Candice Kusmer is a litigator with a focus on concise written and oral advocacy. She appreciates the challenges that come with complex civil litigation, synthesizing intricate facts and concepts into a clear, approachable argument. And because few cases actually make it to trial, strategic briefing can relegate a complicated matter to favorable, early resolution.
Candice infuses collaboration and creativity into every case, listening to her clients’ needs with an eye towards innovative solutions. Over the course of her career, she has secured thousands of dismissals and negotiated hundreds of settlements through careful case preparation and building upon solid professional relationships.
Candice’s litigation and appellate practices often involve product, premises, and personal injury liability claims, including exposures to toxic substances. She has served as local, regional, and national coordinating counsel for multiple corporations, including both Fortune 100 and 500 companies.
Representative Experience
Collaborating with New York local counsel, simultaneously secured three summary judgments for product manufacturer based on plaintiffs’ lack of causation in three individual appeals to New York’s Appellate Division, First Department.
Dyer v. Amchem Products, Inc., 207 A.D.3d 408 (1st Dept. 2022) Grunert v. A.C. and S., Inc., 207 A.D. 3d 414 (1st Dept. 2022) Pomponi v. A.O. Smith Water Products Co., 207 A.D. 3d 417 (1st Dept. 2022)
Achieved summary judgment for school district in personal injury negligence lawsuit based on school immunity through the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Immunity Act.
Peters v. Herrin Comm. Unit School Dist. No. 4, 2015 IL App (5th) 130465
Obtained release for product manufacturer in plaintiffs’ appeal of third-party defendants’ good-faith settlements.
Davis v. American Optical Corp., 386 Ill. App. 3d 866, 899 N.E. 2d 506 (5th Dist. 2008)
Professional Recognition
Diversity Journal
Fellow
Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action
Civil Litigation
Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action
Related Services
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law
J.D., 2002
Gustavus A. Buder, Jr. and Kathryn M. Buder Scholar
University of Oklahoma
B.A., 1999
Journalism
Minors in Latin & Women’s Studies
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Missouri
Court Admissions
United States District Court of Illinois
Southern District
Illinois Federal Court
Missouri State Federal Court
Professional and Community Activities
National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL)
Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA)
Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis
Illinois Appellate Lawyer Association
Illinois Bar Association
Missouri Bar Association
Junior Service Club of St. Clair County
Illinois
Mind’s Eye Radio
Belleville, Illinois
Safe Connections
St. Louis, Missouri
University of Oklahoma Alumni Association
Life Member