ST. LOUIS – Attorney Jason “Jay” Barnes, Shareholder at Simmons Hanly Conroy in the Complex Litigation Department, was recently recognized as an “Influential Lawyer” in the 2019 Missouri Lawyers Awards presented by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. The honor is awarded to Missouri lawyers who made substantial contributions to the legal community.
Jay was awarded the honor not only for his work as a plaintiff’s attorney, but for his eight years as a state representative. Specifically, the award highlighted his leadership in the Missouri House investigation of former Gov. Eric Greitens. Jay was also instrumental in passing legislation that protected the lives and rights of Missourians from all walks of life. Through these bills and amendments, he:
- Protected student athletes from concussions
- Increased adoptee rights
- Increased access to healthcare for foster children and persons with disabilities
- Protected senior citizens from financial fraud
- Expanded college scholarship opportunities for students in parochial schools
- Prohibited internet extortion
- Fought corruption by prohibiting legislators from immediately becoming lobbyists after their term is completed
- Created an avenue through which Missourians can expunge past criminal convictions after they have served their sentence
“There is no one more deserving of the ‘Influential Lawyer’ award than Jay Barnes,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Managing Shareholder Michael Angelides. “Jay works tirelessly to represent and protect hardworking people who have been wronged, and our entire team is proud to have him on our side.”
Barnes was honored at an award celebration on January 25 in St. Louis, where nearly 250 members of the legal community came together to recognize the year’s winningest trial and appellate lawyers, law firm innovators, and more.
For more information about the 2019 Missouri Lawyers Awards, visit: https://molawyersmedia.com/missouri-lawyers-awards-2019/.
