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“Jerry Ronecker is one of the best environmental litigation and trial lawyers in the country. I was in private practice for more than 30 years and have been in-house for several, and I am not sure I have worked with or against an environmental litigator that is better than Jerry. He is thorough, practical, and a great listener. I love that he is my lawyer.”

Director, ESG and deputy general counsel, industrial technology company

Overview

Formerly in the research lab and now in the courtroom, Jerry draws on his past experience as an award-winning chemist to distinguish his environmental litigation practice.

Leveraging his extensive background as an environmental chemist, Jerry often impresses clients – and surprises opposing counsel – with his deep understanding of science. He is dedicated to “getting the science right” when advising clients. He focuses on environmental issues related to the entire manufacturing process, from chemical production through waste product disposal.

Jerry has an exceptional ability to merge science and law. He uses this advantage to focus litigation experts, juries, environmental agencies and clients through complex science-related issues. He handles toxic tort and product liability cases, environmental cost recovery and environmental insurance litigation, and complex commercial litigation matters.

He has defended numerous chemical companies in federal and state courts throughout the country in alleged chemical exposure claims in workplace or products cases involving acids, bases, solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), vinyl chloride, radioactive material, electrical and microelectronics chemicals, pesticides and insecticides, benzene, lead and aluminum. He also has represented clients in alleged personal injury, medical monitoring, trespass, nuisance, stigma and diminution in property damage claims from release of these chemicals in the workplace and/or environment.

“Jerry Ronecker is one of the best environmental litigation and trial lawyers in the country. I was in private practice for more than 30 years and have been in-house for several, and I am not sure I have worked with or against an environmental litigator that is better than Jerry. He is thorough, practical, and a great listener. I love that he is my lawyer.”

Director, ESG and deputy general counsel, industrial technology company

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Environmental Law, 2025
    • Litigation - Environment, 2025
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent

Education

  • J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
    • magna cum laude
    • Order of the Woolsack
    • Alpha Sigma Nu
    • Saint Louis University Public Law Review, Editor
  • B.A., University of Missouri-Saint Louis
    • magna cum laude
    • Chemistry
    • Outstanding Senior Chemistry Award

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Illinois

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Featured Experience

Olin Wins Trial Victories in Pursuit of Insurance Payments

Since 2001, Jerry has played a significant role on the team representing Olin Corp. in a long-running dispute with insurance carriers over coverage of Olin’s cleanup costs at manufacturing/disposal sites nationwide. Jerry has handled Olin’s experts and opposing experts, and the team has drawn on his deep knowledge of hydrogeology, chemical fate and transport, analytical chemistry, historical chemical handling and waste disposal practices, and proving up damages.

Jerry has represented Olin in 10 multiweek trials that resulted in recoveries or judgments recouping defense and remediation costs in excess of $300 million. And in 2018, the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, issued a judgment in Olin’s favor in excess of $130 million against OneBeacon insurance company.


Additional Experience
  • Successfully handled numerous Superfund sites in administrative forums and/or litigation, minimizing clients' liabilities and/or implementing cost-effective remedies.
  • Defended Fortune 1000 manufacturer in cost recovery action for potential Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability. After resolution of underlying case and shifting vast majority of otherwise joint and several liability to other defendants, successfully enforced client's rights against its insurance carrier.
  • Obtained summary judgment for microelectronic chemical manufacturer in 18 related lawsuits brought by more than 250 current and former IBM clean-room workers and their families.
  • Successfully defended chemical manufacturers in several alleged birth defect/wrongful birth claims.
  • Successfully handled several class action/multiplaintiff property damage and/or personal injury lawsuits involving chemicals such as PCBs, benzene, solvents, phosphogypsum, perchlorate and radioactive material, including major national aluminum recycling firm and its subsidiaries in putative class action, in which case settled with client's insurers paying nominal amount.
  • Successfully represented chemical manufacturers in product liability and toxic tort claims, including former vinyl chloride manufacturers in numerous lawsuits alleging personal injury.
  • Participated in environmental/litigation due diligence in assessing potential liability trends with potential business lines, manufacture or use of various chemicals and/or property acquisitions.
Outside the Office

Jerry enjoys hiking, astronomy and traveling to U.S. national parks.

He has a passion for nature photography and shares some of his favorite shots in the photo gallery below. When the weather is not cooperative for outdoor fun, Jerry immerses himself in researching St. Louis history.

Community Leadership

Jerry is a Certified Missouri Master Naturalist.

He participates in community education and volunteer service for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDEC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Operation Clean Stream and other entities dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas in Missouri.