Jan 2007–Present
Current role
Partner
Dowd Bennett LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
AttorneyLegal InvestigatorLegalAppellate Litigation
About
Robert F. Epperson Jr., a founding member of Dowd Bennett LLP, handles complex commercial litigation, internal investigations and appeals.
Representing domestic and multinational corporations, as well as high net worth individuals, Robert focuses on civil litigation and appeals in an array of industries such as agriculture, real estate, financial services and insurance. He also conducts internal investigations and counsels clients in connection with investigations undertaken by the U.S. Department of Defense and military investigative units.
Since 2007, Robert has advised not-for-profit Mardi Gras, Inc., in connection with its annual production of Soulard Mardi Gras, the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States.
Prior to joining the firm in 2006, Robert was an associate at Bryan Cave LLP. As a member of the litigation, corporate and international groups, he spent nearly three years in the firm’s Kuwait and Dubai offices.
Roles
Jan 1998–Nov 2006
Former role
Associate
Bryan Cave LLP
Litigation Support SpecialistLegalCorporate Law
Jul 1997–Aug 1997
Former role
Law Clerks
Missouri Supreme Court
(appointed)Missouri
Law ClerkResearchLegalLegal Clerk
Served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Justice William Ray Price, researching and drafting opinions, orders, and bench memoranda.
Representative matters
Experiences
August 2025
On a pro bono basis, represented the City of St. Louis and various City officials in high profile declaratory judgment action seeking to invalidate City ordinance raising the minimum wage for City workers. Case resulted in judgment entered in the City’s favor or voluntary dismissal of five of seven counts. The case is currently on cross appeal directly to the Missouri Supreme Court. Defended Fortune 500 multinational corporation in federal court in complex commercial and patent dispute. Following dismissal of numerous counts and prosecution of multiple counterclaims, obtained favorable settlement for client. Retained to secure Missouri Supreme Court review of decisions from trial court and court of appeals in connection with unfavorable distribution of marital property in dissolution proceeds. Secured transfer to Missouri Supreme Court, prompting favorable settlement for client. Regularly defends Fortune 100 insurance company in cases involving excess exposure and allegations of bad faith. Regularly undertakes internal investigations for Fortune 500 company in connection with internal compliance issues and compliance with government contracts. Counseled the State of Kuwait in the prosecution—before the United Nations—of its multibillion dollar public sector claims against Iraq arising out of the invasion and occupation of Kuwait.
Recognition
Honors
The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation
The Best Lawyers in America
January 2018
2018-present.