Ian P. Cooper
Margaret A. Hesse
Melanie Gurley Keeney
Tueth Keeney Cooper Mohan & Jackstadt, PC has been recognized regionally as a “Best Law Firm” in St. Louis, by U.S. News ““ Best Lawyers ®, for the tenth consecutive year. The firm has received a First Tier ranking in Education Law, Employment Law ““ Management, Immigration Law, Litigation ““ Labor & Employment, as well as a Tier Two ranking in Commercial Litigation.
The U.S. News ““ Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. Firms who have at least one lawyer who has been recognized in the previous edition of Best Lawyers in a practice area and metro area currently ranked by “Best Law Firms” are eligible to receive a ranking.
Firms included in the 2020 “Best Law Firms” list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise.
In addition, four of our attorneys have been recognized in St. Louis, in the Best Lawyers in America (2020 Edition). Ian Cooper, in his sixth year of recognition, is included in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law ““ Management, and Litigation ““ Labor and Employment. Amy Clendennen is again recognized in Education Law for the fourth consecutive year. Melanie Keeney, who has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 1997-98, is included in Education Law, Employment Law ““ Management, and Immigration Law. President of the firm, Margaret Hesse, has been recognized in Employment Law ““ Management since 2017.
Ian P. Cooper is a founding Shareholder of Tueth, Keeney, Cooper, Mohan & Jackstadt, P.C. Ian practices in the areas of employment law, higher education law, and litigation and regularly serves as lead trial and appellate counsel in significant employment lawsuits, including class actions and other complex litigation. Ian has been elected a Fellow in both the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and in Litigation Counsel of America. He has also been named a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Ian was also selected to the Top 50 2018 St. Louis Super Lawyers list.
Amy Leech Clendennen practices in the areas of education, higher education, litigation, and labor and employment law. Amy advises clients on issues ranging from student discipline to personnel matters to special education. She has successfully represented school districts, colleges and universities, and private employers in litigation before various administrative agencies, as well as state and federal courts. Amy is a sought-after and regular speaker at state-wide and regional educational conferences. She has been elected to three terms on the Webster Groves School District Board of Education. Amy earned a Bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, a Master’s degree from Ball State University, and a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis, all with honors.
Melanie Gurley Keeney practices in the areas of employment, immigration and education law. Melanie has been included in Best Lawyers in America ® for 25 years, and has been recognized in all areas of her practice. She also has been named to Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers ® lists for over 10 years, and has been rated one of the top 50 female lawyers in Missouri and Kansas. She was named a “Top Missouri Lawyer” by St. Louis Magazine and Kansas City Magazine for Immigration Law. Melanie has been distinguished as Best Lawyers ® St. Louis Immigration Law Lawyer of the Year in 2019, 2015, and 2012, and St. Louis Education Law Lawyer of the year in 2017. In 2016, Missouri Lawyers Weekly presented Melanie with the Women’s Justice Litigation Practitioner Award and in 2014, Washington University School of Law honored Melanie with the International Women’s Day Award for Employment Law. She has served as an adjunct professor at Washington University and is a frequent presenter on legal topics. Melanie is a founding Shareholder of the Firm and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Firm.
Margaret A. Hesse is a shareholder with the law firm of Tueth Keeney. She primarily practices in the areas of education law, employment law, and litigation and has represented school districts across both Missouri and Illinois for many years. Margaret’s experience in includes defending school districts in matters involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Missouri Human Rights Act, Title VII, the Safe Schools Act, Title IX, the Equal Pay Act, Section 1983, First Amendment and Sunshine Act compliance, to name a few. She consults with educators on a daily basis on a variety of issues. Margaret is committed to creating a world where school leaders are spending as little time as possible thinking about legal concerns, so they can maximize their time and attention shaping young lives.