The POWER List: Leigh Joy Carson

Carson Law Firm, Clayton

Leigh Joy Carson’s solo practice focuses exclusively on family law. It’s a practice area she knew from an early point in her career was for her.

After earning her law degree from Saint Louis University in 1986, she was an associate at Bryan Cave, then moved to a boutique firm with a family law practice. She established her current practice in 1995

Carson has served as a board member of Caring for Kids, Kids in the Middle and Friends of Heritage House. As a person with multiple sclerosis, she also has worked to make the St. Louis County courthouse more accessible. In 2017, the Multiple Sclerosis Society honored her with its Woman of Courage award.

It’s not the only area where she’s brought a personal touch. In 2016, she worked to bring a trained dog to the St. Louis County Family Court to calm the nerves of children who must testify in court.

Carson frequently writes about family law topics, including in the pages of Missouri Lawyers Weekly.