Mathis, Marifian & Richter continues founding principles into 33rd year
By TAYLOR KEEL
In 1984, Patrick Mathis, George Marifian and Kevin Richter sought to open a law firm that would provide businesses and individuals with a better choice in legal representation. Thus, the three attorneys joined together to open Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. The founders of the Belleville-based law firm framed the organization’s business principles around the idea of broad experience with a regional focus. After 33 years in business, MMR continues to do just that.
The firm merged with Coffey and McCracken Law Firm in Edwardsville in 2011, combining the talents of some of the most respected and accomplished attorneys in the region. Now with offices in Belleville, Edwardsville and Nashville, Ill., as well as St. Louis, clients benefit from a vast amount of knowledge and skills in convenient locations.
The 23 practicing MMR attorneys all possess the ideal combination of intellect and empathy for each of their clients, the founding partners say. MMR is equipped to handle legal services including business transactions, litigation, taxation, estate planning, banking and more.
The MMR team has deep roots in the local community and a commitment to personalized solutions and services. Over the past three decades the combination has enabled MMR to emerge as one of the most respected and trusted law firms in the Southern Illinois and St. Louis Metropolitan areas.
Not only is it one of the largest firms in the area, it continually gives back to its community. The Mathis, Marifian & Richter Foundation as well as the firm’s shareholders, associates and staff donate thousands of dollars to local charities and organizations each year. The firm also is a proud supporter of the fine arts. Since 2011 MMR has sponsored the High School Sculpture in the City Program at Belleville’s Art on the Square art fair. It also is a sponsor of the Edwardsville Art Center. Additionally, MMR annually awards three $1,000 scholarships to Metro East high school students who plan on pursuing a career in the legal profession.
The firm’s business clients are as diverse as the communities they serve. MMR represents businesses of all sizes from a variety of industries including publicly traded corporations, global product manufacturers, financial institutions, engineering firms, hospitals, medical care providers, retail enterprises, automobile dealerships, locally owned small businesses and more.
Important factors in effectively representing clients include understanding business needs, structure and organization, financial conditions, relevant industry trends as well as beneficial opportunities. MMR business attorneys say they take the time to learn about each organization’s unique qualities, recognizing that these critical components of business are often intertwined and impacted by legal matters.
No matter the size or matters of a business, MMR attorneys are prepared to handle any situation, from offering legal counsel during the initial formation or acquisition of an enterprise, to providing legal services in conjunction with day-to-day operations, to assisting with the sale or dissolution of a business.
Mathis, Marifian & Richter combines a comprehensive and compassionate understanding of clients’ business needs with the depth of skill and effective legal representation that business clients require.
Many attorneys at MMR are certified public accountants, hold advanced degrees in accounting and taxation, or have earned master’s degrees in business administration. They are also actively involved in the Taxation Section of the American and Illinois State Bar Associations, have served on the Illinois Secretary of State’s Business Acts Advisory Committee, and are frequent speakers and guest lecturers at business-related seminars presented by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
To learn more about Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., visit www.mmrltd.com or call (618) 234-9800.