Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experienced Civil Litigation Attorneys in Southern Illinois
Established in 1934, Gosnell Borden Enloe & Sloss has built a legacy as one of Southern Illinois' most respected law firms. Our practice spans civil litigation, insurance defense, personal injury, real estate, oil and gas law, and probate matters, with representation in state, federal, and appellate courts across Southern and Southeastern Illinois. With roots tracing back to Noah M. Tohill's 1895 practice, our firm combines generational expertise with modern legal strategies. Our attorneys hold the highest legal ability rating (Preeminent) and Very High ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell, while AM Best recognizes us as recommended insurance attorneys.We serve diverse clients including major regional hospitals, banks, and drainage districts, maintaining deep community ties through generations of local practice. Our team includes Derek W. McCullough and Eric A. St Ledger, both raised in Southeastern Illinois, ensuring continuity of regional expertise. We emphasize trial litigation excellence while providing comprehensive legal solutions for individuals and businesses. Our office in Lawrenceville, Illinois, serves as a hub for our regional practice covering 16 counties. This enduring commitment to legal excellence has made us a trusted name in civil law for over nine decades.
Services
Civil Litigation
Insurance Defense
Personal Injury
Real Estate Law
Oil & Gas Law
Probate Matters
Business Litigation
Family Law
Mediation Services
Wills & Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 1934
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of continuous legal practice in Southern Illinois
- Our attorneys hold Preeminent legal ability ratings from Martindale-Hubbell
- We maintain regional court expertise across 16 Southern Illinois counties
- Recognized by AM Best as recommended insurance attorneys
- Our team includes locally-raised attorneys with generational community ties
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
- AM Best
Services
Civil Litigation
Our firm provides comprehensive civil litigation representation in state and federal courts. Handling complex disputes involving contracts, property rights, and business conflicts, we combine courtroom experience with strategic legal analysis. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in multi-county litigation matters for decades.
Insurance Defense
We specialize in insurance defense matters including coverage disputes and first-party claims. Our team represents major insurance companies and local providers in complex litigation. With AM Best recognition, we offer expert guidance on policy interpretation and risk management strategies.
Personal Injury
Handling automobile accidents, wrongful death, and traumatic injury cases, our attorneys advocate for victims' rights. We manage claims involving spinal cord injuries, medical malpractice, and construction accidents. Our trial experience ensures effective representation in settlement negotiations and courtroom proceedings.
Real Estate Law
We provide legal counsel for residential and commercial real estate transactions. Our services include title examinations, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution. With local expertise in Southern Illinois property law, we handle complex land use and development issues for institutional and individual clients.
Wills & Estate Planning
Our firm offers comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, and probate administration. We assist families with asset protection strategies and handle contested probate matters. Our attorneys combine legal expertise with personalized guidance for estate preservation and transfer.
People
Noah M. Tohill
Founder
Established the original practice in 1895, laying the foundation for our firm's regional expertise. Played key roles in early banking and oil industry development in Lawrence County through his legal practice and title abstract business.
Maurice E. Gosnell
Senior Partner
Joined the firm in 1934 and expanded its regional presence through courtroom success. Developed the practice into a multi-county operation before retiring in the 1980s. Established the firm's reputation for trial litigation excellence.
John F. Borden
Partner
Joined the firm in 1970 and contributed to its growth into a regional practice. Maintained expertise in civil litigation and business law while mentoring subsequent generations of attorneys within the firm.
Derek W. McCullough
Attorney
Joined the firm after growing up in Southeastern Illinois. Provides modern legal expertise while maintaining the firm's tradition of community-based representation. Focuses on civil litigation and insurance defense matters.
Eric A. St Ledger
Attorney
Brings local perspective and contemporary legal skills to the firm. Concentrates on real estate law and business transactions while upholding the firm's long-standing commitment to regional clients.
Questions
What areas of law does Gosnell, Borden, Enloe & Sloss specialize in?
We focus on civil litigation, insurance defense, personal injury, real estate, oil and gas law, probate matters, business litigation, and estate planning across Southern Illinois.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Our practice traces back to 1895 with Noah M. Tohill's original law office, operating continuously since 1934 under the current partnership structure.
Do you handle cases outside Lawrence County?
Yes, we represent clients in 16 Southern and Southeastern Illinois counties including Crawford, Richland, Wabash, and Jefferson Counties.
What legal accreditations does the firm hold?
We maintain Preeminent legal ability ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and are recognized by AM Best as recommended insurance attorneys.
