Comprehensive Law Firm Profile
Firm Name: Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Founded: 1901
Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri
AmLaw Ranking: #160 (2024)
Annual Revenue: $218.1 million (2023)
Number of Attorneys: Approximately 350+
Office Locations: Multiple offices across the United States and internationally
Armstrong Teasdale LLP is a full-service law firm with a rich history spanning over 120 years. Founded in 1901 in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm has experienced steady growth and strategic expansion to become one of the top 200 largest law firms in the United States. The firm has shown consistent financial performance, climbing the AmLaw 200 rankings from #166 in 2022 to #160 in 2024, with a revenue of $218.1 million in 2023.
The firm is organized into four key practice groups: Intellectual Property, Litigation, Corporate Services, and Financial and Real Estate Services. Armstrong Teasdale has a robust presence across the United States with offices in major cities and has expanded internationally with an office in Dublin, Ireland.
Known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Armstrong Teasdale has been recognized by Bloomberg Law's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Framework. The firm places significant emphasis on professional development, offering mentorship programs and career advancement opportunities for attorneys at all levels. With a client-focused approach, Armstrong Teasdale continues to adapt to the evolving legal landscape while maintaining its core values of teamwork, innovation, and excellence in client service.
Armstrong Teasdale has demonstrated consistent financial growth over recent years, steadily climbing the rankings of the AmLaw 200 list. The firm's strategic expansion and focus on key practice areas have contributed to its strong financial performance.
10.5%
Year-over-year (2022-2023)
↑ 2
Positions gained (2022-2024)
23.5%
Revenue increase (2021-2023)
The firm's consistent financial growth is attributed to strategic lateral hiring, expansion into new markets, and strengthening core practice areas. Armstrong Teasdale has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a competitive legal market, with revenue increasing by approximately 10.5% from 2022 to 2023.
This upward trajectory in both revenue and AmLaw rankings indicates effective management and successful implementation of the firm's growth strategy. The firm continues to invest in key practice areas and talent acquisition to sustain this positive financial momentum.
Armstrong Teasdale cultivates a collaborative and inclusive workplace environment that emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and client service excellence. The firm's culture is built on a foundation of collegiality and mutual respect among all members of the organization.
The firm's culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on mentorship, with experienced attorneys actively guiding newer colleagues. This mentorship approach helps preserve institutional knowledge while promoting professional growth and development at all career stages.
Armstrong Teasdale's leadership promotes an inclusive management style that values input from attorneys and staff at all levels. The firm maintains open channels of communication between leadership and team members, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging throughout the organization. This approach has contributed to high retention rates and a positive workplace culture that attracts top legal talent.
The firm's commitment to its culture is reflected in its day-to-day operations, from collaborative case management to firm-wide events that strengthen relationships among colleagues. This cultural foundation supports Armstrong Teasdale's business objectives while creating a fulfilling work environment for all team members.
Armstrong Teasdale offers competitive compensation packages designed to attract and retain top legal talent. The firm's compensation structure reflects both market standards and individual performance contributions.
| Position | Location | Base Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Year Associate | St. Louis | $135,000 | Standard starting salary |
| First-Year Associate | Kansas City | $135,000 | Standard starting salary |
| Associate Attorney | Firm-wide | $132,000 - $220,000 | Varies by experience and location |
| Patent Attorney | Firm-wide | $140,000 - $240,000 | Specialty premium |
| Partner | Firm-wide | Varies significantly | Based on equity status and practice contribution |
Armstrong Teasdale implements a performance-based bonus system that rewards both billable hours and quality of work. The firm considers multiple factors when determining annual bonuses:
Associates meeting or exceeding billable targets while demonstrating excellence in other areas can expect competitive bonuses that enhance their total compensation packages.
The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Armstrong Teasdale maintains a structured partnership track that typically spans 7-9 years. The path to partnership is transparent, with regular feedback and evaluations to help associates understand their progress and areas for development. The firm considers both objective metrics (billable hours, revenue generation) and subjective factors (leadership abilities, client relationships) when evaluating partnership candidates.
The firm also offers alternative career paths for attorneys who may not pursue equity partnership, including non-equity partner, of counsel, and staff attorney positions. This flexibility allows legal professionals to tailor their career trajectory to their personal and professional goals.
Armstrong Teasdale demonstrates a strong commitment to the professional growth and advancement of its attorneys through structured development programs, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing training initiatives.
The firm's associate development program provides a clear framework for career progression, with defined milestones and expectations at each level. Key components include:
Armstrong Teasdale pairs associates with experienced partners who provide guidance, support, and advocacy throughout their career journey. The mentorship program includes:
The firm invests significantly in ongoing legal education and professional development for attorneys at all levels. Armstrong Teasdale provides:
Armstrong Teasdale offers comprehensive programs for law students, providing valuable experience and potential pathways to permanent positions:
The firm maintains a transparent partnership track with clear criteria for advancement. Associates receive regular guidance on their progress toward partnership consideration, with formal evaluations that assess:
Armstrong Teasdale has demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through established programs, resource groups, and formal recognition. The firm views diversity as a core value and strategic advantage that enhances client service and workplace culture.
In 2020, Armstrong Teasdale established a formal diversity, equity, and inclusion department to coordinate and advance the firm's DEI initiatives. Key elements include:
The firm supports several resource groups that provide community, mentorship, and professional development opportunities:
Creates a supportive environment for women lawyers and business professionals through mentoring, networking, and professional development programs.
Active participation in LCLD programs, including Fellows, Pathfinders, and 1L Scholars initiatives aimed at developing diverse legal talent.
Armstrong Teasdale implements targeted strategies to recruit and retain diverse talent:
The firm's holistic approach to diversity and inclusion demonstrates its understanding that creating an inclusive workplace requires ongoing commitment, resources, and accountability at all levels of the organization.
Armstrong Teasdale is organized into four core practice groups, each encompassing specialized practice areas that serve diverse client needs across industries and sectors. The firm's practice structure enables comprehensive legal services while maintaining deep expertise in specific domains.
The Litigation group provides representation in complex disputes across state and federal courts, administrative agencies, and alternative dispute resolution forums.
The Corporate Services group advises on business transactions, governance matters, and regulatory compliance for entities ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
This practice group handles complex financial transactions, real estate matters, and restructuring needs for lenders, borrowers, developers, and investors.
The IP practice group protects and enforces clients' intellectual property assets through prosecution, litigation, and strategic counseling.
Armstrong Teasdale has developed specialized expertise in key industries, allowing for tailored legal solutions that address sector-specific challenges:
From startups to Fortune 100 companies in software, hardware, and digital services
Traditional and advanced manufacturing across diverse sectors
Providers, insurers, life sciences companies, and medical device manufacturers
Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and fintech enterprises
Traditional and renewable energy producers, distributors, and service providers
Emerging regulatory and business needs of the cannabis industry
Armstrong Teasdale's practice areas have received recognition from leading legal directories and ranking organizations:
Armstrong Teasdale prioritizes exceptional client service through a structured approach called "Client CultivATion," which focuses on understanding client needs, aligning service delivery with expectations, and continuously improving the client experience.
The firm embraces a client-centric approach that emphasizes:
Armstrong Teasdale actively solicits and responds to client feedback through:
Cross-practice teams dedicated to understanding specific client needs and providing coordinated service across practice areas.
Secure technology platforms for document sharing, case updates, and streamlined communication between clients and legal teams.
Flexible billing options beyond traditional hourly rates, including fixed fees, phased billing, and success-based structures.
Armstrong Teasdale has been recognized for its client service excellence by various organizations and publications. The firm was nationally recognized for improving client service during the pandemic, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to maintaining high service standards even during challenging circumstances. Client testimonials consistently highlight the firm's responsiveness, practical approach to legal issues, and ability to deliver solutions that align with business objectives.
The firm has developed specialized service models for key industries, tailoring its approach to address sector-specific challenges and opportunities. These models incorporate:
Armstrong Teasdale leverages advanced technology both to enhance internal operations and to provide innovative solutions for clients. The firm's technology strategy focuses on improving efficiency, security, and service delivery.
The firm maintains a robust technological foundation to support attorney work and firm operations:
Armstrong Teasdale offers technological solutions that enhance client service and collaboration:
Beyond internal technology use, Armstrong Teasdale has developed significant expertise in technology-related legal matters. The firm's Technology practice area serves clients across the technology industry spectrum, from startups to Fortune 100 companies, in areas including:
In 2022, Armstrong Teasdale launched a rebranded Data Innovation, Security, and Privacy practice, reflecting the growing importance of these areas to clients. This specialized practice group:
The firm's technology approach balances innovation with practical application, focusing on solutions that create tangible value for both internal operations and client service. Armstrong Teasdale leverages technology to enhance efficiency while maintaining a human-centered approach to legal practice.
This section evaluates key risk factors and challenges facing Armstrong Teasdale in the current legal market, along with the firm's approaches to addressing these concerns.
As a mid-sized firm (ranked #160 on the Am Law 200), Armstrong Teasdale faces intense competition from both larger firms with more resources and smaller boutique firms with specialized expertise.
The firm's growth into new markets, including international expansion with its Dublin office, presents integration challenges and potential cultural differences across locations.
In a competitive legal market with high lateral movement, retaining top talent remains a challenge, especially as larger firms can often offer higher compensation packages.
Ensuring smooth transitions in leadership and client relationships as senior partners approach retirement presents ongoing challenges for long-term stability.
Increasing overhead costs, including technology investments and competitive associate compensation, may place pressure on profit margins.
Dependency on key clients in certain practice areas could create vulnerability if significant clients were to reduce legal spending or move work to other firms.
As a law firm handling sensitive client information, Armstrong Teasdale faces ongoing cybersecurity risks that require continuous vigilance and investment.
Keeping pace with rapidly evolving legal technology and client expectations for technological sophistication requires ongoing investment and change management.
Armstrong Teasdale has implemented several strategies to address and mitigate these identified risks:
While Armstrong Teasdale faces the common challenges of the mid-sized law firm market, its consistent growth in revenue and strategic expansion suggest effective risk management. The firm's continued investment in talent, technology, and client relationships positions it to navigate these risks while pursuing sustainable growth.
This section examines Armstrong Teasdale's competitive position in the legal market, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats relative to peer firms.
Armstrong Teasdale occupies a strategic position in the legal market as a mid-sized firm with sophisticated capabilities. Key elements of its competitive positioning include:
Armstrong Teasdale competes with several peer firms of similar size and market positioning, including:
| Peer Firm | AmLaw Rank | Revenue (2023) | Comparative Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thompson Coburn | #136 | ~$269M | Larger size, similar midwest presence |
| Husch Blackwell | #96 | ~$476M | Larger scale, stronger industry focus |
| Stinson LLP | #140 | ~$245M | Similar size, midwest footprint |
| Ice Miller | #170 | ~$205M | Similar size, midwest regional focus |
This section examines Armstrong Teasdale's growth trajectory, strategic priorities, and potential developments in the coming years based on current trends and firm initiatives.
Armstrong Teasdale has demonstrated consistent growth in recent years, with revenue increasing from $176.6 million in 2021 to $218.1 million in 2023—a 23.5% increase over two years. This growth pattern suggests several future developments:
Based on current initiatives and market positioning, Armstrong Teasdale is likely focusing on several key strategic priorities:
Continued investment in high-growth practice areas, particularly technology, data privacy, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Enhanced focus on recruitment, development, and retention of diverse talent to strengthen the firm's capabilities and culture.
Ongoing investment in legal technology to improve efficiency, enhance client service, and develop new service offerings.
Several market trends will likely influence Armstrong Teasdale's future development:
Armstrong Teasdale's consistent growth trajectory and strategic investments position the firm well for continued success in the evolving legal market. By balancing expansion with cultural cohesion and focusing on client-centric innovation, the firm appears poised to strengthen its competitive position while addressing the challenges facing mid-sized law firms. The firm's commitment to diversity, technology adoption, and practice development provides a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
