Larry Hepler has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC). The award was presented at FDCC’s 2025 Winter Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. The award is meant “to honor those individuals who are above and beyond in every facet of their life and are seen as giants in their legal communities, the Federation, and their community at large.” It’s presented only annually and only if there’s a worthy nominee.

Beth Bauer, a partner who has worked closely with Hepler for nearly 25 years at HeplerBroom, nominated him for the award with the support of dozens of colleagues, community leaders, friends, and family. Bauer presented the award as Sue Hepler, hiss wife of nearly 60 years, daughter, Sara, and son-in-law, Kurt Hentz, looked on. She noted that Hepler is a visionary leader whose life and career embody unparalleled integrity, profound compassion, unwavering patriotism, and abiding love for his family and friends.

Hepler’s legal career—which has focused on the defense of complex civil litigation and class action—spans more than 50 years. Shortly after completing his law degree at Washington and Lee in 1968, he was called to active military duty and sent to Vietnam, serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army with the 1st Infantry Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). He was on the front lines, very close to the Demilitarized Zone. He not only fought in combat but also was the only defense counsel for about 14,000 service personnel. He defended everything from simple drug possession charges to assault and battery to dereliction of duty and even murder. During this experience, he discovered his passion: trying cases.

After his military service, he practiced at a St. Louis firm but had few trial opportunities. When Edwardsville attorney Gordon Burroughs told him he had a great need for a young trial lawyer, Hepler jumped at the chance. He joined the Burroughs firm in Edwardsville, Illinois, in June 1971 and never looked back. He and best friend, Gordon Broom, built HeplerBroom to national prominence, and Hepler gained a reputation as a tenacious and brilliant trial lawyer.

Throughout his extraordinary career, Hepler has tried innumerable cases and been the go-to defense attorney for insurers and top U.S. companies across numerous industries, including communications, energy, tobacco, transportation, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, steel, railroads, and many more. According to Bauer, his courtroom acumen is legendary. Retired Madison County Illinois Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder remarked that other lawyers would pack the courtroom to watch him in action, particularly when he cross-examined expert witnesses. He was one of the originators of FDCC’s acclaimed Trial Masters programming, and his willingness to share his knowledge is inspirational. As current HeplerBroom managing partner, Troy Bozarth, noted, “Working with Larry is a master class in advocacy and humanity. His insights and generosity continue to shape the careers and lives of those fortunate enough to know him.”

Hepler has also had an impact in his community. He’s been a driving force in local development—from beautification of downtown areas to economic development—while also supporting projects that have enriched the lives of the community’s children in its schools and institutions such as the YMCA. As Ed Hightower, former superintendent of schools, wrote, “Larry’s commitment to his community has not only built lasting bonds but also created a legacy of unity and progress that continues to inspire.”

Perhaps most significant, Bauer noted that Hepler consistently displays authentic, genuine interest in those he meets. His life demonstrates that excellence is not measured solely by courtroom victories or business successes but by the daily influence and positive impact we have on the lives around us. Bauer and the many others who supported his nomination consider him to embody what it means to be a mentor, a champion, and above all, a true friend.