Joseph L. Leritz (In Memoriam)

Joseph L. Leritz, esteemed senior partner of the firm, passed away on February 19, 2026. Joe dedicated over 70 years to the practice of law in St. Louis, building a legacy defined by excellence, integrity, and service. A highly respected trial and appellate attorney, he appeared before courts at every level, including the United States Supreme Court, and represented thousands of clients throughout his distinguished career. He concentrated his practice in fire insurance, subrogation, insurance coverage litigation, and commercial litigation, and also served as a mediator and arbitrator. He was certified as a neutral by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Joe was a proud graduate of St. Louis University High School and Saint Louis University School of Law, and served as an intelligence officer in the United States Army in Frankfurt, Germany. Beyond his legal work, Joe was deeply committed to service, including his long-standing representation of Birthright of St. Louis, for which he and his wife Francine were honored with the Monsignor Hartnett Award. He was an active member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the Association of Defense Counsel, where he served as President from 1969 to 1970. He earned Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Peer Review Rating and was listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He also co-authored Property and Business Liability - Commercial General Liability Coverage for Missouri CLE. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Francine, along with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. His legacy will continue to live on through the firm, his family, and the many lives he impacted throughout his career.

• Managing Partner

• Missouri, 1952
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri, 1956
• U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1972
• U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1973
• U.S. Supreme Court, 1974

• Missouri Bar Association
• Bar Association of St. Louis