John Simmons (attorney)

John Simmons is an American attorney and chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy, the largest mass tort law firm in the United States. Simmons and his firm are known for recovering the most—$5 billion—in jury verdicts and settlements for clients, particularly in asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits.

John Simmons grew up in East Alton, Illinois. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army. At the same time, he married his high school sweetheart.

In the Army, Simmons worked as a combat engineer. He served in the Army for two years. His first job out of the Army was building houses with his father.

Simmons attended and graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, majoring in political science and graduating with honors. He earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas, Texas.

According to his official biography on his law firm’s website, "In 2006, following the early success of the firm, John was recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of St. Louis’s 40 Under 40. The award honors 40 early achievers based on accomplishments in their careers and work in the St. Louis community."

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers ranked Simmons Hanley Conroy LLC as one of the "Best Law Firms" in the United States in 2013 and 2014. As an individual practicing attorney, Simmons received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. According to his official biography on his firm’s website, an AV rating "identifies a lawyer with very high to preeminent legal ability."

John Simmons’ law firm, currently called Simmons Hanley Conroy LLC, is the "largest mass tort law firm in the United States." Over the years, the firm has recovered through settlements and verdicts over $5 billion for clients.

John Simmons founded the Simmons Law Firm in 1999 with only seven employees.[6] Its first headquarters, which remains the firm’s headquarters to this day, is located in Alton, Illinois. At first, the firm focused on asbestos litigation.

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