Asbestos attorney Mengarelli named newest associate judge in Madison County

Asbestos attorney Martin Mengarelli of the Simmons firm in Alton has been appointed associate judge of the Third Judicial Circuit.

He will be filling the vacancy created following the Aug. 31 retirement of Associate Judge Keith Jensen.

Associate judges are selected by vote of the court's elected circuit judges.

Mengarelli received his undergraduate degree in 1989 from Loyola University in Chicago, and his juris doctorate in 1993 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

According to his bio on the Simmons Hanly Conroy website, Mengarelli has more than 20 years of litigation experience "and has tried numerous jury and bench trials in both state and federal courts."

"Marty has dedicated his legal career to representing individuals and families injured by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases," his bio states. "He has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on their behalf."

Prior to joining the Simmons firm, he operated personal injury firm Andrews and Mengarelli from 2003 to 2009. He was an associate with Hopkins Goldenberg from 2001 to 2003, and an associate with Morris B. Chapman and Associates from 1993 to 2001.

He also served in the U.S. Army from 1985 to 1987.  As an attorney, Mengarelli has assisted veterans with disability claims and other legal matters pro bono.

He is a member of the American Association of Justice, the Illinois Bar Association, the Missouri Bar Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. He is a past president of the Tri-City Bar Association.

Mengarelli has served as "house captain" for Rebuilding Together in Madison County from 2000 to 2010, served as a board member and director of the SEF Charitable Foundation from 2009 to 2013, and also volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for Senior Services Plus from 2004 to 2009.

“I have known Marty and respected his legal ability for many years," stated Chief Judge Dave Hylla.

"His record of community and military service speaks for itself. I am confident that he will carry the same high level of dedication to public service with him to the bench. Marty Mengarelli’s ability, experience and concern for others will make him an outstanding member of the Madison County judiciary."

Mengarelli is married to Granite City attorney Laura Andrews, who operates Andrews Law Office. They live in Maryville. Their daughter, Maria, is a freshman at the University of Missouri.