Ms. Brooke is a nationally recognized lawyer in the area of first-party insurance claims involving suspected arson and fraud. She works regularly with her SIU partners to provide guidance and counsel during the carrier’s claim investigation. She has conducted hundreds of examinations under oath. She also routinely defends her insurance company clients in first-party litigation on cases involving arson and fraud. Ms. Brooke is a sought-after speaker, regularly presenting to claims professionals, SIU investigators, and law enforcement through organizations such as the IAAI, NSPII, and NICB. A Missouri native, Ms. Brooke returned to the state in 2000 after years as a military spouse and earned her law degree from the University of Missouri, where she received awards for her trial and mediation advocacy. She remains dedicated to pro bono work supporting victims of domestic violence.
Ms. Smith is widely recognized as a leading lawyer in Missouri and Illinois in the area of first-party property insurance coverage work. She regularly serves as coverage counsel for her insurance clients on a wide range of complex first-party property coverage issues, with a particular emphasis on claims involving allegations of bad faith and vexatious refusal to pay. Ms. Smith also advises insurers on best claims practices to ensure compliance with applicable insurance regulations and industry standards. She handles cases from inception through resolution and has successfully tried numerous cases in both state and federal courts. Ms. Smith earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law.
The firm looks forward to the experience and depth of knowledge Ms. Brooke and Ms. Smith bring and is excited to have them join the St. Louis office.