Biography
Jacqueline K. Graves is a seasoned litigator with a diverse practice that spans banking litigation, trust and estate disputes, and municipal law. She brings a results-driven approach to each case, drawing on her extensive experience in state and federal courts to deliver strategic solutions for her clients. As Practice Group Leader for the Municipal Law, Zoning & Finance Group, Jackie is known for her ability to guide cities and agencies through complex legal challenges.
Banking Litigation and Creditors' Rights
Jackie has extensive experience in banking litigation and creditors' rights. She has successfully represented lenders in recovering multi-million-dollar claims, including actions against borrowers, guarantors, and other parties to financial agreements. Her deep understanding of financial disputes, combined with a strategic approach to enforcement and resolution, makes her a trusted advocate for creditors and financial institutions.
Trust and Estate Litigation
Jackie also has significant experience in trust and estate litigation. She has handled trust and will contests, trust reformations, and claims involving fiduciary duties. Her ability to navigate high-stakes disputes at both the trial and appellate levels has earned her a reputation as a skilled and strategic litigator.
Municipal Law and Zoning
Jackie serves as Practice Group Leader for the Municipal Law, Zoning & Finance Group, regularly advising cities and agencies on a broad spectrum of issues, including Sunshine Law compliance and eminent domain. She has defended municipalities and police officers in civil rights cases and has served as a prosecuting attorney for several municipalities, including the City of Kirkwood and the City of Maplewood.
Jackie practices before state and federal courts across the bi-state region, leveraging her litigation skills to deliver results for her clients.
Jackie serves on the boards of Aim High St. Louis and the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis. She is also a member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Communications Committee. Jackie was selected by her peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch for 2021-2025, as well as Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars® 2021-2022. Jackie is a member of the Firm’s Recruiting Committee.
Practice Areas
- Banking Litigation
- Bankruptcy & Insolvency
- Trust & Estate Litigation
- Municipal Law, Zoning & Finance
- Commercial Litigation
- Appellate Litigation
Education
- Saint Louis University School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2012)
- Order of the Woolsack
- Recipient of various Academic Excellence Awards
- Recipient, Judge Robert G. Dowd, Sr. Appellate Advocacy Award
- Saint Louis University Law Journal, editor
- Washington University in St. Louis (M.A., 2006)
- History
- Washington University in St. Louis (B.A., with honors, 2006)
- History and Political Science
Legal Background
- City Attorney, City of Florissant (2023-present)
- City Attorney, City of Maplewood (2021-present)
- Prosecuting Attorney, City of Maplewood (2018-present)
- Prosecuting Attorney, City of Kirkwood (2013-2016)
- Judicial extern, Hon. David D. Noce, U.S. District, Eastern District of Missouri (August-November 2011)
- Summer associate, Lewis Rice LLC (2010, 2011)
Professional Affiliations
- Communications Committee, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (2017-present)
- Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St. Louis (2018-present)
- Litigation Section, American Bar Association
Admissions
- U.S. District Court
- Eastern District of Missouri
- Southern District of Illinois
- Central District of Illinois
- Missouri Bar
- Illinois Bar
Charitable & Civic Activities
- Board member, Aim High St. Louis (2018-2024)
Firm Committees
- Member, Recruiting Committee