Behind the List

Behind the List chooses random companies from the week's list and asks several questions to provide further insight into that particular industry. This week, Behind the List quizzes representatives from three firms on the list of Springfield Area's Largest Law Firms: Rodney Loomer of Turner Reid Duncan Loomer & Patton, No. 8; Virginia Fry of Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin, No. 1; and Kerry Douglas of Douglas Haun Kirksey & Heideman, No. 10.

Rodney E. Loomer

Title: Attorney

Firm: Turner Reid Duncan Loomer & Patton PC

Recent community involvement: Help Give Hope

Most significant development in law within the last year: Tort reform efforts

Biggest trend to watch for in law this year? Damage caps and significant restrictions on punitive damage

Virginia Fry

Title: Managing partner Springfield office

Firm: Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin

Recent community involvement: Board of directors for Springfield Symphony, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, City Utilities

Most significant development in law within the last year: Passage of Sarbanes-Oxley legislation dealing with corporate responsibility

Biggest trend to watch for in law this year? Tort reform

Kerry D. Douglas

Title: President/senior attorney

Firm: Douglas Haun Kirksey & Heidemann PC

Recent community involvement: Chairman, board of directors for Citizens Memorial Hospital District (1979-present); member, board of directors of Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation (1996-present); Missouri Board of Law Examiners (1993-2003)

Most significant development in law within the last year: Efforts at federal and state level for malpractice reform.

Biggest trend to watch for in law this year? Continuing efforts at malpractice reform; post-election efforts to amend Federal Estate and Gift Tax laws.