Hamilton Weber LLC

Drew Weber Leads Scouts Placing Flags at Jefferson Barracks for Memorial Day

2026-05-27T18:40:02Z

Thousands of area scouts paid tribute to fallen service members Sunday by placing flags on graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. https://tinyurl.com/mr6seays

Addison Miller Joins Hamilton Weber

2026-05-06T16:54:48Z

Hamilton Weber is pleased to announce that Addison Miller has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Addison will practice in the firm’s state and local government law and corporate law practice areas. Addison earned his J.D. from Washington University School of Law and received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Ohio State University. Addison is admitted to practice law in the States of Missouri and Ohio.

Randy Weber Named Top M&A Provider by Small Business Monthly

2026-03-09T19:31:38Z

https://1drv.ms/b/c/18cf1cd4907b6e3c/IQDi4cy0pSV8QYaEBLYxddukAVDhVESAy1Mz3wBL-yuSNYI?e=W5pOMh

Congratulations to Our Newly Licensed Missouri Attorneys

2026-04-13T05:31:21Z

We are pleased to congratulate McKayla Bogda, Clara R. Brand and Addisyn Wheeler on receiving their Missouri law licenses. McKayla and Addisyn have been valued members of our team, serving as law clerks while completing their legal studies, while Clara joined us after graduating from law school. We are proud to see them take this next step in their professional journeys. Each has demonstrated exceptional dedication and hard work in reaching this goal, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as licensed attorneys in the State of Missouri.

FAQ: Deciphering The Code: The Codification of Ordinances

2025-10-07T16:38:17Z

FAQ: DECIPHERING THE CODE: The Codification of Ordinances By: John A. Young[i] and Rebekah King[ii] Pursuant to Sections 71.940 to 71.948, RSMo., the governing body of any municipality may provide for the compilation or revision and codification of the general ordinances of the municipality and the publication in book form of such compilation or codification. 1. What is codification? Codification is the process of systematically compiling, revising, and organizing the general ordinances of a municipality into a cohesive and accessible format. The result is one easily accessible body of current, enforceable law. Codification includes: (a) compiling and revising existing ordinances, (b) modifying sections deemed advisable, (c) omitting unnecessary sections, (d) adding new provisions, and (e) adopting the entire compilation through an adopting ordinance and publishing it in a permanently bound or loose-leaf book form. Additionally, codification may involve the inclusion of annotations, cross-references, and other materials to enhance the utility of the code. It can incorporate by reference model codes (i.e., building codes), state regulations, and statutes (i.e., the model traffic ordinance,), as authorized by specific Missouri statutes. Once codified and adopted by ordinance, the codification is published in book form and takes effect, carrying legal authority. 2. Why should a municipality codify its laws? Codifying a municipality’s laws offers several benefits that enhance the effectiveness of local governance. It increases efficiency for city staff by streamlining the process of locating and applying local laws, saving valuable time and resources. Codification ensures that a municipality’s code remains up-to-date and aligned with the evolving needs of the community by simplifying the incorporation of amendments, adoption of new ordinances, and removal of outdated or irrelevant provisions. It also promotes clarity and consistency, making laws easier to understand and uniformly applied, which reduces confusion and errors. Additionally, by making local laws accessible to the public, codification empowers residents to understand their rights and responsibilities, fostering greater civic engagement. Finally, a well-maintained and organized code can help protect a municipality from legal challenges related to outdated, conflicting, or ambiguous ordinances. 3. What’s the difference between an ordinance and a code? A municipal ordinance is a specific legislative act passed by a municipality’s governing body to regulate a particular issue within its jurisdiction, such as zoning, public safety, or traffic. Ordinances allow municipalities to address local concerns that may not be fully covered by state or federal law. In contrast, a municipal code is a comprehensive compilation of a municipality’s general ordinances. The municipal code serves as a reference tool for understanding and navigating local laws. In essence, while an ordinance is a single local law, the code is the structured collection of all such laws. 4. How often should a municipal code be updated? Municipalities should always maintain a general awareness of changes in the law at the State and Federal levels as well as court decisions that may impact the validity or enforceability of municipal ordinances. At a minimum, municipalities should annually review new State laws that impact the general ordinances of the municipality and update the code of ordinances as warranted. In addition, it is prudent to periodically conduct a wholistic review of a municipal code. The frequency with which a municipal code should be updated depends largely on how legislatively active the local government is. However, if a code of ordinances has not undergone review in at least 10 years, it may be outdated, contain obsolete information or internal inconsistencies and be misaligned with current state statutes. While Missouri does not mandate updates within a specific timeframe, maintaining an accurate and up-to-date code is essential. A municipal code should be a living document that evolves with the community it serves. When a code becomes stagnant, it fails to effectively guide residents, business owners, property owners, and municipal officials. To remain relevant and enforceable, the code must be clear, accurate, and reflective of current laws. 5. How many hard copies of the code book should be retained and where? Missouri municipalities are required to retain at least three hard copies of its published municipal code book. These copies must be kept on file in the office of the municipal clerk and made available for public inspection during reasonable business hours. Additionally, the governing body must also make provisions for furnishing insertions of supplements to the code, particularly in loose-leaf or compiled formats, to municipal personnel, purchasers, and others having copies of the code. 6. How do we ensure our code is legally enforceable? A municipality must pass an ordinance adopting the codification of its municipal ordinances. When the ordinance and the codification, along with a certificate of the municipal clerk that the same are true and correct copies, are published in book form, the codification takes effect and will be received in evidence in all courts and places without further proof. Further, municipalities in Missouri may ensure that their municipal codes are legally enforceable by adhering to specific statutory requirements and procedural safeguards. Missouri courts have emphasized the necessity of strict compliance with statutory procedures, for example, zoning ordinances adopted without proper notice and public hearings under §§ 89.050 and 89.060, RSMo., are invalid. Collectively, these legal frameworks ensure that municipal codes are not only enforceable but also uphold transparency, public accountability, and the rule of law. 7. Can our municipal code be available online? Yes, municipal codes in Missouri can be made available online, though they are not required to be by statute. Municipalities are legally required to maintain their code of ordinances in print, but digital availability offers convenience and accessibility. Missouri’s emphasis on the principle of open records further supports the idea of making such information publicly accessible. Online availability allows residents and municipal staff to find specific code sections instantly and from anywhere, whether on a job site or at home. By putting information directly into the hands of residents, online code availability may reduce the volume of calls to municipal offices, saving time for both staff and the public. Online availability also enables municipalities to quickly distribute code updates, while still preserving access to archived versions. Overall, online availability of a municipalities code contributes to more efficient governance and a more informed public. 8. How long does the codification process take? There are a number of factors that affect the timeline of the codification process, such as the size and complexity of your municipality, availability of staff to dedicate to the process, use of consultants and the scope of legislation to be included. The timeline of events typically includes the following steps:

Collecting and organizing general ordinances
Evaluating the existing ordinances
Legal review and analysis of existing ordinances and desired amendments or additions
Public Inspection and Input
Drafting of the Municipal Code
Adoption of the Municipal Code

For most municipalities, it is likely that the process of adopting a municipal code will take 9 to 14 months. For larger or more complex municipalities, the process can take between 18 to 24 months. 9. How should our code be organized and numbered? A well-organized and clearly numbered municipal code is essential for ensuring its longevity and ease of use. The code should be broadly divided into logical titles based upon general subject matter such as Government Organization and Administration, Public Safety, Traffic, Business and Occupation Licensing and Permitting, Building and Construction, Utilities, and Zoning and Land Use. Each title can then be further divided into various levels of subcategories. Each category of the code should be numbered sequentially in such a manner that each section is easily citable and allows for insertion and amendment. 10. Can codification be done by city staff or is it typically contracted out? The dedicated teams of employees that serve the municipalities of this State on a daily basis are more than capable of preparing a municipal code. It is, however, doubtful that, without assistance, such a task can be accomplished timely or efficiently while expecting these employees to provide the same level of services residents expect. It is likely for this reason that most cities that adopt municipal codes contract for these services. Even with assistance of a contract service provider, engagement of municipal employees and officials in the process is critical to a successful codification effort. There are a number of service providers that have experience with municipalities in this State that are more than capable of assisting any municipality wishing to adopt a municipal code. _____________________________ [i] John A. Young is a partner at the law firm Hamilton Weber LLC in St. Charles. John serves as the City Attorney for the Cities of St. Peters, Wildwood, Dardenne Prairie and Warrenton. [ii] Rebekah King is a J.D. candidate at St. Louis University School of Law and served as a summer associate at Hamilton Weber LLC.

Hamilton Weber LLC Lawyers Recognized by Best Lawyers

2025-09-05T17:19:42Z

Hamilton Weber LLC is proud to announce that the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America lists 7 attorneys who were highly recommended by their peers. Hamilton Weber LLC would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to The Best Lawyers in America® list:

- Jared D. Howell
  - Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
- K. Andrew Weber
  - Real Estate Law
- Wm. Randolph Weber
  - Corporate Law
  - Municipal Law
- V. Scott Williams
  - Commercial Litigation
  - Litigation – Labor and Employment
  - Litigation – Municipal
  - Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
- John A. Young
  - Land Use and Zoning Law
  - Municipal Law

Hamilton Weber LLC would also like to congratulate the following lawyers named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America list:

- Tanner A. Kirksey
  - Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  - Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  - Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Bradley R. Pryor
  - Land Use and Zoning Law
  - Municipal Law

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, creativity and diligence that these lawyers place in each client and case that they take on. We congratulate each of these honorees on this recognition. Recognition by Best Lawyers^® is based entirely on peer review. Best Lawyers^® believes that the best lawyers know who the best lawyers are. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers^® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

John Young—Recipient of MMAA Lou Czech Award

2025-07-24T18:43:13Z

Hamilton Weber LLC is proud to announce that the Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association (MMAA) presented John Young with the annual Lou Czech Award! The Lou Czech Award was established in 1994 and is presented annually to the member of the MMAA displaying the same high standards of accomplishment, professionalism and ethical conduct as exhibited by Lou Czech. John is the first attorney at Hamilton Weber LLC to receive this prestigious award in recognition of his contributions to the municipal law practice in this state. Please join us in congratulating John Young!

Hamilton Weber’s Q1 2025: Empowering St. Louis Through Education and Community Engagement

2025-04-24T15:28:44Z

At Hamilton Weber, we are committed to serving our community through education, engagement, and philanthropy. The first quarter of 2025 has been particularly active, with our team delivering insightful presentations and participating in meaningful local events. Below, we highlight our recent contributions to professional development and community support in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Educational Presentations: Our team has delivered several presentations to equip healthcare providers, municipal officials, and business executives with practical knowledge and legal guidance:

Social Media and the First Amendment: Legal Guidance for Municipal Governance
Charting in the Emergency Department: Legal Pitfalls and Best Practices
Medical Malpractice and the Health Care Provider: Practical Strategies and Legal Risks
Preparing for Change: What Proposition A Means for Missouri Businesses
Succession and Survival-From M&A to Bankruptcy: A Legal Guide for Small Businesses

Community Involvement: Beyond educational efforts, we proudly supported two cornerstone community events:

Mayor’s Charity Ball
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

Looking Ahead: These activities reflect our ongoing mission to contribute to the professional growth and well-being of our community. We look forward to continuing our engagement through more presentations, partnerships, and events in the months ahead. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for supporting our efforts to make a positive impact.

Jared Howell Appointed to DRI’s Social Inflation Task Force

2025-02-19T21:44:51Z

Jared Howell has been appointed as a member of the Social Inflation Task force with the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy. DRI is the largest international membership organization of attorneys defending the interests of business and individuals in civil litigation. DRI is committed to enhancing the skills, effectiveness, and professionalism of defense lawyers; anticipating and addressing issues germane to defense lawyers and the civil justice system; promoting appreciation of the role of the defense lawyer; improving the civil justice system and preserving the civil jury; and seeking out and embracing the innumerable benefits and contributions a diverse membership provides. The "Social Inflation Task Force" within the DRI Center for Law and Public Policy is a group dedicated to researching and addressing the trend of rapidly increasing civil litigation costs, known as "social inflation," where verdicts and settlements are significantly higher than what would be expected based on the facts of a case, often driven by factors beyond economic inflation. Jared's work on DRI's Social Inflation Task Force will be vital to the continued growth and prominence of DRI. The future success of DRI is dependent in large part on the vision, energy, and focus of its volunteers as they promulgate DRI's Core Values: Education, Justice, Balance, Economics, Professionalism, and Diversity.

Jared Howell Selected as Top Business Attorney in St. Louis

2025-02-03T19:13:19Z

Congratulations to Jared Howell on being selected as a 2025 Top Business Attorney by Small Business Monthly.