Law Firm Leader: Lauren E. Williams, 34

Practice Area: Plaintiffs’ asbestos litigation

Law School: Saint Louis University

Lauren Williams leads a niche practice area within SWMW’s asbestos practice: seeking to maximize recoveries from companies that made or supplied products that contain asbestos but since have petitioned for bankruptcy.

Earlier this year, she testified before state legislative committees that were considering legislation that would have required asbestos plaintiffs to disclose the existence of any claims that have been or could be made against asbestos trusts, which are created by courts to handle claims against companies that have gone bankrupt.

Though proponents said the bill would bring more transparency, Williams said the changes would have negatively impacted her clients and their families. The legislation did not pass.

A native of Belleville, Illinois, Williams earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2006 and her law degree from Saint Louis University in 2009. She joined SWMW Law in 2013 and became a partner in 2016.

Apart from leading her practice area, Williams is involved with SWMW’s Core Values Committee, which works to weave the firm’s guiding principles and goals into its everyday workings. She also volunteers with The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Motion for Kids program.

What inspired you to get involved in the legal profession?

My grandfather was a lawyer and inspired me to become one. I respected his principled conviction, loyalty and sense of humor. Additionally, I have always enjoyed studying history, which was my undergraduate major. The law is woven so deeply into our history and culture; I find the dynamic interplay between the two fascinating.