Apr 3

Baker Sterchi Attorneys Lead and Participate in 2024 MODL Trial Academy

Baker Sterchi attorneys Briana Cowell (Kansas City) and Ruthie Vaughn (St. Louis) participated in the 2024 Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers (MODL) "John L. Oliver, Jr." Trial Academy at the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia, Missouri, held from March 27 to 29. Led by a distinguished faculty of 14 seasoned defense lawyers, including Baker Sterchi Members Clayton Crawford (Kansas City) and Joseph Swift (St. Louis), 35 students engaged in the program, assuming the roles of defense lawyers in a mock civil trial.

Cowell practices civil litigation, primarily defending product liability, wrongful death and personal injury cases. She is a member of the Earl E. O'Connor American Inn of Court and Propane Gas Defense Association. Cowell obtained her law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law and is licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas.

Vaughn focuses on personal injury, medical malpractice and business litigation. She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and the Mound City Bar Association. Vaughn earned her law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law and is licensed to practice in Missouri.

Established in 1984, MODL aims to assist defense attorneys in delivering top-notch representation to clients through continuing legal education programs and various other initiatives.