Throughout his more than four decades at Lewis Rice, Walsh has helped mold one of St. Louis’ most respected law firms through an ethos that focuses on trust and people-first leadership. The best advice he ever received: Always lead with empathy and integrity. “In the legal industry, where decisions are often driven by business demands, it’s easy to lose sight of the human side of leadership,” Walsh says. “The principles of maintaining trust, supporting our people, and treating every client interaction with respect have guided me through many difficult decisions, and remind me that long-term success comes from building relationships and staying true to our firm’s values.”
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? Technology is transforming the way we work, allowing our lawyers to focus on more complex, strategic matters while also improving access for clients. But developing the experienced business-savvy people to utilize advancements correctly is the key. Together, these advancements are empowering us to provide the highest quality legal service.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would want people to work together on creative solutions to problems and conflict.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is fostering meaningful change in a way that respects our firm’s longstanding traditions while positioning us for future success. Balancing innovation with tradition isn’t easy;there’s often a tension between maintaining practices that have defined us for decades and adapting to meet the evolving expectations of clients and our own team. Whether implementing new technologies, or evolving our practice areas, the goal is always to preserve the core values that make us who we are while ensuring we remain responsive to a changing world.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I often turn to my fellow partners and leadership team at Lewis Rice‚ many of whom bring insights from years of experience in different practice areas. Staying connected with leaders in other sectors enables me to understand broader business trends and innovations.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? My business mentor is a former managing partner at Lewis Rice who helped shape our strategic vision and culture. He has helped me navigate the challenges of running a firm as well as understand the importance of building lasting relationships and leading with integrity.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Always lead with empathy and integrity. In the legal industry, where decisions are often driven by business demands, it’s easy to lose sight of the human side of leadership. The principles of maintaining trust, supporting our people, and treating every client interaction with respect have guided me through many difficult decisions and remind me that long-term success comes from building relationships and staying true to our firm’s values.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? Jackie Joyner Kersee and Steven Lindsey, CEO of Spire. I’m sure conversations with both would yield valuable insights into effective leadership, strategic growth, and fostering inclusive cultures.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Neurosurgeon Stephen J. Johans
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I think increased collaboration between industries would help create a more unified identity for St. Louis. Our region has incredible assets, from top-tier educational institutions and innovative companies to a vibrant entrepreneurial community. But they can operate in silos, which limits St. Louis’ potential for economic growth and talent retention. By fostering stronger partnerships between these entities, St. Louis could create more cohesive initiatives that attract talent, encourage investment, and position the metro area as a premier destination for businesses and professionals.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Plainfield, New Jersey
What was your childhood aspiration? Baseball shortstop
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? My first job was as a golf caddy. It taught me valuable lessons about service, how to act (and how not to act), and the importance of building strong relationships.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? JD from Washington University School of Law and a BA from MIZZOU.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I could see myself working as a journalist. I enjoy diving into different topics, exploring details, and communicating ideas in a way that connects with people. Journalism also feels meaningful to me because it informs and engages people, which is something I strive to do in all my work.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Sidney Street Café is one of my favorite restaurants. Chef Kevin Nashan is so talented. Everything on the menu is delicious, but the veal dumplings are particularly tasty.
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? A Tale of Two Cities, (or almost anything by Dickens) for insight into character, or Oh, The Places You’ll Go, for insight into optimism and joy.
What’s your hobby/passion? I love to read and I enjoy woodworking. Whether it’s historical accounts, biographies, fiction, classics, current bestsellers, or stories from different cultures, I enjoy exploring it all. Each book brings a new perspective and a fresh way of seeing the world.
What is your most prized possession? He’s not a possession, but without a doubt, my Labrador Retriever, Finnegan, is a prize.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I really love woodworking and working with my hands.
