Derek Ruzicka, Class Action Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Class Action, Construction, and Insurance
Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC
St Louis, MO
Practicing class action in St Louis since 2008.
- 18+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Derek Ruzicka?
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Quick answer
Derek Ruzicka is an attorney based in St. Louis, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on Class Action, Construction, and Insurance. Derek has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MISSOURI
- Experience
- over 18 years
- Known for
- Class Action · Construction · Insurance
- Handles Class Action, Construction, and Insurance matters from St. Louis, MISSOURI.
- Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026).
About Derek Ruzicka: Derek Ruzicka is an attorney based in St. Louis, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on Class Action, Construction, and Insurance. Derek has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Derek Ruzicka
Derek concentrates on class action, construction, insurance, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Class Action
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Construction
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Insurance
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Product Liability
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Class Action cases in St Louis, Missouri
Derek takes class action matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in St Louis, Missouri
Derek takes construction matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in St Louis, Missouri
Derek takes insurance matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in St Louis, Missouri
Derek takes product liability matters in St Louis, Missouri. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Derek Ruzicka — Over 18 years of Missouri class action experience
Derek Ruzicka is an attorney based in St. Louis, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on Class Action, Construction, and Insurance. Derek has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC.
Derek P. Ruzicka focuses his trial practice in a diverse range of areas, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has handled cases in a number of difficult venues, from the City of St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison and St. Clair Counties, in Illinois, and Federal Court in East St. Louis and St. Louis. Whether through dismissal, favorable trial verdicts, or reasonable case resolutions, he has successfully handled many difficult matters through completion.
Derek’s experience is extensive, having handled cases involving general liability matters, professional liability, toxic torts, including asbestos, benzene and other substances, product liability, trucking, and environmental claims. He has represented product manufacturers of consumer products, power tools, industrial vehicles, manufactured housing, foundry equipment, and a host of others, including pharmaceutical litigation.
Derek also devotes his practice to trial work for design professionals or other construction professionals, product liability, and other complex litigation matters. He has arbitrated or tried successfully claims involving architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners. He also assists design professionals and small business owners in up-front contract document reviews and consultations.
Working with Derek on a class action matter
Derek P. Ruzicka focuses his trial practice in a diverse range of areas, with an emphasis in complex litigation. He has handled cases in a number of difficult venues, from the City of St. Louis, Missouri, to Madison and St. Clair Counties, in Illinois, and Federal Court in East St. Louis and St. Louis. Whether through dismissal, favorable trial verdicts, or reasonable case resolutions, he has…
Who Derek represents
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for class action, construction, and insurance matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Derek Ruzicka's legal education and bar admissions
Southern Illinois University
JD · 2008
Valparaiso University
— · 2004
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
Illinois
2009 · ACTIVE
Missouri
2008 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at JD in Southern Illinois University and — in Valparaiso University.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed JD in Southern Illinois University and — in Valparaiso University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Derek Ruzicka
Derek has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyer
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026).
Locations
Derek Ruzicka's office in St. Louis
Derek's primary office is at 1717 Park Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC
1717 Park Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63104
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Derek Ruzicka — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new class action attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Derek usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Derek charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Derek will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a class action attorney in St Louis, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many class action matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Derek
Derek discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in class action practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every class action matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Derek confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Derek's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many class action practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek Ruzicka
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a class action case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Derek walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Derek offer a free consultation?
Derek charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office. Some class action attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do class action cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple class action matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Derek gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Derek take my case if I'm outside St Louis?
Derek is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Derek will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Derek?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Derek will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Derek accepting new class action clients right now?
Derek's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Class Action attorneys serving St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
Derek handles class action matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified class action attorneys in that community.
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