Page 38 - FDCCFlyer_Summer2025

FDCC Meetings - Looking Behind
Larry was promoted to Captain
in 1969 and received orders to go
to Vietnam. While “in country,”
Larry served very close to the
Demilitarized Zone, saw combat,
and was the only lawyer assigned
as defense counsel for roughly
14,000 U.S. service personnel. Larry
served the United States with great
honor and distinction. He has been
a lifelong supporter of veterans
and causes to benefit veterans.
This early intense experience
solidified Larry’s already strong
work ethic, sense of duty, drive to
seek the truth, belief in defense
with principle and honor, and
commitment to service. From
those early days Larry charted a
course that would eventually see
him become one of the nation’s
foremost trial lawyers.
Upon returning to the US, after a
brief stop in St. Louis, Larry, his
wife Sue, and children Sara and
Jay made their home across the
Mississippi to Edwardsville, IL.
Larry joined the Burroughs Law
Firm, a small trial firm in a tough
jurisdiction. He and lifelong best
friend Gordon Broom built the firm
to national prominence and Larry
gained a reputation as a tenacious
and brilliant trial lawyer.
Throughout his extraordinary
career, Larry tried innumerable
cases and has been the “go-to”
defense attorney for insurers and
top US companies across several
industries – communications,
energy, tobacco, transportation,
pharmaceuticals, medical devices,
steel, railroads, and so many more.
Former Madison County, Illinois
Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder
shared, “To see Larry argue a
motion or try a case was to see a
calm, intelligent attorney who could
Larry’s legal acumen
and unwavering
integrity have set
a standard in our
profession that
inspires every lawyer
who has had the
privilege to work
with him.
think on his feet. His ability to
cross-examine witnesses, especially
experts, often led to crowded
courtrooms as other lawyers
wanted to see him in action.”
Former Chief Judge of Madison
County David Hylla wrote, “Larry’s
mastery in the courtroom is
unmatched—his ability to quickly
dissect complex issues and present
them with clarity has earned him
the respect of judges and peers
alike.”
Tom Keefe, one of the most
formidable plaintiff attorneys in the
country, noted “Larry’s approach
to the law—marked by a blend
of fierce advocacy and genuine
fairness—has raised the bar for
every legal professional in our field.”
For bet-the-company cases there
is no one better. Many of FDCC
members lived these adventures
with Larry who would share lessons
learned with FDCC colleagues
through consistent involvement
in section meetings, as one of
the originators of Trial Masters
programming, or telling war stories
during golf or over dinner and a
drink. Larry’s courtroom acumen is
legendary, yet it is his readiness to
share that knowledge for nearly 44
years with FDCC members and a bit
over 50 years with other colleagues,
less experienced attorneys, and the
broader legal community—that
truly inspires.
Retired Federal District Judge G.
Patrick Murphy, current plaintiff’s
lawyer, fellow Vietnam Veteran, and
lifelong friend observed, “Larry’s
legal acumen and unwavering
integrity have set a standard in
our profession that inspires every
lawyer who has had the privilege to
work with him.”
Troy Bozarth is Hepler Broom’s
current Managing Partner and
a mentee of Larry’s. Troy, who
many of you know wrote a letter of
support that stated, “Working with
Larry is a master class in advocacy
and humanity—his insights and
generosity continue to shape the
careers and lives of those fortunate
enough to know him”
Beyond the courtroom and the
boardroom, Larry’s impact in the
community is equally inspiring.
In Edwardsville, Illinois, Larry
has been a driving force in local
development—supporting
initiatives that range from the
beautification of downtown areas to
driving economic development in
Edwardsville while maintaining its
historic roots and charm. Larry has
34 Summer 2025 | Federation Flyer www.thefederation.org