Simmons Hanly Conroy Partner John Barnerd Honored as a Southern Illinois Influencer
ALTON, Ill. – Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that John A. Barnerd, firm partner and management committee member, was named to St. Louis Small Business Monthly magazine's “Top People To Know in Southern Illinois” list for 2025.
Published every December, the list recognizes and celebrates Southern Illinois influencers who are helping to drive the success of regional businesses. Honorees are identified through a peer review process.
“John is a tireless advocate for his clients and a pillar of the local business community,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Managing Partner Laurence V. Nassif. “We are thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and look forward to benefitting from his many contributions that positively impact our region.”
A long-time member of the firm’s Asbestos & Mesothelioma team, Barnerd negotiates with asbestos defendants on behalf of his clients. He has helped secure millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for asbestos exposure victims and their families.
As a thought leader in the asbestos field, Barnerd has been invited to speak on numerous legal panels. Notable involvements include the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s first ever Legal Panel, his service as co-chair of the Midwest Asbestos Litigation Conference in St. Louis, and presentations during the Plaintiffs’ Asbestos Litigation Conference in Los Angeles.
About Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP
Simmons Hanly Conroy is one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms, dedicated to helping victims of mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancers. Other primary areas of litigation include prescription opioids, sexual abuse, pharmaceutical, consumer protection, environmental, and personal injury. The firm's attorneys have been appointed to leadership in numerous national multidistrict litigations, including prescription opioids, Vioxx, Yaz, Toyota unintended acceleration, BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, DePuy Pinnacle, Uber Rideshare sexual assault, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Norfolk Southern East Palestine train derailment and the Volkswagen emission scandal. The firm also represents small and mid-size corporations, inventors and entrepreneurs in matters involving business litigation. Firm attorneys’ passion for improving the lives of asbestos victims and their families extends to the firm’s contributions to mesothelioma cancer research and ongoing support through initiatives including the firm’s annual Miles for Meso 5K race and fun run/walk. Firm offices are located in Alton, Illinois; Boston; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; San Francisco; and St. Louis. Read more at www.simmonsfirm.com.