Thompson Coburn LLP

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ve asked women attorneys across our firm to share insights on their experiences within the legal industry and beyond. Cheryl Kelly, partner in the firm's St. Louis office, shares pivotal career moments, how her role models influenced her, and how technology and diversity are important to the legal industry's present and future. Q: Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge from your journey to becoming an attorney? A: As a first-generation professional, learning the rules of the road presented its own challenges but it was also confidence-building to blaze a trail. Q: Can you share how women role models or mentors inspired or supported you? A: To my great fortune, my junior female colleagues have taught me a thing or two professionally and personally. The areas in which I practice have traditionally been male-dominated, and women tend to drop out from these areas at a higher rate. The ladies who have come behind me have been a pleasure to work with, and it’s been a privilege to bring them along and keep them in the game. Likewise, I’ve been rewarded by the experience. Being hired by a mentee is special to me – –I've learned from my mentees as much as my mentors. Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to a career in the legal industry? A: There are many ways to make use of a law degree, and no one path is mandated. You can make your own way and have what it takes to do that. Q: How do you see the legal industry changing for the next generation of women attorneys? A: Technology and diverse talent have brought more flexibility and creativity to the practice of law. Take advantage of the opportunities this has brought and should continue to bring! Learn about TC's women's initiative here: https://lnkd.in/gGUsKeCj #womenshistorymonth #womenshistory #womenattorneys #womenleaders #WHM

Members of our NY office came together this week to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in support of Crossroads Community Services. Participants made 515 sandwiches for those in need! Crossroads Community brings people together to fight against hunger and homelessness. Thank you to Phyllis Kelty, Earl Ford, and Edwin Reyes for organizing. Learn more about the organization here: https://lnkd.in/gTDmaNce

DEI Executive Orders are back in effect and the Education Department's DEI investigations move forward. Higher education attorneys Lorrie Hargrove and Tres Cleveland provide a rundown of what the orders mean and what to expect. #DEI #departmentofeducation #highereducation Read their full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/ge4JTV26

Congratulations to TC associate Layla Husen, who has been selected as one of 16 associates to participate in the 2025 U.S. Bank Spotlight on Talent program! The experience focuses on relationship-building and the professional development of rising talent at some of the bank’s key law firm partners. This year’s program kicked off in Minneapolis at U.S. Bank headquarters with networking, learning opportunities, and goal-setting activities with bank attorneys and other executive leaders. Read more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/gcWkeR7Y #professionaldevelopment #associateattorney

Join Jennifer Post, managing partner of TC's LA office, and co-panelists Kai Tse, Randy Garg, and Benjamin W. at the Venture Debt 2025 Conference on April 10 in NYC! The 3rd annual Venture Debt Conference by DealFlow Events provides the opportunity for networking and discussion about nondilutive loan strategies aimed at VC-backed and emerging growth firms. TC is proud to sponsor this full-day event and to have Jennifer featured as a panel moderator. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gYfmQcZv #venturedebt #venturecapital #theventuredebtconference

Thank you, Brand Action, for the shoutout! In the video below, TC partner Thomas Polcyn shares why giving back matters. TC's #ip team is a longtime supporter of Brand Action, which brings together professionals and companies in the trademark community to help people in crisis, globally.

On March 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education initiated a reduction in force impacting approximately 1,300 employees. In the latest edition of the HigherEdReg Rundown, Aaron Drew Lacey, co-chair of TC’s Higher Education practice, discusses the scope of the #RIF, its impact on Federal Student Aid, and practical considerations for institutions. #highereducation #highered #education #studentaid Click here to watch the full update: https://lnkd.in/gnu_Cnar

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ve asked women attorneys across our firm to share insights on their experiences within the legal industry and beyond. Emily Wang Murphy, partner in the D.C. office, and Gayle Mercier, partner in the St. Louis office, share their advice, challenges they have faced, and thoughts on changes for the next generation. Q: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to a career in the legal industry? Gayle: Surround yourself with a solid support system and a good network of friends. Q: Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge from your journey to becoming an attorney? Emily: I applied to law school during my senior year of college and was waitlisted. I was devastated but determined to try again, so I worked at a law firm as a paralegal while I reapplied. I was accepted the second time around and was over the moon! In hindsight, I matured a great deal and gained invaluable, practical skills (like how to work in an office and be part of a work team) during my brief detour from my education. Now I tell up-and-coming attorneys not to be discouraged by brief setbacks. They can make you stronger and better prepared for your career. Q: How do you see the legal industry changing for the next generation of women attorneys? Gayle: The acceptance of the work-from-home environment, which allows for more flexibility during business hours, will ultimately benefit many women who handle family/children’s issues. Learn about TC's women's initiative here: https://lnkd.in/gGUsKeCj #womenshistorymonth #womenshistory #womenlawyers #womeninbusiness

The Education Department's recent staffing cuts have sparked concerns about disruptions in regulatory oversight. Thompson Coburn’s Aaron Drew Lacey shares insights with Inside Higher Ed: https://lnkd.in/gWiixHJu #departmentofeducation #highereducation

TC health care partner Evan Goldfarb was named to the Missouri Lawyers Media Health Care Law 2025 Power List! The annual list spotlights attorneys who counsel hospitals, clinics and other health care entities on everything from regulatory compliance to real estate and more. #healthcare #healthcarelaw Click here for details: https://lnkd.in/g2MJzcHK