Jackalyn A. Olinger Rochelle

Jackalyn “Jackie” Rochelle has dedicated her career to the effective and conscientious representation of individuals and families affected by asbestos-related diseases. She has over 17 years of experience and leadership handling matters for people all over the country whose lives have been impacted by the carcinogen asbestos. She sees cases through from intake to trial, and has secured millions of dollars in settlements and awards for her clients and their families. 

Jackie continues her advocacy outside of the courtroom by volunteering with various organizations to help protect the civil justice system and the vulnerable in our communities. For example, Jackie serves on several leadership positions within the American Association for Justice (AAJ). She is also an active member of the Board of Directors at the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition which works to create a safe and loving home for all foster children in the St. Louis region. She is also a frequent presenter and faculty member around the country for attorneys’ continuing legal education classes and was an adjunct professor at the Washington University School of Law.

Awards & Accolades

• Best Lawyers in America, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Webster Groves, MO (2024 and 2025) 
• Litigation Practitioner Award, Missouri Lawyers Media’s Women’s Justice Awards (2023)
• National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Civil Plaintiffs Lawyers (2022-23)
• American Association for Justice, President’s Distinguished Service Award (2012, 2021, 2022)
• American Association for Justice, President’s Certificate of Recognition (2021)
• Missouri Lawyers Media, Women’s Justice Awards, Litigator of the Year Award Nominee (2020)
• American Association for Justice, Minority Caucus Stalwart Award (2017)
• American Association for Justice, New Lawyer’s Division Above & Beyond Award (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016)
• Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, Volunteer of the Year Award (2014)
• Saint Louis University School of Law, Black Law Students Association, Outstanding Attorney Award (2008)

News & Insights

• Boxing In Obstructionist Witnesses During Depositions, Written and Presented at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association’s 57^th Annual Institute, Indianapolis, IN, November 2021
• Legal Group AAJ Recruits 1,000 “Incredibly Energized” Poll Volunteers, Law.com, October 16, 2020.
• Plaintiffs’ Advocate, The National Jurist, February 2008, Vol. 17, No. 5.
• The Purveyors of Doubt Science, Written and Presented at the American Association for Justice Asbestos Litigation Group Education Program, Los Angeles, CA, July 2016
• Multigenerational Workforce CLE, Group Leader for the American Association for Justice General Education Program, Boca Raton, FL, February 2016
• Mediation Techniques – There is More than One Way to Win, Written and Presented for the American Association for Justice New Lawyers Division & Stalwarts Education Program, Montreal, Canada, July 2015
• Asbestos in Minority Lungs, Written and Presented for the American Association for Justice Minority Caucus Education Program, Vancouver, Canada, July 2010
• Looking Ahead to Jury Selection, Written and Presented for the American Association for Justice New Lawyers Division Education Program, Vancouver, Canada, July 2010
• Your First Trial – Secrets for Success, Written and Presented for the American Association for Justice Law Schools Committee, Vancouver, Canada, July 2010
• Moderator – Various Education Programs, 2008 – Present
• Interview: Plaintiffs’ Advocate, The National Jurist, February 2008, Vol. 17, No. 5.

Community and Professional Activities

Leadership Positions

• American Association for Justice
  • Executive Committee
  • Board of Governors
  • Diversity & Inclusion Committee - Chair
  • Voter Protection Committee – Co-Chair
  • Minority Caucus (2012 – 2013 - Chair)
  • New Lawyers Division (2011 – 2012 - Chair)
• Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition
  • President, Board of Directors (2022 - Present)
  • Member, Board of Directors (2015-2021)
  • President, Junior Board of Directors (2012 – 2015)
  • Hope in a Handbag™ Annual Charity Fundraiser
    • Steering Committee (2010 – Present)
    • Event Co-Chair (2008 – 2010)

Legal Associations - Participation & Memberships

• American Association for Justice (2005 – Present): Women’s Caucus, Minority Caucus, New Lawyers Division, Asbestos Litigation Group, Public Affairs Committee, National Finance Committee, Convention Planning Committee, Public Affairs Committee, Committee on the Judiciary, Compliance Committee, PAC Trustees Task Force
• National Bar Association (Member, 2005 – Present)
• Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (Member, 2004 – Present)
• Missouri Bar Association (Member, 2005 – Present)
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (Member, 2009 – Present)
• Illinois State Bar Association (Member, 2005 – Present)
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (Member, 2005 – Present)
• Mound City Bar Association (Member, 2004 – Present)
• Pound Civil Justice Institute (Member, 2016 – Present)

Pro Bono

• Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Adjunct Professor (2008 – 2015)
• Louis Office of Veterans Affairs Homeless – Disadvantaged Veterans Pro Bono Project, Legal Advocate (2007 – 2009)
• Madison County Circuit Court, Guardian Ad Litem (2008)