Biography
As Chairman of Lewis Rice, Richard B. Walsh, Jr. drives the strategic vision of the Firm, maintaining its reputation of nationally recognized excellence in delivering client-driven, sophisticated legal services. Prior to becoming Firm Chairman, Rick served as Chair of the Litigation Department from 2012 to 2020.
Rick leads a dynamic and diverse workforce, and is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable work environment. Rick works with Firm leadership to implement programs and initiatives to support the growth and mentorship of Lewis Rice’s associates, minority, and women lawyers.
As Chairman, Rick maintains an active and growing practice focusing primarily in the area of complex commercial litigation including intellectual property, antitrust, and securities litigation. He has litigated high stakes cases in many venues across the country. He counsels transactional clients concerning associated risks in commercial transactions. Rick’s background includes litigating antitrust claims in the health care, bicycle component, aluminum products, agricultural products, professional sports, and fitness equipment industries. He litigates intellectual property matters in many areas including computer systems, mechanical apparatuses and systems, and chemical, electrical, and medical products and processes.
Rick regularly appears in federal district and appellate courts throughout the country, and is a fellow in the Trial Lawyer Honorary Society of the Litigation Counsel of America.
Rick is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, was named "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation - Antitrust for 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2025 and "Lawyer of the Year" for Bet-the-Company Litigation in 2023 by Best Lawyers®; was selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers® 2008-2025; and was selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® 2005, 2008-2022 and 2024. Additionally, Rick was among the "Top 50" St. Louis area Super Lawyers in 2011-2018 and was among the “Top 100” Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers in 2011 and 2014-2016.
Practice Areas
- Class Action
- Commercial Litigation
- Intellectual Property
- Alcohol Distribution
- Antitrust
- Securities, Capital Markets & Investments
- Environmental, Chemical & Toxic Tort
- Franchise & Other Distribution
Education
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D., 1983)
- Samuel Breckenridge Award
- University of Missouri (B.A., cum laude, 1980)
- Economics and Philosophy
- Mortar Board
- University Scholar
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Antitrust
- Intellectual Property
- Litigation
- Antitrust Law Committee, Missouri Bar
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Special counsel to Internal Affairs Division of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
- Senior Fellow, Trial Lawyer Honorary Society, Litigation Counsel of America
Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Circuits
- U.S. Tax Court
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, Southern and Northern Districts of Illinois
- Missouri Bar
- Illinois Bar
Charitable & Civic Activities
- Member, Children’s Health Development Board, St. Louis Children’s Hospital; Member, Finance Committee, St. Louis Children’s Hospital (1998-2010)
- Member, Board of Directors, St. Louis Zoo Association (2004-2010)
- Member, Audit Committee, St. Louis Zoo (2010-present)
- Member, Board of Directors, United Way of Greater St. Louis (2019-present)
Firm Committees
- Chairman, Management Committee
