The St. Louis American Honors Larry L. Deskins with Tribute
May 14, 2020The St. Louis American honored the late Larry L. Deskins with a tribute to the 35-year member of Lewis Rice. Larry was a dedicated lawyer, making a name for himself in St. Louis counseling banking institutions, public school districts, business entrepreneurs, and more. He was the first African-American to be elevated to partner by a major St. Louis Law firm.
Larry's close friend and former mentee Ronald A. Norwood not only valued their relationship, but credited Larry with with Ron's success at the Firm. “Larry took me under his wing, providing advice and counsel on how to navigate the challenges of being a minority attorney in a majority firm and exposing me to his broad-based business clientele,” said Ron. “It was through that strong mentorship, which evolved into a close personal friendship, that I was able to navigate my way as Lewis Rice’s second African-American equity partner and first African-American equity partner in the litigation group."
“Larry was a consummate corporate lawyer and professional,” Firm Chairman Tom Erb said. “His advice to our clients was strategic, while at the same time practical. He was a visionary, yet always grounded by his no-nonsense attitude. Larry possessed an exceptional legal mind and was fully committed to civic engagement.”
Larry passed away in March after a long illness. He is missed by many, especially by all of us at Lewis Rice.
To read the tribute, click under "Resources" below.
Larry L. Deskins' transactional practice encompassed representation of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, individuals, and others across a broad range of industries including auto supply, food and beverage, gaming, manufacturing, and service companies. He represented clients on both buy-side and sell-side and as borrowers or issuers in structured and other financings.
