Thompson Coburn announced that the firm has elected nine attorneys to its partnership and promoted one attorney to counsel. The promotions, which are effective January 1, 2026, span several practice groups and offices, including St. Louis, New York, Dallas, and Washington, D.C.
The newly elected partners are:
Justin W. Allen (Dallas) represents businesses in state and federal court in disputes including breach of contract claims, misappropriation of proprietary information/company property, tortious interference with contracts and opportunities, and breach of fiduciary duties. He has also represented software technology patent holders in patent infringement litigation against global corporations. Allen’s work has spanned industries including financial services, technology, real estate, and manufacturing. He received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, summa cum laude, from Baylor University.
Elizabeth E. DiMichele (New York) is an experienced labor and employment attorney who provides comprehensive counsel in all aspects of employment law. As a trusted advisor to human resources professionals and in-house counsel navigating complex local, state, and federal laws, DiMichele focuses on providing practical and effective advice that minimizes risk and promotes clients’ best interests. She holds a J.D. degree from New York University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Georgetown University.
Jesse K. Doggendorf (St. Louis) handles all aspects of merger and acquisition transactions, including the acquisition and sale of stock and assets and guides each deal through negotiations to a successful closing. His clients come from various industries, from manufacturing to tech. He received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Washington University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Saint Louis University.
Danny A. Garcia (St. Louis) is a litigator with experience in state and federal courts. As a member of trial teams for complex commercial and class action litigation, he has worked across all facets of the discovery process. He also coordinates and supervises firm attorneys providing pro bono assistance to litigants in landlord-tenant cases through the firm’s partnership with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. He holds a J.D. degree, cum laude, from Washington University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Lewis & Clark College.
B.I. Middleton (St. Louis) works with clients on a variety of litigation and regulatory matters in state and federal courts as well as in front of federal agencies. He litigates complex matters for clients in the health care, agribusiness, consumer goods, and energy sectors. He received his J.D. degree from Stanford University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Nicholas T. Schnell (St. Louis) represents clients in complex, commercial disputes in federal and state courts and has worked on a range of matters including class actions, contract disputes, and appeals, serving clients from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. Schnell received his J.D. degree, with highest honors, from the University of Iowa College of Law, and holds two bachelor’s degrees, cum laude, from the University of Missouri.
Jake T. Schwartz (New York) represents secured and unsecured creditors, creditors’ committees, liquidating trustees, lenders, and debtors in a wide range of restructuring and reorganization matters. He has represented clients in a variety of industries such as retail, manufacturing, financial services, real estate, construction, maritime, and information technology. He holds a J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Buffalo.
Jessica F. Wang (New York) represents financial institutions in secured commercial lending transactions, bringing a unique blend of legal expertise and financial acumen to her practice. Before pursuing her legal career, she became a certified public accountant, gaining extensive experience in the public and private sectors. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the NYU Stern School of Business.
Katie E. Wendel (Washington, D.C.) handles regulatory and transactional matters for the nonprofit and for-profit higher education sector, including online education programs, and has extensive knowledge of the laws and policies affecting colleges and universities. She works with the U.S. Department of Education, accrediting bodies, and state education agencies on behalf of clients to assist with eligibility and compliance issues. She received her J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, a master’s degree in higher education from Indiana University Bloomington, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
In addition, the following attorney is being promoted to counsel:
Joseph V. De Santis (New York) focuses on complex commercial litigation, representing clients in diverse industries such as banking and finance, consumer goods and retail, hospitality, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and health care, among others, in federal and state courts. He holds a J.D. degree from Hofstra University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University at Albany.