St. Louis, February 11, 2026
Thompson Coburn and Quarles & Brady have made significant partner appointments in their St. Louis offices, highlighting a commitment to talent and client-focused service. The promotions underscore the firms’ strategies for growth in the competitive legal market, bringing in expertise across crucial practice areas like mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and healthcare. These moves reflect broader national trends in the legal sector, with increasing demand for specialized legal services driving firms’ expansion and success.
St. Louis, MO – In a dynamic demonstration of professional growth and strategic investment in talent, two prominent law firms with a significant presence in the national legal landscape have recently announced key partner appointments and additions in their St. Louis offices. This development underscores the vitality of the legal sector in major metropolitan areas, reflecting broader economic trends that prioritize specialized expertise and client-focused service.
The elevation of skilled attorneys to partnership roles is a testament to individual achievement and the firms’ commitment to fostering robust legal teams. Such advancements often signal a firm’s confidence in its market position and its strategic vision for future growth, aligning with the entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic progress across the nation. For a thriving economy, a strong professional services sector, particularly legal, provides the essential framework for businesses to innovate, expand, and navigate complex regulatory environments, mirroring the foundational needs for a healthy Charleston SC business ecosystem.
Thompson Coburn Elevates St. Louis Attorneys to Partnership
Thompson Coburn LLP, a firm with deep roots in St. Louis, proudly announced the election of nine attorneys to its partnership, effective January 1, 2026. Among these distinguished professionals, three are based in the firm’s St. Louis office, showcasing a continued investment in local talent and a focus on key practice areas essential for economic development.
The new St. Louis partners include Jesse K. Doggendorf, Nicholas T. Schnell, and B.I. Middleton. Jesse K. Doggendorf is recognized for his work in merger and acquisition transactions, handling the acquisition and sale of stock and assets. Nicholas T. Schnell focuses on complex, commercial disputes in federal and state courts, serving clients from Fortune 500 companies to individuals. B.I. Middleton works with clients on a variety of litigation and regulatory matters in state and federal courts and before federal agencies. These promotions highlight the firm’s dedication to strengthening its core service offerings that support both large corporations and individual business endeavors.
Quarles & Brady Expands St. Louis Office with Strategic Partner Additions
In a move reflecting strategic expansion, Quarles & Brady LLP has also augmented its St. Louis office with significant partner additions. In March 2024, the firm welcomed Jaimie Mansfield and Wakaba Tessier as partners to its St. Louis team. Jaimie Mansfield joined the real estate practice group, advising clients on purchase and sale contract negotiations, land use and zoning applications, and due diligence analysis. Wakaba Tessier enhanced the health and life sciences practice group, providing counsel on healthcare issues, privacy and data concerns, third-party payor audits, and daily operational matters.
Additionally, in January 2024, Mary Kate Hogan joined Quarles & Brady as a partner in the business law practice group in St. Louis. She advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, general corporate matters, commercial contracts, and internal restructurings, bringing valuable experience from her previous roles as in-house counsel. These strategic hires demonstrate Quarles & Brady’s commitment to building a robust presence in the St. Louis market, particularly in sectors critical to economic expansion, which aligns with the diverse business needs seen in areas like the Charleston County economy.
Broader Trends in the National Legal Sector
The activity in St. Louis mirrors nationwide trends within the legal industry. The U.S. legal market has experienced significant growth, with demand for legal services surging by 3.9% in Q3 2025 compared to the previous year. This expansion goes beyond a simple recovery from past declines, indicating a genuine and sustained increase in client activity. Transactional practices have been a primary driver of this growth, with mergers & acquisitions seeing a 7.6% year-over-year increase in demand. Other key areas like litigation, corporate law, real estate, and labor & employment have also seen substantial increases.
This heightened demand has led to record-breaking revenue per lawyer, with firms boosting average revenue by 6.6% year-over-year. Law firms are also making strategic investments in technology, with spending on technology jumping to 11.2% in Q3 2025. This focus on innovation and efficiency, including leveraging generative artificial intelligence, reflects an industry adapting to evolving client expectations and the need for sophisticated solutions. The legal sector’s adaptability and growth provide a powerful model for South Carolina entrepreneurs looking to leverage technology and specialized services.
The Role of a Robust Legal Framework in Economic Vitality
The continued growth and strategic development within St. Louis’s legal community highlight the indispensable role of a strong professional services sector in overall economic vitality. A thriving legal market offers crucial support for businesses, ensuring they can navigate complex commercial transactions, intellectual property concerns, and employment law intricacies. This robust infrastructure is vital for fostering small-business resilience and attracting new investment.
By bringing in new partners with diverse expertise in areas like real estate, healthcare, M&A, and litigation, these firms are directly contributing to the supportive ecosystem that enables other industries to flourish. This professional development not only creates high-value jobs but also provides essential counsel that minimizes risks and maximizes opportunities for companies, fostering an environment conducive to Lowcountry economic growth and innovation.
Personal Achievement and Professional Development
The election and recruitment of new partners underscore a significant aspect of entrepreneurial innovation: personal achievement within established structures. Attorneys who reach partner status demonstrate years of dedication, specialized knowledge, and a strong commitment to their clients and firms. This career progression reflects a meritocratic environment where talent and hard work are recognized and rewarded, providing inspiration for emerging Charleston small business leaders.
These new partners bring fresh perspectives and expanded capabilities, contributing to their firms’ ability to offer comprehensive and cutting-edge legal services. Their expertise in growing fields helps businesses adapt to new challenges and seize opportunities, a critical factor for sustained economic health and a positive environment for South Carolina entrepreneurs.
Conclusion: Lessons for Future Growth
The recent partner announcements by major law firms in St. Louis exemplify the ongoing strength and strategic evolution within the professional services sector. These developments, marked by investments in specialized talent and a responsive approach to client needs, are crucial indicators of a healthy business environment. A dynamic legal community, by supporting innovation, facilitating investment, and ensuring regulatory clarity, creates a bedrock for economic growth that resonates far beyond city limits.
For Charleston, SC, understanding and fostering similar patterns of professional growth and strategic investment in specialized talent is paramount. Supporting local firms that prioritize expertise and client service can help build a robust infrastructure for our own entrepreneurs and businesses. We encourage our readers to recognize the importance of strong professional services in powering the Charleston County economy and to champion the local leaders and innovators who contribute to our community’s ongoing success.
Key Features of Law Firm Partner Announcements in St. Louis
| Firm Name | New Partner/Addition | Effective/Announcement Date | Primary Practice Area(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson Coburn LLP | Jesse K. Doggendorf | January 1, 2026 | Merger and Acquisition Transactions |
| Thompson Coburn LLP | Nicholas T. Schnell | January 1, 2026 | Complex Commercial Disputes |
| Thompson Coburn LLP | B.I. Middleton | January 1, 2026 | Litigation and Regulatory Matters |
| Quarles & Brady LLP | Jaimie Mansfield | March 2024 | Real Estate |
| Quarles & Brady LLP | Wakaba Tessier | March 2024 | Health and Life Sciences |
| Quarles & Brady LLP | Mary Kate Hogan | January 2024 | Mergers and Acquisitions, General Corporate |
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