

The Inner Circle of Advocates
Recognition Among the Nation’s Top 100 Plaintiffs’ Trial Lawyers
Good trial attorneys may receive any number of awards that recognize their skill and courtroom success. Few, however, can say they’ve earned a spot among the nation’s most respected litigators. But for Founding Attorney Thomas Strong and Partner Steven Garner, that’s precisely the case.

Tom and Steve are two of a select group of attorneys to have earned membership in the Inner Circle of Advocates, an exclusive legal organization comprised of the best plaintiffs’ trial lawyers in the country.
- Steve Garner is an Active Member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, making him one of just 100 attorneys in the entire country to hold this distinction.
- Tom Strong is a Member Emeritus of the Inner Circle (one of 36) who has retained his honorary title after having retired from formal practice.
What it Means to be Part of the ‘Inner Circle’
Inclusion among the Inner Circle of Advocates is one of the most prestigious honors a trial lawyer can achieve. It speaks volumes about the respect Tom and Steve have garnered over the course of their careers, and the millions of dollars they’ve recovered on behalf of plaintiffs in complex civil claims.
The Inner Circle of Advocates was created in 1972 to unite the nation’s most accomplished plaintiff-side trial attorneys. Though they’re spread across the country, Inner Circle members work collectively in pursuit of justice and the organization’s mission to promote the highest standards of courtroom competence and mutual fellowship among outstanding trial lawyers. The Inner Circle’s collaborative work can be seen in some of the country’s largest and most important cases.
As an invitation-only organization, the Inner Circle limits membership to just 100 attorneys. These attorneys are exceptionally qualified, respected by their peers, and highly experienced in complex litigation. Like Tom Strong and Steve Garner, they have excelled in their areas of practice and have cultivated reputations as legal innovators capable of taking on the most powerful corporations in the world.
In addition to assessing applicants on these criteria, the Inner Circle also requires members to have at least three verdicts of $1 million or a recent verdict in excess of $10 million.
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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How long do I have to file a personal injury case in Missouri?Every state has a time limit for how long you have to file a personal injury claim called the statute of limitations. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is five years from the date the injury occurred or could have been reasonably discovered. If you fail to file your personal injury lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires then the defendant will most certainly file a motion to dismiss the case.
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What does a personal injury lawyer do?
Personal injury lawyers are legal experts dedicated to helping those who have been injured in an accident navigate the complex issues on their road to recovery. They specialize in tort law, protecting the rights of victims and ensuring they receive compensation for their suffering.

Our Settlements & Verdicts
Recent Case Victories
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$6.7 Billion Big Tobacco Settlement
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$38.0 Million Business Fraud
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$28.9 Million Medical Malpractice
Strong Garner Bauer’s Record of Success
Since 1976, Strong Garner Bauer has recovered billions of dollars in compensation for clients, a feat made possible by our talented team and the insight of our two Inner Circle members. In fact, Tom and Steve have been instrumental in driving our firm’s success, and in helping us amass a record that includes historic recoveries, landmark rulings, and some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Missouri and the nation.
Some of our notable results include:
- $6.7 billion settlement against the Tobacco Industry
- $38 million business fraud verdict against Land’s End
- $28.9 million medical malpractice verdict over delayed diagnosis
What Sets Us Apart
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A History of DedicationAt Stong-Garner-Bauer we pride ourselves on delivering quality representation that targets the unique needs of your case. Every case has a team of dedicated and experienced individuals working towards the best possible outcome.
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A History of Innovative StrategiesWhen you work with us you get our state-of-the-art technology. Using our modern technology, we can create tests, reconstructions, animations, illustrations, and exhibits in order to explain even the most complicated cases to juries and judges.
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A History of Quality CounselOur team of attorneys is passionate about helping people and has been ranked by their peers and colleagues among the top trial lawyers for the past three generations.
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A History of ExcellenceOur firm was established in 1976 and has a history of obtaining exceptional results. Since opening our firm we have obtained over $7 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.