2023 Up & Coming Awards: Samuel Gladney, 39

Partner, Gladney Law Group, St. Louis

Practice Areas: Regulatory, employee benefits, non-profit formation and consultation, union side labor law

Law School: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

Samuel Gladney served in the United States Army for seven years prior to practicing law. “There is a tremendous amount of crossover between the two professions,” he says. “The Army has a lot of rules and regulations. Successful leaders in the Army are constantly trying to accomplish their mission within a regulatory framework, not unlike the practice of law.”

His desire for a public service career and his ability to solve problems drew him to the legal profession. One of his favorite and most fulfilling moments as an attorney continues to be the moment he submits a well-researched brief.

Gladney continues to be guided by the best career advice he has ever received: “Take on the work that no one else in the firm, or your practice area wants to do either because it’s difficult or not exciting. That’s the best way to add value and make yourself indispensable.”

He is currently a member of the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee and chair of the Employee Benefits Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis. His community involvement includes member of the board of directors for Places For People, commissioner of the Bi-State Development Agency, and mentor for transitioning service members with American Corporate Partners.

Gladney completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what profession would you have chosen?

I would have tried, and likely failed, to land a job in an NFL front office.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you?

I’m blessed to be able to work with people I respect and enjoy.

What is your biggest accomplishment for 2023?

My biggest accomplishment is steadily growing a practice I’m passionate about while being present for my family.