When you’re successful and dedicated to your work, your peers will recognize you – consistently.

Florissant City Attorney John Hessel has again been awarded the honor of St. Louis Best Lawyers Municipal Lawyer of the Year for 2013. He previously was given the honor in 2011.

Hessel works for Lewis Rice law firm as a partner and management committee member. He’s served as Florissant’s city attorney since 1991, according to a press release. He also serves as the city attorney for Kirkwood and helps represent the cities of Crestwood and Wildwood.

Hessel lived in Florissant from 1958 to 1980 and proudly calls the city his hometown.

"I have had many rewarding experiences as an attorney," he said in a previous Patch article. "Certainly, representing my hometown is among the best."

Each year, Best Lawyers selects “Lawyers of the Year” in legal specialties and only one lawyer in a practice area and in a metropolitan area can receive the award of “Lawyer of the Year.” The award is given to a lawyer after peer review assessments are done with leading lawyers, according to a press release.

“We are very proud of John for this distinguish honor and congratulate him on a job well done,” Florissant Mayor Tom Schneider said in a press release.