When the dispute is complex and the risk is high, experience in the courtroom matters.
Decades of trial experience representing people and businesses in complex, high value commercial disputes—when judgment matters most.
Commercial Litigation • Trial Work • Arbitration • Mediation
Focused Representation in Complex Business Disputes
Craig O’Dear represents businesses and individuals in high-stakes commercial disputes, with a practice focused on trial work, arbitration, and mediation. He brings decades of hands-on courtroom experience to matters where outcomes can have lasting financial, operational, and reputational consequences.
While many disputes resolve before trial, Craig prepares every case as if it will be tried. That preparation informs strategy, strengthens negotiation, and positions clients for the best possible result—whether in court or at the table.
Why Experience Still Matters
Most commercial cases today never reach trial. As a result, many lawyers lack meaningful courtroom experience.
Craig O’Dear is different. He began trying cases in the 1980s and spent his career handling complex, high-value disputes through trial, arbitration, or decisive pre-trial resolution.
Clients benefit from judgment developed over decades—not theory, not delegation, but direct responsibility for complex matters in state and federal courts. That experience often leads to clearer advice, stronger positioning, and better outcomes, whether a case is tried or resolved short of trial.
Practice Areas
Craig advises and represents clients in complex commercial disputes, from early strategy through trial or resolution. His practice includes litigation, arbitration, and mediation, with an emphasis on practical outcomes and informed decision-making.
Recognized Excellence
Craig’s work has been consistently recognized by peers and independent legal organizations, including:
- Chambers USA — Tier 1 ranking for over 20 years
- Missouri Lawyers Media — Missouri Lawyers Icon
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Trial Lawyers in America
- Missouri Lawyers Weekly — Power List (Business Defense)
- Super Lawyers (multiple years)
Independent judgment. Proven experience.