James L. “Jim” Gehrs was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois. Jim graduated from AlthoffCatholic HighSchool in Belleville and attended Southwestern Illinois College where he received hisAssociate’s degree. He continued his education at St. Louis University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a certificate in professional writing. After working as a furniture installer for a few years, Jimdecided he wanted to pursue his passion to become a lawyer and was accepted to Saint Louis University School of Law, where he graduated in 2013.
During law school, Jim interned for therenowned personal injury law firm of Keefe, Keefe & Unsell, P.C.Jim also interned atthe St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office, gaining valuable courtroom experience on serious felony cases.
Prior to joining Wilkins Schneller, Jim worked for Becker, Paulson, Hoerner&Thomspon, P.C. in Belleville for fiveyears, where he practiced civil defense work in a variety of different fields, including personal injury, civil rights, and land use.Jim’s notable clients included his alma mater of Southwestern Illinois College, City of Belleville, City of Fairview Heights, Cahokia School District, East St. Louis School District, and St. Clair County, Illinois.Jim also served asprosecutor in Fairview Heights Municipal Court.
Since joining Wilkins Schneller, Jim’s practice has focused exclusively on representing individuals and their families who have suffered personal injuries or wrongful death. Jim handles a variety of personal injury cases including: motor vehicle collisions, work injuries, FELA, maritime/Jones Act, and wrongful death.
Jim is admitted to practice in both Illinois and Missouri and has been admitted to the Federal Bars in the Southern District of Illinois, the Central District of Illinois, the Eastern District of Missouri, and The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of several legal organizations including, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Missouri Trial Lawyers Association, the St. Clair County Bar Association, and the East St. Louis Bar Association.
When Jim is not working, he stays busy with his wife, Lauren, and his two sons. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board at the South Broadway Athletic Club in St. Louis. When time allows, he enjoys hiking, fly-fishing, and hunting.