order of the Coif. Mr. Puricelli’s primary practice areas are business and commercial litigation. He has tried many jury and bench trials to conclusion, and has argued appeals in state and federal courts in Missouri and Illinois, as well as other jurisdictions. Mr. Puricelli also has substantial experience negotiating and drafting agreements relating to real estate and commercial transactions.
- Employment ContractIf a contractual dispute or other business issue does arise, our trial lawyers have the necessary courtroom skills to negotiate or litigate a successful outcome.
- Non-compete Agreement
- Real Estate LitigationDarryl was born in St. Louis, Missouri, December 5, 1956. He attended the UCLA School of Law where he received the Jurisprudence Award for Academic Excellence. He practiced law in California and Missouri, concentrating on real estate law and political and election law. Mr. Piggee served as the District Director/Chief of Staff for Missouri Congressman Lacy Clay (2001-2014) and as Staff Director and Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives (2007-2010).
- Construction LitigationRepresentative transactions include: representation of purchasers in connection with $11 million purchase of ground for mixed use development and subsequent development activities; representation of seller in connection with $10 million sale of office park (§1031 exchange) and subsequent acquisition of $8 million shopping center as the replacement property; and representation of manufacturing company in connection with construction contract for new warehouse/distribution facility (including related $6 million construction loan and permanent loan).
- Real Estate TransactionsThe most successful real estate counsel combines legal and local knowledge with sharp negotiation and communication skills. At Stone, Leyton & Gershman, we have represented corporate, institutional and individual clients in a wide variety of commercial real estate transactions since our founding in 1988. Our attorneys draw on this experience, as well as their own development background, to provide comprehensive and thoughtful counsel. We deliver creative solutions that produce optimal results in development, zoning, eminent domain and related matters.
- Eminent DomainOver the last decade, eminent domain has been a contentious topic in courtrooms and the court of public opinion. This has led to stricter requirements for condemnations in many jurisdictions and the creation of public offices to represent the interests of property owners. Detailed preparation from the outset is necessary to effectuate a successful eminent domain proceeding. Our attorneys can advise you on what needs to be done at each step and your likelihood of success.
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningWhen you’re attempting to secure a favorable zoning or land use decision, knowledge of the code is not enough. Stone, Leyton & Gershman can explain the relevant rules, codes and regulations, and perhaps more important, we’re also familiar with the lead decision-makers and government bodies in the area.
- Personal InjuryJoe is a seasoned litigator with an active trial practice. He has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on a variety of personal injury cases, as well as commercial litigation matters.
- Medical MalpracticeThe personal injury attorneys at Stone, Leyton & Gershman help injury victims successfully recover just compensation for losses resulting from auto accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe products, dangerous drugs, slip-and-falls and unsafe work conditions. We also represent people with workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability claims.
- Auto Accidents
- Social Security Disability
- Estate PlanningWhether you’re planning the parameters of your future medical care or establishing support for loved ones upon your death, Stone, Leyton & Gershman can help with all aspects of your estate plan. Estate planning documents are extremely flexible and can be designed to fit your unique needs. We will work closely with you to determine your goals and create precise instruments to carry out your intentions.
- WillsHaving both a living will and a last will is essential at every stage of your life. Your advance directive (or living will) sets the parameters for medical intervention should you become incapacitated to ensure that when you are most vulnerable, your wishes will be honored. Your last will provides the opportunity to distribute your property, establish care for your children and otherwise express your wishes upon your death. A will is necessary if you intend to leave property to a person or entity other than a blood relative, such as a domestic partner, a friend or a charity. If you die without a will, the court determines how your property is distributed, who cares for your children and even what happens to your pet — making decisions that might not reflect your desires.
- Trusts
- BankruptcyRebecca is board certified by the American Board of Certification (ABC) in both business and consumer bankruptcy and, for the past 25 years, has served as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy panel trustee for the Eastern District of Missouri. Rebecca has been practicing law for more than 30 years representing debtors and creditors in Chapters 7, 11, 12 and 13. She has served as an examiner in Chapter 7 and 11 cases and as a co-fee auditor for Chapter 7 and 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. She is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Business Reorganization and Consumer Bankruptcy Committees. Ms. Case received her B.S. in history and political science from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and her J.D. from Baylor University School of Law. For two decades, Ms. Case has made a substantial contribution to the continuing legal education of Missouri’s lawyers by sharing her experience and knowledge at various Missouri Bar CLE programs. Rebecca has served as a recurrent lecturer at the Annual Bankruptcy Institute and Spring Risk Management programs. She has also presented at the Annual Business Law Institute and co-authored a chapter of the Bankruptcy Practice MoBar CLE Deskbook Supplement. Rebecca is also trained and certified as a mediator.
- Tax LawWhen selecting a formation type, you must consider your long-term business goals, the jurisdiction, possible tax issues and multiple entity requirements. Potential entity options include...