Alexa Lester is a senior associate with Brown & James, P.C., based out of the firm’s St. Louis office. She concentrates her practice in the area of first-party insurance coverage and disputes, with a special emphasis in arson and fraud claims. Alexa routinely conducts examinations under oath of insureds on behalf of her clients. She represents insurance carriers in pending claims and throughout all stages of litigation. She has successfully prepared cases for trial and has obtained victories for her clients through dispositive motions. In her free time, Alexa enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the University of Kentucky Wildcats!
Favorable Results
Vogelsang v. The Travelers Home & Marine Ins. Co., St. Louis County Circuit Court (2020), affirmed by the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District (2021). First-party property coverage dispute. Obtained summary judgment in favor of Travelers on insured’s breach of contract and vexatious refusal to pay claims based on the policy’s ordinance and law exclusion.
Farm Bureau Town & Country Ins. Co. of Missouri v. Beverly Stevenson, Reynolds County Circuit Court (2021). First-party arson case. Jury verdict for Farm Bureau.
Nationwide Ins. Co. of America v. McCain, U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri (2020). Obtained summary judgment in favor of Nationwide that policy was void ab initio, insured was not entitled to any coverage under the policy, and Nationwide was not obligated and had no duty to defend or indemnify insured under the policy.
Farm Bureau Town & Country Ins. Co. of Missouri v. Smith, Dent County Circuit Court (2019). First-party arson case. Jury verdict for Farm Bureau.
Pattichot v. Auto Club Family Insurance Company, St. Louis County Circuit Court (2017). First-party property coverage dispute. Obtained summary judgment on behalf of Auto Club Family Insurance Company.
Prior Legal Experience
Extern, Saint Louis University Office of the General Counsel
Intern, Office of the Missouri Attorney General
Extern, Saint Louis University, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Law Clinic
Academic Honors and Activities
Dean’s Scholar, Saint Louis University
Community Activities
University of Kentucky Alumni Association, Alumni Club St. Louis Chapter