Firm History
Explore Key Moments Across Our History:
2001
Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, P.C. is Founded
Four litigators from Rosenblum, Goldenhersh, Silverstein & Zafft and four from Rothman, Sokol, Adler & Sarachan, P.C. come together to form Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, P.C. (“CSGS”). The firm launches with a team of 20, including attorneys and professional staff, united by a shared vision of a collaborative, client-focused practice.
2006
Firm Expands Office Space by 25%
CSGS signs an eight-year lease in the Pierre Laclede Building at 7701 Forsyth. The lease for 12,500 square feet is a 25% increase over current space, almost tripling the space since the firm’s inception.
2007
Office Relocation and Practice Expansion
The firm relocates to the twelfth floor of the Pierre Laclede Center in Clayton, establishing its long-term presence in the region. That same year, John S. Meyer Jr. joins the firm, supporting the continued expansion of Capes Sokol’s Business and Real Estate Transactions Practice Group and enhancing its capabilities in complex commercial transactions.
2008
Firm Celebrates Rothman’s 50th Anniversary
CSGS celebrates Kenneth J. Rothman’s 50th year practicing law with a party at the firm. Ken, Senior Counsel, served as Majority Leader and then Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, as Lieutenant Governor of Missouri, and as a Municipal Judge in the cities of St. Ann and Richmond Heights.
2011
10th Anniversary Milestone
CSGS celebrates its tenth anniversary, having doubled in size and significantly expanded its team of attorneys and professionals.
2013
Launch of Intellectual Property Practice
Michael Kahn joins the firm to lead its Intellectual Property Practice Group, expanding Capes Sokol’s capabilities in complex and evolving areas of law.
2014
Firm Rebrands, Expands & Elects First Managing Shareholder
The firm rebrands as “Capes Sokol” and transitions to a Managing Shareholder model, with founding member Jeffrey A. Cohen appointed to the role. The firm also expands its office footprint within the Pierre Laclede Center.
2016
15th Anniversary and Continued Growth
Capes Sokol celebrates its fifteenth anniversary, reflecting more than 30% growth over five years and continued expansion across practice areas.
2018
Expansion and Recognition
The firm signs a long-term lease for new office space in the Regions Centre in Clayton. That same year, Capes Sokol is honored with the Gerald R. Ortbals Law Firm Award by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
2019
Firm Adds Entertainment & Media Practice
Capes Sokol establishes its Entertainment & Media Practice, with Pete Salsich joining as of counsel. Construction begins on the firm’s new office space in the Regions Centre.
2020
Firm Moves into New Office Space
Capes Sokol moves into its new, multi-floor office space in the Regions Centre, occupying approximately 34,000 square feet in the heart of Clayton’s business district, an investment that supports continued growth and collaboration.
2021
20th Anniversary Milestone
The firm celebrates its twentieth anniversary, with more than 40% growth over five years and continued expansion of its attorney roster.
2022
Strengthening the Business & Real Estate Group
Capes Sokol significantly expands its Business and Real Estate Group with the addition of five experienced attorneys, William B. Remis, Francis X. “Butch” Miller, Stacy Engles Wipfler, Mitchell H. Herzog, and Robert T. West, along with additional professional staff. This strategic growth enhances the firm’s capabilities in complex commercial real estate transactions and supports the evolving needs of its clients.
2023
Leadership Transition and Operational Growth
Jeffrey A. Cohen transitions from Managing Shareholder to Chairperson after nine years of leadership. Douglas S. Dove is unanimously elected Managing Shareholder. The firm also welcomes its first Chief Operating Officer, Katie Bircher, following the retirement of Executive Director Deborah Trachsel after 17 years of dedicated service.
2024
Strategic Growth and Practice Expansion
Capes Sokol continues its strategic growth with the addition of a Family Law Practice Group, led by nationally recognized attorney Michael L. Schechter, alongside attorney Ajla Alunovic and paralegal Lora Logan-Bright. The firm also launches the Retail Law Collective, a specialized practice focused on providing comprehensive legal services tailored to the retail industry.
2026
25th Anniversary Milestone
Capes Sokol marks its 25th anniversary, reflecting on a legacy of growth, collaboration, and client commitment while continuing to look ahead to the future.
Reaching 25 years is a meaningful milestone for our firm. It reflects not only our growth, but the strength of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and our community. We are incredibly proud of the culture we’ve created and the people who continue to drive our success.
- Douglas S. Dove, Managing Shareholder
On April 1, 2001, eight ambitious attorneys led by David V. Capes, Mark E. Goodman, Gary R. Sarachan, and Daniel R. Sokol took a leap of faith and formed Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan, P.C.
From the beginning, we concentrated on the long term, and this has served us well. Our unique foundation of collaboration produced a rewarding work experience for our team, an increased ability to serve our clients, and support the community where we work and live in more ways than ever before.
From there, we worked hard and prospered together as a team. We set lofty goals for ourselves and the firm, and we have achieved them together. We have grown in space through our new dynamic, collaboration-based office, expanded our depth of legal experience through new attorney and practice group development, and focused on cultivating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.
I’m very proud of our accomplishments in the past 25 years and view our anniversary as an occasion not just to celebrate our past and present, but as an opportunity to renew our goals and commitments as we move into our third decade and beyond.
With a vision for the future and a solid strategy for getting there, I know that success is inevitable. None of this would have been possible without the combined strength of the people of Capes Sokol and their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to our firm and our clients.
To all of our friends, thank you for your support.
- Jeffrey A. Cohen, Chairman
