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About Debbie
Debbie Champion is a founding partner in the firm Rynearson, Suess, Schnurbusch and Champion. Ms. Champion actively practices in Missouri and Southern Illinois state and federal courts. She has argued before the Missouri Supreme Court and the Eastern, Western and Southern District Missouri Courts of Appeals, and the Illinois Court of Appeals. She has also argued in the federal court of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, and the Eighth Circuit and the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. She is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
Ms. Champion has been included on the list of the top 100 attorneys in Missouri. She is honored to be included in the Best Lawyers in America, and she appears on the Best Lawyers list in Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants, Insurance Law, and Litigation-Insurance. She was also selected to be a member of Litigation Counsel of America, an honorary society honoring the top one-half of one percent of American lawyers. For a number of years, Ms. Champion has been named as one of the top 50 Women Lawyers in Missouri and Kansas by Superlawyers. Champion achieved the most Defense Verdicts in Missouri in 2012 and 2013 and one of the largest Defense Wins in 2011. She was honored as one of Ten Outstanding Young St. Louisans by the St. Louis Junior Chamber of Commerce. She is rated as Superb on AVVO.com. In 2013, she received the CLMP certification as a certified litigation management professional from her study at the Columbia School of Law in New York.
Ms. Champion received the Lawyer's Lawyer Award by the Women's Justice Awards. She is a recipient of the William McAlpin Pro Bono Award, an Outstanding Volunteer Award from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and the Missouri Pro Bono Publico Award from the Missouri Bar Association. She was recently honored by the Women's Law Caucus of Washington University for her commitment to the advancement of women in the law. She was selected as an Outstanding Young Alumni of Washington University in 2012.
Ms. Champion serves on the Board of Lift for Life Academy, the first charter school in St. Louis. She is also on the Board of Seeds of Blessing, the for-profit arm of the Blessing Basket Project. In the past, she served on the Board of Directors and the Advisory Board of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Directors of Shelter the Children. She was an active early member of Kids' Inc., a charitable organization for underprivileged children of East St. Louis, Illinois. Ms. Champion is founder and president of Tools for Schools, a not for profit corporation which distributes school supplies to needy schools and children.
Ms. Champion has authored several published articles and book chapters. She often presents educational seminars to clients and to the legal community, including several annual conference presentations to industry groups each year.
Ms. Champion is an Advocate member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial. She serves as the Treasurer of the Missouri/Southern Illinois Chapter. She is a member of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, formerly Council for Litigation Management. She serves as the Secretary of the St. Louis CLM chapter. She is on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers. She is a Fellow in the American Bar Foundation.
Ms. Champion served on the 21st Judicial Circuit Judicial Commission as part of Missouri's non-partisan court plan for a 6 year term. Ms. Champion has served for the Supreme Court of Missouri as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee to Study Expert Discovery. In 2013, she acted as the Chairman of the Steering Committee for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
Litigation Practice Areas:
Transportation
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Personal Injury
Municipal Law
Employment Law
Fraud and Misrepresentation
Corporate & Commercial Litigation
Subrogation
Probate & Estate Planning
Pharmacy Liability
Domestic Relations
Education:
Columbia University, Certified Litigation Management Professional, 2013
Washington University School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1988
Murray State University, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 1983,
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, 1983, Psychology Masters Coursework, 1984, 1985
Practice areas
- Lawsuits and disputes: 50%
see description under Litigation
34 years, 12,500 cases
- Car accident: 20%
see description under Litigation
34 years, 12,000 cases
- Transportation: 20%
34 years, 11,500 cases
- Employment and labor: 10%
Ms. Champion focuses on wrongful termination matters within the employment area.
34 years, 800 cases
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
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Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1989 | 03/06/2022 |
| MO | Good Standing, Active | 1988 | 02/07/2022 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| William McAlpin Pro Bono Award | Legal Services of Eastern Missouri | 2011 |
| Top 10 Defense Verdicts | Missouri Lawyers Weekly | 2010 |
| Women in Law Award | Women's Law Caucus Washington University School of Law | 2009 |
| Lawyer's Lawyer | Women Justice Awards | 2008 |
| Fellow | Litigation Counsel of America | 2007 |
| 10 Outstanding Young St Louisans | St Louis Junior of Commerce | 1995 |
| Volunteer Lawyer Award | Legal Services of Eastern Missouri | N/A |
| Pro Bono Publico Award | The Missouri Bar | N/A |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Rynearson Suess Schnurbusch & Champion LLC | 2000 - Present |
| Partner | Evans and Dixon | 1998 - 2000 |
| Associate | Evans and Dixon | 1988 - 1998 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Theodore McMillian American Inn of Court | Master | 2010 - Present |
| Lift for Life Academy | Board Member | 2009 - Present |
| National Association of Professional Women | Member | 2009 - Present |
| National Restaurant and Retail Defense Association | Member | 2009 - Present |
| Tools 4 Schools | President | 2008 - Present |
| Council for Litigation Management | Attorney Member | 2007 - Present |
| Litigation Counsel of America | Fellow | 2007 - Present |
| Lawyer's Association of St. Louis | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Defense Research Institute, Insurance Law Committee | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers | Member | 1995 - Present |
| Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis | Member | 1989 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Public Risk Magazine | Workers’ Comp Top Ten: How to Cut Costs in 2011 | 2011 |
| Missouri Practice Guide | Subrogation Chapter in Workers' Compensation Volume | 2004 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Washington University School of Law | J.D. | 1988 |
| Murray State University | B. S. | 1983 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Conference | Considering Legal Process Outsourcing as Part of Wider Legal Cost Management: Limitations vs Benefits | 2011 |
| Adjuster Training | Missouri First Party and Third Party Bad Faith Claims | 2011 |
| Annual Conference | Vampires, Voodoo and Verdicts Frightening Issues in Insurance Defense Litigation | 2011 |
| Quarterly Meeting | Negotiation 101 | 2010 |
| Missouri Legal Update | Voir Dire | 2010 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Monnye Gross v. SNR, Manning, Theil, and Bracht | Case settled after 5 days of trial with individual Defendant and Plaintiff dismissed case against all other defendants after 7 days of trial |
| Amanda Simmons et al v Heartland Wood Products | Won-Defendant Verdict |
| Barbara Laber v. Dierbergs Markets, LLC | Won--Defendant Verdict |
COO
5.0 stars
Posted by Marsia
April 17, 2018
Very capable and competent in all matters. Someone you can trust and that has your best interest at heart, whole heartily.
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
March 22, 2013
Experience with Ms. Debbie Champion and Staff of RSS&C
5.0 stars
Posted by Bob
March 30, 2011
Debbie Champion is an excellent lawyer.
5.0 stars
Posted by Paul
January 20, 2011
Review
5.0 stars
Posted by Ronnett
January 19, 2011
Champion review
5.0 stars
Posted by Laura
January 16, 2011
recommedation for debbie champion
5.0 stars
Posted by mike
January 14, 2011
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Attorney endorsements
(18)
Carter Law, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Sep 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is a skilled and diligent trial lawyer, as well as a tenacious and talented negotiator.
Christine Alsop, Unknown Attorney on Oct 16, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Debbie excels in understanding the nuances of a case and developing a strategy that gives her client the clear advantage. If she is on your side, you have the gold standard in an advocate; if you are her opponent, you better keep on your toes.
Carter Law, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Sep 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is a skilled and diligent trial lawyer, as well as a tenacious and talented negotiator.
Christine Alsop, Unknown Attorney on Oct 16, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Debbie excels in understanding the nuances of a case and developing a strategy that gives her client the clear advantage. If she is on your side, you have the gold standard in an advocate; if you are her opponent, you better keep on your toes.
Brian McChesney, Car accident Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I highly recommend Debbie Champion. She has been my opposing counsel on multiple cases over the course of the last 23 years. In my opinion, she is one of the most skilled trial lawyers in St. Louis. She is is honest, ethical and -- as an added bonus -- an exceptional human being.
Edward Gilkerson, Car accident Attorney on Aug 6, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have known Debbie for years. She is always prepared and represents her clients very effectively.
David Renovitch, Unknown Attorney on May 1, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
John Medler, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 30, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I know Debbie from law school, and I was also on the opposite side of a few cases with her. Debbie could charm a grizzly bear, which is why she is such a good trial lawyer. I would heartily endorse Debbie for any personal injury matter.
James Hacking, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Aug 29, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I think it would be fair to say that I have never met an attorney who had something bad to say about Debbie Champion. I have had 4 or 5 cases against her and her office. Without exception, Debbie is one of the nicest, most professional and upstanding attorneys that I know. Litigation can get mean and nasty sometimes. Opposing counsel might not be trusted in certain cases. I have experienced none of that when dealing with Debbie. I trust her implicitly and would be happy to litigate against her in the future. I can see why juries love her. She's a wonderful person.
Spencer Farris, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Jul 30, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Debbie is not just a good lawyer, she is a genuinely good person! She knows the law and is a tough advocate for her clients. Her reputation is outstanding, and well deserved.
Benicia Baker-Livorsi, Unknown Attorney on Mar 1, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Debbie is a remarkable lawyer whose professionalism is unparalleled.
Ravi Nangia, Litigation Attorney on Aug 3, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Debbie is a highly effective trial attorney and has an excellent demeanor with the jury.
Ross Mutrux, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 13, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jack Adams, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 27, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. She is well known in legal circles for excellent care and professionalism
Marshall Hoekel, Litigation Attorney on Jul 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Robert Healey, Litigation Attorney on Jan 28, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Champion for over 20 years, and I am familiar with her qualities as a person and lawyer by virtue of the fact that we worked together for several years, and have continued as friends and colleagues ever since. Ms. Chamption is a terrific and fearless litigator who is willing to take on difficult cases and handle them with success. She has a great work ethic and tends to all of the details involved in her cases. The combination of her work ethic, her attention to detail and her talent make her one of the best civil litigation attorneys in the Greater St. Louis area. I would not hesitate to hire her if I was in need of legal represenation, and I have referred her to several friends, clients and family members through the years, all of whom have been completely satisfied with the quality of work.
Margaret Price, Litigation Attorney on Jan 26, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I cannot say enough good things about this lawyer. She is a brilliant litigator who will fights hard and gets the best possible result for her client. To say I endorse her is an understatement. She is highly professional, extremely courteous and always prepared. Although she is a tough litigator, she is compassionate toward her clients and truly cares about them. She is highly respected in the legal community. She has an engaging personality that helps resolve many cases with other lawyers.
Victor Essen, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 20, 2011
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Debbie is a fabulous lawyer. She has a way of charming witnesses and juries that I have not seen equaled. Moreover, behind the charm is a first class mind that doesn't miss a thing. She just makes things look effortless.
Jill Bollwerk, Litigation Attorney on Jan 11, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Debbie is one of the best insurance defense attorneys in St. Louis. She is very reasonable and professional, but also a fantastic advocate when trying a jury case. If I am ever sued for causing a serious car accident, I want Debbie to represent me!
Robert Goldson, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 1, 2010
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Debbie is an excellent and highly respected lawyer in the St. Louis legal community. I highly endorse her litigation skills in personal injury and domestic cases.
Cost
- Hourly Rates $195-$250/hour
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