Carl Kessinger was raised in Guthrie, a small town located in central Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology in 1985 after undergoing a yearlong internship at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Carl continued his education at OU, where he received his law degree in 1988.

Upon graduating from law school, Carl moved to St. Louis, Missouri.   He is licensed by examination to practice law in the state courts of Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Florida. Carl is also licensed in the United States District Courts of the Southern and Northern Districts of Illinois, the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, and the Eastern District of Michigan.  He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, American Association for Justice and Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Carl has spoken at seminars sponsored by the Missouri Bar Association. His peers have awarded him the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent, 5.0/5.0, peer review rating. This is the highest rating, and represents the top level of professional excellence for ethical standards, legal knowledge, and communication skills.  Additionally, the National Trial Lawyers has recognized Carl as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer.  The National Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only organization, and is composed of premier trial attorneys across the country that meet stringent qualifications as trial lawyers.

He has 25+ years of litigation experience, including the drafting of pleadings and motions, taking and defending depositions, and jury trials.  During the course of his practice, Carl has handled a wide variety of matters, such as workers’ compensation, personal injury, and property damage cases.  The personal injury cases in which he has been involved include motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death trucking accidents, injuries resulting from defective products, and toxic tort (asbestos) claims.

The majority of Carl’s civil litigation experience has been devoted to representing injured railroad workers in FELA cases throughout the country.  He has handled cases in more than 15 states, ranging from southern Florida to Washington State.  He has successfully mediated FELA cases, and participated in trials resulting in favorable jury verdicts.

Carl has been married to his wife for over 30 years and has three children.