Decorated Trial Attorney Conard Metcalf Joins Simmons Firm as 'Of Counsel'

The Simmons firm, a leading national law firm in the fight against mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, announced today that Conard Metcalf, one of the foremost trial attorneys in the country, has joined the firm as "Of Counsel."

Metcalf has tried dozens of asbestos cancer cases since the late 1970s. He has successfully represented many men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, as well as other occupational diseases and toxic injuries.

"The Simmons firm is very fortunate to retain Mr. Metcalf's 'Of Counsel' services," Chairman and CEO John Simmons said. "Mr. Metcalf is widely respected in both the plaintiff's and defense bar for his knowledge of asbestos-related medicine and literature. We look forward to working with Mr. Metcalf, who will be an invaluable resource as we continue to commit ourselves to the needs of our clients inside and outside the courtroom."

Metcalf has been practicing law for more than 30 years. He received his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1972, where he was a member of the Law Review. In 1973, he received a Masters of Law degree from Columbia University in New York City. Today he is frequently sought after as a speaker about asbestos-related diseases at medical conferences and legal seminars around the country.

Mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and other asbestos-related diseases kill approximately 10,000 people each year. Since 1999, the Simmons firm has helped thousands of families from every state in the country, including obtaining a $250 million verdict on behalf of a U.S. steel worker - the single largest asbestos verdict in the United States.

"The Simmons firm began with a focus to provide representation to victims suffering from what were and are preventable, life-ending illnesses," Metcalf said. "I'm pleased to join the firm as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Simmons firm has accomplished much for thousands of clients and has been a champion in fundraising and research. But much work remains."

The Simmons firm also is a leading national advocate in raising public awareness and funds for research to find better care, and, ultimately, a cure, for mesothelioma. The firm has pledged more than $20 million to charitable causes, including $15 million to cancer research, $10 million of which helped build the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University in Springfield.

"We will continue to fight for the rights of victims of asbestos-related diseases and their families," said Managing Partner Michael Angelides. "And we're happy to call Mr. Metcalf our colleague in this endeavor."

Metcalf has published articles about occupational diseases in several legal journals and belongs to a number of organizations, including the International Society of Barristers, which invites lawyers with demonstrated expertise as trial lawyers to be members. He is a founding member of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, a national organization of trial lawyers representing people whose causes involve important issues of justice and fairness. Metcalf also wrote the brief on behalf of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America that was filed in the United States Supreme Court in the important asbestos case of Edwards v. Celotex.


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Simmons Employee Foundation 5th annual charity golf tournament

EAST ALTON, Ill. -- Simmons Employee Foundation, the law firm's non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to local communities, is holding its 5th annual charity golf tournament on September 18. The four-man scramble will be held at the Sunset Hills golf course in Edwardsville, Illinois. One-hundred percent of the net proceeds from the tournament will benefit local charity H.I.S. K.I.D.S., an organization dedicated to helping patients and families affected by childhood cancer.
The golf tournament will consist of two sessions, one at 8:00 and another at 1:30. The cost is $100 per person, or $400 per foursome, with an optional skins game. Mulligans may also be purchased. The prizes include cash for the first- and second-place teams in each of three flights. The tournament also offers three levels of game-play sponsorship as well as hole sponsorship.
About H.I.S. K.I.D.S.
H.I.S. K.I.D.S. (Happiness is Serving Kids in Distress Situations) is a non-profit organization founded by Jim and Connie Miles in 1984 following the death of their eleven-year-old daughter, Marcia, to cancer. There is no other organization serving children with cancer and their families in the same way that H.I.S. K.I.D.S. does. Each year, H.I.S. K.I.D.S. programs and services are offered to 2,000 seriously ill children and family members in its Midwest and Florida regions combined. Every possible means is used to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support as well as emergency assistance to the families of children with cancer and related illnesses. All services and programs are provided at no charge and without regard to race, creed, color or financial ability.

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