Biography

Bob Bassett has earned the respect of his clients and colleagues as a skilled and knowledgeable attorney, primarily concentrating on trucking and product liability defense. With a diverse career that includes experience as an in-house attorney as well as in private practice, he has spent a considerable amount of time in courtrooms in Southern Illinois and across the Midwest.

During his time as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company, Bob managed product liability litigation in all state and federal courts. Furthermore, he supervised litigation related to the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), associated with the company’s railway subsidiary. In addition to his FELA work, Bob was a member of the company‘s task force on Worker’s Compensation and worked directly with a number of insurance companies.

Bob has continued to work closely with insurance companies throughout his career in private practice. He focuses on defense litigation of claims involving transportation litigation, professional liability, premises liability, insurance coverage and class action litigation throughout Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. Bob often works directly with the insurer‘s clients, and is well-regarded for his insight into the transportation industry. In fact, he is known throughout many transportation industry associations, frequently lecturing at their meetings. Bob has also presented lectures relating to general civil litigation and worker’s compensation for the National Business Institute, the Product Liability Advisory Council and numerous private groups.

In addition to his legal practice, Bob serves on the firm's Management Committee, and is an active member of the St. Clair County Bar Association in Illinois. He served on the Association's Board of Directors from 1998-2004 and has held a number of positions since then. He currently serves as the Group's President.

Education

• Washington University School of Law, J.D., 1986
• Murray State University, B.S. magna cum laude, 1983

Professional Affiliations

• Missouri Bar
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• International Association of Defense Counsel
• Transportation Lawyers Association
• Trucking Industry Defense Association
• St. Clair County Bar Association
• First Vice President (2010-present)
• Board of Directors (1998-2004)

Bar Admissions

• United States Court of Appeals
  • Seventh Circuit
• United States District Courts
  • Eastern District of Missouri
  • Southern and Central Districts of Illinois
• Missouri
• Illinois

awards and honors

• Listed with Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers (2011)