Simmons Law Firm Merges with Hanly Conroy, Adds New York Office

ST. LOUIS, June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC and Hanly Conroy Bierstein Sheridan Fisher & Hayes LLP, national leaders in mass tort and complex litigation, announced today the two law firms will merge effective July 1 of this year. The firm will be called Simmons Hanly Conroy and have offices in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and Alton, Ill. The new firm will continue to represent victims of corporate wrongdoing.

"The merger gives us a New York office, expands our attorney depth and creates a streamlined practice with centuries of litigation experience," said Chairman John Simmons. "Together, we are positioned as a dominant national leader in asbestos, mass tort and complex litigation matters, and we are especially pleased that Jayne Conroy will continue her leadership role as a named shareholder in the merged firm."

Simmons and Hanly Conroy have been co-counsel partners for over a decade, successfully resolving products liability litigations including Oxycontin, Chantix, Yaz and Toyota unintended acceleration cases. The merger is a natural progression of the firms' existing relationship, said Simmons.

The Simmons Firm employs more than 60 attorneys and 150 professional support staff spread among five offices in St. Louis, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Alton, Ill. Founded in 1999 by Simmons, the firm quickly developed a national reputation in asbestos litigation by securing a $250 million verdict against U.S. Steel on behalf of a factory worker diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Hanly Conroy operates out of New York and employs nine attorneys. Formed in 2002 by Paul Hanly and Jayne Conroy, the firm has assumed leadership roles in high profile, multi-jurisdictional litigation such as the September 11 litigation, Pinnacle hip replacement litigation and more.

"The firm's extensive federal court experience and national resources will be a winning combination for clients and position us to not only evolve but thrive in an ever-changing, competitive legal marketplace," said Shareholder Paul Hanly.

In addition to Simmons, Hanly and Conroy, current Simmons shareholders Perry Browder, Ted Gianaris, John Barnerd and Michael Angelides will continue to serve in management roles. John Simmons will serve as Chairman and Michael Angelides as Managing Shareholder. Browder will continue to manage the firm's asbestos department, and Hanly will oversee the firm's complex litigation department.

"The name on the door has changed over the years, but this firm has never been about any one person," Simmons said. "It's always been about doing what's right for our clients. That will never change."

About Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC
The Simmons Firm is a national litigation firm with practices focusing on asbestos, dangerous drugs and medical devices, intellectual property infringement, environmental litigation, consumer protection and contingent fee commercial litigation. With offices in Illinois, Missouri and California, the firm has secured more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of thousands of clients throughout the country. For more information about the Simmons Firm, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.

About Hanly Conroy Bierstein Sheridan Fisher Hayes LLP
Hanly Conroy is a national litigation firm based in Manhattan and known for its work on high-profile, complex legal cases of national scope including September 11 litigation, Depuy hip replacement litigation, Toyota unintended acceleration litigation and more. Co-founded in 2002 by Paul Hanly and Jane Conroy, the firm provides sophisticated legal counsel to its clients in the areas of pharmaceutical mass torts, commercial litigation, class actions, environmental litigation and entertainment law. Learn more at http://www.hanlyconroy.com.

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SOURCE Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC