Wesselschmidt Benjamin Rans

People Benjamin Wesselschmidt Shareholder Ben Wesselschmidt focuses his practice on complex and multiparty civil litigation, specializing in employment law, non-compete litigation, class action defense and appellate litigation. Ben has experience representing employers in a broad scope of employment issues, including litigation and consent decree compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as high stakes litigation world of post-employment restrictive covenant litigation. In his class action defense work, Ben focuses his practice on the defense of employers for wage and hour class allegations and on the defense of product manufacturers for product defects and alleged labeling defects. Ben also has extensive appellate knowledge, having formerly served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert M. Clayton III on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District. He handles a wide variety of appeals, but focuses primarily on interlocutory appeals to ensure the enforcement of arbitration agreements. Ben serves as the Co-Chairperson for the firms Associate Mentoring Committee. Outside the office, Ben is an avid amateur cyclist and vintage racing bike collector. He spends most of his time with his wife Ashleigh, and their two sons. Professional Affiliations Associated General Contractors of Missouri, Member Licensure(s) and Admission(s) Illinois Missouri United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri Clerkship Ben served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Robert M. Clayton III on the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District. Civic Activities Ben also stays active in the community. As an annual fundraiser and participant in Pedal the Cause, Ben raises funds for leading edge cancer research for Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine, and as a supporter of Trailnet, Ben advocates for the expansion of pedestrian-friendly greenways in the St. Louis area. Presentations Ben frequently presents for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce on changes and updates in Illinois and federal employment law. Awards & Recognition 2022 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Star Business Litigation, Employment & Labor, Appellate, Class Action/Mass Torts 2020-2021, 2023 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Star Business Litigation