Hatfield Honored for Third Time as Missouri Lawyers Media's Lawyer of the Year

02.12.2025

Stinson LLP Partner Chuck Hatfield has been awarded the Lawyer of the Year Award by Missouri Lawyers Media.

Hatfield is recognized for his remarkable achievements that shaped how proposed laws and constitutional amendments were presented to the public over the past year. His selection reflects his unwavering commitment to tirelessly advocating for Missourian's right to vote on critical issues through the initiative petition process.

Hatfield led the appellate team representing the campaign and defending the position of Amendment 3 on Missouri's general election ballot, which sought to establish reproductive health care rights in the state.

"It was an honor to work alongside such an exceptional team of lawyers. Their expertise and dedication were unparalleled and their extraordinary skill and professionalism were evident at every stage," ACLU of Missouri Director for Policy and Campaigns Tori Schafer said. "I'm extremely proud of this team. Witnessing their talent, collaboration and commitment to success was inspiring and made all the difference."

The team, made up of Stinson Partners Alex Barret and Jeremy Root and attorneys Carleigh Cavender and Alixandra Cossette, as well as attorneys from the ACLU of Missouri and a local St. Louis law firm, navigated significant legal challenges, including last-minute objections from opposing groups and claims from Missouri's secretary of state that the ballot measure did not meet initiative petition requirements, among other assertions. Cossette, along with Barrett, Cavender and Root, provided key support to Hatfield in handling the appeal, including conducting research, drafting sections of the brief, and preparing for oral arguments. Ultimately, the Missouri Supreme Court rejected those claims and upheld the amendment's position on the November 2024 ballot.

In addition to this success, Hatfield also advocated in court for the proponents of the other four constitutional amendments on Missouri's general election ballot. His efforts were crucial in ensuring that voters could consider a tax to create a children's services fund for mental health care and the legalization of sports betting.

This is Hatfield's third time winning the Lawyer of the Year Award, having received the honor in 2022 for his role as lead counsel in securing Medicaid expansion for Missourians and again in 2008 for his legal work that positioned him at the center of many significant political battles in the state. Hatfield's leadership, relentless advocacy and deep understanding of Missouri's political and legal systems continue to exemplify how the law can serve the greater good.

Hatfield, along with Schafer and Chris Grant from Schuchat, Cook & Werner, will be honored with the Lawyer of the Year Award at the Missouri Lawyers Awards Feb. 13.

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