Up & Coming Honorees: Tanya M. Maerz, 33

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Practice Areas: Litigation, health care, medical malpractice, commercial and business disputes

Law School: University of Missouri

In her seven years at Husch Blackwell, Tanya Maerz has wasted no time in distinguishing herself as a health care industry litigator. She is a key member of the firm’s team that represents prescription-benefits giant Express Scripts, and she has also defended pharmacy clients in cases that involved professional negligence. Using creative discovery and resolution methods, she has defended senior-care facilities and anesthesiology groups as well against medical-malpractice claims.

A 2011 graduate of the Unviersity of Missouri Law School, Tanya mentors associates and summer associates. She also serves on Husch Blackwell’s recruiting committee. In addition, she takes on pro bono guardianship cases and regularly volunteers with Ready Readers, an organization dedicated to early-childhood literacy for underserved area children. Tanya is a board trustee in her homeowners’ association.

What advice do you have for young lawyers?

Work hard and don’t expect opportunities to be handed to you; go out and get them. Have confidence in your abilities because you usually know more than you think. And be nice to the staff at the courthouse.

What is the best career advice you have received?

Be yourself. People will see through you if you’re trying to be someone or something that you’re not. And be kind to everyone, especially to your adversaries. You may end up needing them as an ally on your next case.

What is something that would surprise people about you?

I’m the one that takes care of spiders when they come into my house. My husband is terrified of them.