Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC Expands to Pacific Northwest, Merges with Seattle's Christie Law Group PLLC

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC, a Midwest-based civil litigation trial defense firm, and the Christie Law Group PLLC of Seattle announced today they will merge effective September 1.

The combined firm, retaining the name Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC, will comprise more than 90 attorneys across six offices, including Baker Sterchi's existing locations in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; and Belleville and Edwardsville, Illinois. The merger will introduce a Pacific Northwest presence, with a base in Seattle, where equity members Robert Christie and Megan Coluccio will operate. Scott Kreamer, Baker Sterchi's managing member, will continue to lead the merged firm.

"We have worked with the Christie Law Group over the years and have a great deal of respect for them. Bob is recognized as one of the top trial lawyers in the country and is a leader in the defense bar. Megan has also earned the reputation as an exceptional attorney and has a formidable trial record under her belt,” said Kreamer. “The opportunity to join forces with them is a natural fit and their addition gives us one of the deepest benches of trial attorneys in the country.”

"By joining forces, we're strengthening our ability to offer robust civil litigation defense services across a broader range of jurisdictions," said Christie. "Both firms are dedicated to trial advocacy, which sets us apart. We don't just talk about litigation; we try cases – lots of them. This hands-on experience, increasingly rare today, delivers superior results for our clients."

Christie and Coluccio bring extensive trial experience to Baker Sterchi. Christie has successfully tried over 100 cases in state and federal courts over his 40+ year career, arguing numerous appeals. Coluccio has served as lead counsel in a federal jury trial, handled multiple state court cases, and argued appeals in the Washington Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit. Collectively, attorneys from both firms have litigated thousands of jury trials nationwide.

Both firms include attorneys affiliated with esteemed defense organizations such as the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys and Lawyers for Civil Justice. Kreamer and Christie share a longstanding connection through the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, where both have served as past presidents.

Baker Sterchi and Christie Law Group both have award-winning practices defending clients in civil litigation, including commercial and business, construction, employment and labor, insurance coverage and defense, civil rights, medical malpractice, police liability, municipal liability, premises liability, product liability, professional and management liability and transportation litigation. Clients range from individual professionals and municipalities to Fortune 500 companies located locally, regionally, nationally and globally.

The Seattle office marks the foundation of Baker Sterchi's expansion outside the Midwest. Christie is licensed in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, while Coluccio is licensed in Washington and Oregon. The Seattle office will offer services throughout the greater Pacific Northwest.