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Overview

Trez is a seasoned civil defense attorney who tries high-stakes product liability and tort cases across a range of industries, with a focus on healthcare, manufacturing, and other product-driven sectors. He defends complex matters in state and federal courts involving product liability, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, and wrongful death claims.

With more than 25 years in the healthcare industry, including as a registered nurse and as a senior healthcare administrator, Trez brings uncommon clinical and operational insight to litigation. His background spans emergency medicine, critical care, interventional radiology, ventilator rehabilitation, and cardiothoracic and neurological intensive care, as well as leadership roles in medical-surgical services, critical care and interventional radiology. This depth of experience allows him to translate intricate clinical and operational issues into practical legal strategy in healthcare, torts and product-related disputes.

Trez represents clients across healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, and other regulated industries in disciplinary proceedings, regulatory investigations, and catastrophic loss matters. In addition, he serves as outside corporate counsel, advising clients on federal and state regulatory investigations, compliance reviews, internal policy assessments, remediation efforts, peer review proceedings, licensure actions, and administrative hearings. His healthcare executive and human resources experience further supports clients’ corporate governance, transactional, and policy needs.

Trez’s 13 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a military officer reflect a sustained record of leadership and service. He also graduated with honors from the 3790th Medical Service Squadron’s Medical Service Specialist program at Sheppard Air Force Base.

Known for his collaborative style and credibility with clients, witnesses, and juries, Trez is a true trial lawyer who develops cases from initial investigation through verdict. Clients value his candor, meticulous preparation, and effective courtroom advocacy.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Health Care Law, 2023-present
    • Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2024-present
    • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, 2024-present
    • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants, 2025-present
  • Illinois Defense Counsel, Distinguished Member Award, 2022
  • Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Lawyers, 2022
  • The National Black Lawyers Top 100, 2015
  • NAACP’s 54th Freedom Fund Awards for Excellence in Law
  • Leading Lawyers
    • Employment Law: Management
    • Medical Malpractice Defense Law
    • Personal Injury Defense Law: General
    • Product Liability Defense

Education

  • J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
    • Certificate in Health Law
    • Saint Louis University Health Law Association
    • Black Law Student Association
  • B.S., National Louis University
    • Management
    • Dean’s List
    • Student Body Representative
  • R.N., Lutheran Medical Center School of Nursing
    • Salutatorian
    • Dean’s List
    • Student Body Representative
    • Lutheran Medical Center’s Alumni Academic Scholarship

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL)
    • President, 2025-2026
    • President Elect, 2024-2025
    • Vice President, 2023-2024
    • Treasurer, 2022-2023
    • Board Secretary, 2021-2022
  • Illinois Association for Defense Trial Lawyers, Diversity Committee Chair
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellow, 2022
  • St. Clair County Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
    • Magistrate Judge Selection Committee, 2018
    • Merit Retention Panel, 2012
  • Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois, Hearing Board Member
  • Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Graduate Adjunct Professor, Healthcare Law


*Contact Trez to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the St. Louis office.

Experience

Trez has expansive trial experience and has tried multiple cases to verdict involving multimillion-dollar, high-exposure civil litigation. He has significant experience in fact-intensive cases through all phases of litigation. Drawing on a strong trial foundation, Trez represents clients in complex liability disputes with a strategic, results-oriented approach.


Outside the Office

Trez enjoys cycling and playing jazz trumpet, occasionally sitting in with friends when time and practice permit. He’s an avid golfer and especially values coaching his sons in baseball.

Community Leadership
  • St. Clair County Child Advocacy Center, Member, Board of Directors
  • Illinois Center for Autism in Fairview Heights, Illinois, Past Member, Board of Directors
  • Southern Illinois University, Student Nurse Achievement Program (SNAP), Past Member
  • Illinois State Sen. James F. Clayborne Jr. Mentor Program, Past Mentor
  • Office of the Inspector General, Illinois Department of Human Services Quality Care Board, Past Member