Jim Gottschalk, General Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and Personal Injury
Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC
St Louis, MO
Practicing general in St Louis since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Jim Gottschalk?
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Quick answer
Jim Gottschalk is an attorney based in St. Louis, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Personal Injury. Jim has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MISSOURI
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- General · Insurance · Personal Injury
- Handles General, Insurance, and Personal Injury matters from St. Louis, MISSOURI.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026).
About Jim Gottschalk: Jim Gottschalk is an attorney based in St. Louis, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Personal Injury. Jim has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC.
Areas of practice
Jim's practice areas in St Louis
Jim concentrates on general, insurance, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jim handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Insurance
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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General cases in St Louis, Missouri
Jim takes general 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 Jim agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in St Louis, Missouri
Jim 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 Jim agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in St Louis, Missouri
Jim takes personal injury 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 Jim agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in St Louis, Missouri
Jim 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 Jim agrees to represent you.
Biography
Jim Gottschalk, general attorney serving St Louis
Jim Gottschalk is an attorney based in St. Louis, MISSOURI. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Personal Injury. Jim has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gausnell, O'Keefe & Thomas LLC. Jim works from St Louis, Missouri and takes on general matters across the region.
Jim Gottschalk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants.
Jim, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jim is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
How Jim handles general matters
Jim Gottschalk is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Jim, who practices law in St. Louis, Missouri, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the…
Who Jim represents
Jim reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and personal injury matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Jim studied and practices
Washington University in St. Louis
— · 1984
Jurisdictions
Jim's state bar admissions
Missouri
1985 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1984 · ACTIVE
Jim studied at — in Washington University in St. Louis.
Law school and academic background
Jim completed — in Washington University in St. Louis. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jim runs in Missouri is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Jim's legal honors and published work
Jim has received 4 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026).
Locations
Jim Gottschalk's office in St. Louis
Jim'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 Jim Gottschalk — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jim usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jim charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jim'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; Jim will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in St Louis, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Jim
Jim discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Jim confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jim's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jim Gottschalk
How much does it cost to hire Jim for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jim walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jim offer a free consultation?
Jim charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jim's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Jim's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple general 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. Jim gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jim take my case if I'm outside St Louis?
Jim 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 — Jim 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 Jim?
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. Jim will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jim accepting new general clients right now?
Jim's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
Jim handles general matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Jim's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in St Louis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





