St. Louis is home to a range of prominent employers offering significant opportunities for legal professionals. From Fortune 500 companies to major healthcare systems and financial institutions, the city boasts a thriving legal market fueled by industries like biotechnology, manufacturing, and education.
With a mix of established corporations and innovative startups, St. Louis provides attorneys with a unique blend of career stability and growth potential. Many top employers in the area are known for their in-house legal teams, handling everything from corporate compliance to intellectual property and litigation. As demand for skilled legal professionals continues to grow, St. Louis has become an increasingly attractive destination for attorneys seeking challenging roles and rewarding career paths.
Biggest Law Firms in St. Louis
- Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP: Founded in 1873, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (BCLP) is a global powerhouse employing over 1,275 attorneys within 31 offices spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Recognized as an Am Law 100 firm, BCLP is known for its innovative approach to legal solutions and deep expertise in M&A, real estate, litigation, financial services, and corporate risk management. The firm has been involved in several landmark cases and high-value transactions, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry.
- Thompson Coburn LLP: Established in 1929, Thompson Coburn LLP is a full-service firm with more than 400 attorneys operating across seven offices nationwide. The firm is highly regarded for its work in product liability, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property. Thompson Coburn also has a strong presence in transportation and logistics law, representing major clients in industries critical to St. Louis’s economy. Its client-focused approach has earned it recognition in national and regional rankings.
- Husch Blackwell LLP: With roots tracing back to 1877, Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 800 attorneys in 20 offices, including its strong presence in St. Louis. The firm is known for its sector-specific approach, offering tailored legal strategies in industries like healthcare, real estate, and technology. Its work on large-scale infrastructure projects and innovative litigation tactics has made it a go-to firm for clients seeking comprehensive legal counsel.
- Armstrong Teasdale LLP: Armstrong Teasdale LLP, founded in 1901, is a full-service firm with over 800 attorneys across multiple U.S. offices. Known for its litigation prowess, the firm serves clients in areas like intellectual property, labor and employment, and white-collar defense. Armstrong Teasdale’s robust St. Louis office is a hub for high-profile cases, including significant work in commercial disputes and regulatory compliance.
- Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C.: Founded in 1895, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. is a prominent regional firm with offices in St. Louis, Chicago, and Belleville, Illinois. With over 150 attorneys, the firm excels in business services, healthcare, and real estate law. Greensfelder is well-known for its collaborative approach, representing clients in key industries such as construction and energy. Its focus on client partnerships has helped it maintain a strong reputation throughout the Midwest.
- Lewis Rice LLC: Established in 1909, Lewis Rice LLC is a well-regarded Midwestern firm with more than 150 attorneys in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Washington, D.C. The firm provides comprehensive legal services, including estate planning, corporate law, and litigation. Lewis Rice has a storied history of representing St. Louis’s leading businesses and institutions, contributing to its role as a pillar in the local legal community.
- Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C.: Founded in 1973, Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C. is a full-service law firm with over 150 attorneys across St. Louis, Kansas City, and O’Fallon. The firm is especially known for its work in medical malpractice defense, business litigation, and insurance law. Sandberg Phoenix’s commitment to personalized service and its impressive trial record make it a trusted choice for clients throughout the Midwest.
- Lashly & Baer, P.C.: With roots dating back to 1912, Lashly & Baer, P.C. is a St. Louis-based firm specializing in government law, healthcare, and business transactions. Its compact team of approximately 50 attorneys delivers big results, representing municipalities, educational institutions, and private companies. The firm’s focus on community-driven work has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in St. Louis.
- Polsinelli PC: Polsinelli PC, founded in 1972, is a nationally recognized Am Law 100 firm with over 1,000 attorneys in 22 offices, including St. Louis. Known for its expertise in healthcare, life sciences, and intellectual property law, Polsinelli has been involved in groundbreaking litigation and complex transactions. The firm’s innovative approach and focus on emerging industries make it a key player in the legal market.
St. Louis
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: Atticus Recruiting Inc.
Atticus Recruiting is a legal recruitment agency specializing in placing highly skilled and exceptionally well credentialed attorneys at top-tier law firms and coveted in-house positions across the Midwest.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Securing a legal role at one of St. Louis’s top companies requires specialized skills and strategic networking, as competition for premier positions is intense. Partnering with a legal recruiter can improve your chances of placement, offering connections and insights into the city’s dynamic market. St. Louis’s legal sector is shaped by diverse industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, which fuel demand for in-house counsel and legal experts.
- Centene Corporation: Founded in 1984, Centene Corporation employs over 75,000 people globally as one of the leading providers of managed healthcare services. Based in St. Louis, its legal team is instrumental in navigating healthcare regulations, managing corporate governance, and supporting Medicaid and Medicare operations. As Centene expands internationally, its legal professionals are critical to ensuring compliance and fostering growth.
- Edward Jones: Founded in 1922, Edward Jones employs more than 50,000 individuals and is a leader in financial services. Its legal department manages securities compliance, regulatory issues, and employment law, ensuring the company meets strict industry standards. Headquartered in St. Louis, Edward Jones has earned recognition for its employee-focused culture, making it an attractive employer for legal professionals.
- Emerson Electric Co.: Since its founding in 1890, Emerson Electric has grown to employ approximately 86,000 people worldwide. This Fortune 500 manufacturing giant relies on its St. Louis-based legal team to handle intellectual property, international trade compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. Emerson’s global operations offer attorneys opportunities to engage in cross-border legal matters and high-stakes transactions.
- Anheuser-Busch: Established in 1852, Anheuser-Busch employs over 19,000 individuals in the U.S. and is headquartered in St. Louis. Known for iconic brands like Budweiser and Michelob Ultra, the company’s legal team works on intellectual property, advertising law, and environmental compliance. Anheuser-Busch offers attorneys the chance to manage high-profile cases in the competitive beverage industry.
- Ascension Health: Founded in 1999, Ascension Health employs approximately 160,000 people across the country as one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the U.S. Headquartered in St. Louis, its legal team focuses on healthcare regulations, risk management, and employment law. As healthcare evolves, Ascension’s attorneys are at the forefront of shaping policies and ensuring compliance.
- Stifel Financial Corp.: Founded in 1890, Stifel Financial employs over 9,000 individuals and specializes in investment banking and wealth management. Its legal department oversees securities law, compliance, and corporate transactions, providing critical support for the firm’s financial operations. With its headquarters in St. Louis, Stifel offers attorneys opportunities to work on complex financial matters.
- Monsanto/Bayer Crop Science: Originally founded as Monsanto in 1901 and now part of Bayer after a 2018 merger, Bayer Crop Science employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide. Its St. Louis division focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, requiring attorneys to handle intellectual property, environmental law, and regulatory compliance. The company’s cutting-edge research offers legal professionals opportunities to work on groundbreaking issues.
- Washington University in St. Louis: Founded in 1853, Washington University employs over 15,000 people across its academic and medical research institutions. Its legal team addresses education law, intellectual property, and research compliance, supporting the university’s reputation as a leader in innovation. Legal professionals here often engage with policies that impact both higher education and healthcare.
- Enterprise Holdings: Founded in 1957, Enterprise Holdings employs more than 80,000 people globally and is the world’s largest car rental company. Headquartered in St. Louis, its legal department manages contracts, corporate governance, and risk management. The company’s international reach offers attorneys the opportunity to navigate cross-border compliance and franchise agreements.
- Ameren Corporation: Since its founding in 1997, Ameren has grown to employ over 9,000 individuals and is a major energy provider in Missouri and Illinois. Based in St. Louis, Ameren’s legal team specializes in energy law, environmental compliance, and regulatory matters. With a focus on renewable energy initiatives, the company provides lawyers opportunities to work on innovative projects.
