Jeffrey R. Schmitt

Principal

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Phone 314.889.7189

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Bio

Jeff Schmitt represents clients in business, commercial, and general civil law matters, much of which involves real estate and real estate transactions.

While he regularly assists individuals and businesses in lawsuits, Jeff advises clients proactively to prevent and minimize litigation. His objective is to achieve the most desirable outcomes for clients which often means exploring alternative scenarios for resolution of disputes.

Real Estate/Construction. Representing contractors, homeowners, commercial owners, investors, and homeowner associations, Jeff has deep knowledge of property and construction-related matters. He regularly handles matters relating to construction disputes, breaches of contract, lending, mechanics’ liens, lien foreclosures, title disputes, partition disputes, easements and indentures.

Financial Institutions. Jeff routinely handles breach of contract and loan matters protecting the interests of a number of banks. These efforts involve personal, business, and real estate lending.

Pension and Retirement Plans. Representing public pension and retirement plans in disputes, Jeff has succeeded in compelling proper funding of plans to ensure long-term availability of benefits for employees and beneficiaries, both through litigation and negotiation. He also represents plan trustees and administrators in defending against claims arising from their fiduciary duties to the plan.

Jeff assisted in federal criminal jury trials as a clerk for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. Highly respected by his peers, Jeff was recognized by The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers' Section in 2010 as a "Young Lawyer You Should Know."

Jeff is the president of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce in Clayton, Missouri.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Author: “You Can’t Do That Anymore: Establishing and Limiting Non-Conforming Uses in Missouri,” Missouri Environmental Law and Policy Review.

Co-author: “Developments in Electronic Discovery” (2008, 2009) and “Business Torts Litigation” (2006, 2007), chapters in Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation, American Bar Association.



Education

  • J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia (2003)
  • B.A., magna cum laude, St. Louis University (2000), Dean's List, Certificate in Modern and Classical Language (French), Recipient of Psi Chi Research Award (National Honor Society in Psychology)
  • International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy (2007)
  • Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers (MODL) Trial Academy (2005)

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
  • Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA)

Community Involvement

  • Clayton Chamber of Commerce: president; executive committee member
  • Leadership Clayton Class, co-chair, 2008-09
  • Graduate of Leadership Clayton, 2006
  • Clayton Rock The Block, former sponsorship chair
  • Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, board member