Ben Thames is a Partner in the St. Louis office of Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young LLP. Ben has concentrated his practice in the defense of small companies as well as large corporations involved in complex litigation in the areas of product liability, toxic tort and mass tort, environmental litigation, and commercial issues. He has represented various manufacturers, suppliers and premises owners in claims involving toxic exposures and product liability actions, including automotive products, respiratory protective equipment and industrial equipment. Additionally, he has defended companies against claims involving alleged exposure to asbestos, benzene, chromium, diacetyl, coal dust and other industrial substances. Ben oversees all phases of litigation, including conducting discovery, investigation and analysis of evidence, research and preparation of motions, deposing and defending fact and expert witnesses, and preparing for and participating at trial and appellate practice.