Logo for Dowd Bennett LLP

Dowd Bennett LLP

United States 2025

Overview

Dowd Bennett focuses on high-stakes litigation and trials, internal and governmental investigations, and appellate representation. We assist our clients in all jurisdictions and all phases of their cases, including trial and appeal.

We also represent individual and corporate clients in white collar criminal/regulatory matters and internal investigations. In all cases, our philosophy is to learn the nature of the dispute as quickly as possible, formulate with our clients a strategy for the matter, and then aggressively pursue that strategy. We pride ourselves in not only helping our clients through the litigation or investigation process but also in presenting our clients' evidence at trial.

Our members include a former Missouri Governor, a former United States Senator from Missouri, two former United States Attorneys, two former United States Supreme Court clerks, four former clerks to United States Courts of Appeals, six former clerks to United States District Court judges, two former State Supreme Court clerks, three former Assistant United States Attorneys, and a former Missouri State prosecutor. Our lawyers have big-case experience at the highest levels in any jurisdiction and are prepared to take these cases through trial and appeal. We value our firm's close-knit, diverse, and hard-working culture.

Trying cases is in our DNA. Trial practice is an important part of what we do. The firm represents some of the most recognized names in business in their important cases across the country. In recent years, our lawyers have successfully tried to verdict three cases involving more than $25 million in dispute. We litigate all forms of business disputes, and our recent trial experience includes False Claims Act allegations, employment discrimination, claims of professional negligence and fraud against contractors and auditors, partnership disputes, corporate tax disputes, contract disputes, patent and trademark disputes, and all business torts.

Our attorneys' experience as former federal and state prosecutors helps us defend our clients in confidential criminal and regulatory proceedings as well as internal corporate investigations. Areas of particular focus include congressional investigations, FCPA enforcement, securities fraud, misuse and abuse of authority, and fraud involving government programs and resources. While most of our engagements in this area are confidential, Dowd Bennett recently produced highly publicized investigation reports for the University of Missouri and the Missouri History Museum. Dowd Bennett also defends individuals under criminal investigation, including government officials and other senior corporate and government executives and agents. We have obtained significant trial victories against the government on behalf of our clients, though most often we are successful in avoiding formal criminal proceedings altogether or having charges dismissed before trial.

Founded:
2006
Size:
46
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
7
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
11

Rankings

Regional

St. Louis

Tier
1
St. Louis
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
St. Louis
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
St. Louis
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
St. Louis
Corporate Compliance Law
Tier
1
St. Louis
Corporate Governance Law
Tier
1
St. Louis
Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Select Clients

Anheuser Busch InBev Emerson Electric Ernst & Young LLP Fresenius Medical Care Monsanto Valero Energy Corporation

Rankings

Regional

St. Louis

Tier
1
St. Louis
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
St. Louis
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier
1
St. Louis
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
St. Louis
Corporate Compliance Law
Tier
1
St. Louis
Corporate Governance Law
Tier
1
St. Louis
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Tier
1
St. Louis
Government Relations Practice
Tier
1
St. Louis
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
2
St. Louis
Health Care Law
Tier
3
St. Louis
Insurance Law
Tier
3
St. Louis
Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

Practice Areas

Dowd Bennett LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 11 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Corporate Compliance Law
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Health Care Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Dowd Bennett LLP proudly has 11 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Spinning circle
{{ practiceAreaName }}
{{ lawyer.FirstName[0] }}{{ lawyer.LastName[0] }}
{{ lawyer.Locations[0].City }}{{lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode ? ', ' + lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode : '' }}

Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Spinning circle
 

Offices & Contacts

St. Louis, MO
Dallas, TX
Find the Best Law Firms
Search for a Law Firm
Search our directory of over 16,000 firms across the Globe.
Search
Is Your Law Firm Ranked?
Enhance your firm's reputation and visibility with our marketing opportunities.
Marketing Opportunities
Ranked Practice Areas
See the practice areas included in our Best Law Firms research.
Practice Areas