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Robert Grant Pennell
also known as Rob Pennell
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About Robert
Biography
Although not born in Saint Louis, I’ve lived here for forty years, and consider myself a Saint Louisan. I’m a graduate of Washington University–Olin School of Business, and Saint Louis University – School of Law. And in case you, too, are a Saint Louisan, I graduated from Parkway Central Senior High School.
Unlike most of my contemporaries, I did not go directly to law school upon graduating from college. I spent five years as an Engineer Planner at McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), managing multimillion-dollar engineering development programs for the United States military and its allies. Complying with the demanding requirements of government requests for proposals and contractual reporting more than prepared me for the rigors of the law. It helped me to hone the business sense to not merely identify potential problems/roadblocks, but to actually craft effective solutions, which is precisely how BUSINESS gets done.
Trial Lawyer Experience
I began my legal career as a trial attorney at sizable firms, including one of the oldest insurance defense firms in Saint Louis, as well as the local office of a large international firm out of Chicago. While there, I engaged in every aspect of litigation, from Pre-Trial Discovery and Dispositive Motion practice up to and including First Chair Jury Trials and Appellate Argument before the Missouri and Federal Courts of Appeal.
Business-Oriented Practice
While initially a litigator, I have spent most of my twenty plus years practicing law representing businesses, large and small. Due to my business background, I deliberately transitioned to representing businesses, particularly in regard to employment and contractual matters. In so doing, I’ve assisted businesses from small start-ups to large regional enterprises and Fortune 500 companies including:
3M, American Airlines, American Red Cross, AT&T, Boeing, Boy Scouts of America, CIGNA, Dierberg’s, Dr Pepper/7 Up, Edward Jones, EMC Corp, FedEx, Frito-Lay, Hallmark, JB Hunt, JPMorgan Chase, LabCorp, Marriott Int’l, PPG, Starbucks, Truman Medical Center, Unilever, UnitedHealth, Walmart, Walgreens, Waste Mgt and YMCA.
Through Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ my fellow lawyers have assigned me a 5.0 out of 5.0 AV Preeminent Rating – the highest rating available. After all, that is how BUSINESS gets done!
Straight-Up, Straight-Forward Legal Advice gets BUSINESS Done!
Don't just sign on the dotted line - give me a call.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Contracts and Agreements
30%
30 years | 500 cases
Employment and Labor
25%
30 years | 3,500 cases
Business
20%
30 years | 500 cases
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-350 per hour
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
8
Licenses
Licensed in Missouri for 32 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 32 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Robert Grant Pennell, LLC
(888) 959-2685
Fax
PO Box 726, Saint Louis, MO, 63011-1026
rgp-law.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Robert online.
Robert Grant Pennell's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | July 20, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Honest and Helpful Feedback
Great feedback from Mr. Pennell. Clear , professional, respectful, and communication.
Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Insurance
I was very happy with the feedback I got. He was very detailed & thorough. Thanks Robert for your insight.
Posted by M. Cathy Bauer | August 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Adult primary care and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
From the initial telephone to the completion of the legal business manner not only was I grateful for his help in resolving my problem I was delighted with his demeanor and attitude. I am healthcare professional with years of experience in providing services, but like a person living under a mushroom...
Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Legal Assistance
Robert Pennell was incredibly knowledgeable, timely, and professional in helping me set up my single-member LLC for my Chiropractic business. His expertise made the process seamless and stress-free. Highly recommend his services especially when it comes to creating a small business!
Posted by Sarah | February 16, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
A frank opinion
Robert spoke on the phone with me and was able to point me in the right direction - even though it wasn't with his firm. I really appreciate an attorney who is honest that they can't help - it's a sign of someone I can trust. I will make him my first call if I have other Missouri business questions. ...
Robert Grant Pennell's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Robert for over 20 years. The entire time he has shown a consistent and tireless dedication to whatever pursuit he takes on, be it the representation of a client, public service or even helping out a friend. He possesses the rare trait in an attorney in that he is realistic and down to earth but creative in his solutions. He is not afraid to “think outside the box” to get his clients effective and legal results most other attorneys would never have thought. I endorse Robert without hesitation."
"I have collaborated with Rob Pennell on a number of matters and I never cease to be impressed with his integrity and expertise. Rob is a very skilled business and litigation attorney with vast experience in employment law. He has handled hundreds of unemployment hearings and advised clients, and their HR departments, on employment law issues. He is a dedicated advocate. He has a great sense of humor and seems to quickly build rapport with clientse. In addition to handling employment law and administrative hearings, Rob has at least twenty years civil litigation experience in all phases of trial practice. I believe that Rob would be an invaluable advocate and consultant for any business organization.ndorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Robert Grant Pennell, a skilled Contracts and Agreements Attorney in Saint Louis, MO, recognized for delivering top-notch legal services and practical solutions."
"It is clear from Robert's education, experience and responses on AVVO that he is a knowledgeable and capable advocate who cares about his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Pennell is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"Rob's ability to analyze a legal situation, consider the unknown possibilities, and then give excellent advice that is backed by vast experience makes him an attorney I'd count on!"
"The answers of Mr. Pennell are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"Mr. Pennell is generous with his time in providing detailed answers to questions in the AVVO community. His experience shows."
"Mr. Pennell has the knowledge and skill to help with many workplace difficulties. I endorse this lawyer."
"Rob is an excellent business, employment and litigation attorney. He is extremely talented and well respected in the legal community. He is sharp, quick witted, and effective. I highly recommend Rob."
"Having practiced with Rob for many years, I know that he has an uncanny ability to make a complicated issue seem simple and straightforward. He is an excellent advocate for his clients and does not back down in a difficult case. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rob is knowledgeable and respected in the legal community."
"From many years of his fine work in my community of St. Louis, MO, I endorse Mr. Pennell"
"Robert is an excellent lawyer. I greatly respect his legal abilities in labor and employment areas of the law and I highly recommend Robert if you find yourself in need of legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an honorable, articulate and talented counsel."
"Rob is a knowledgable professional with extensive litigation experience. His knowledge and experience are tremendous tools to be utilized by any business, large or small, to keep from being engaged in unnecessary and costly litigation."
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Experience
Honors
2022
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
Pro Bono Award, American Bar Association
2021
Best Business Attorneys in St. Louis, St. Louis Small Business Monthly
2021
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Pro Bono Award, American Bar Association
2020
Best Business Attorneys in St. Louis, St. Louis Small Business Monthly
2020
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
Inducted to Membership, Association for Legal Excellence
2019
Pro Bono Award, American Bar Association
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Pro Bono Award, American Bar Association
2018
Best Business Attorneys in St. Louis, St. Louis Small Business Monthly
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2007
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2007
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2006
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2005
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2004
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2003
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2002
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
1995
Defense Trial Academy Graduate, International Association of Defense Counsel
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Owner, Law Offices of Robert Grant Pennell, LLC
1998 - Present
General Counsel, DCSC, Inc.
1999 - 2001
Senior Associate, Steven Schumaier & Associates, PC
1997 - 1999
Senior Associate, Landau, Omahana & Kopka, Ltd.
1993 - 1997
Associate, Moser & Marsalek, PC
1992 - 1992
Judicial Intern, U.S. District Court - Southern District Illinois
1992 - 1993
Antitrust Faculty Research Assistant, St. Louis University School Of Law
1986 - 1992
Engineering Planner, McDonnell Douglas Corporation
Associations
2021 - Present
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) MissouriBoard Member
2015 - Present
American Bar Association, Business Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
American Bar Association, Business Law Section, LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Business Entities CommitteeMember
2015 - Present
Service Corps of Retired & Working Executives (SCORE)Auxiliary Member
2012 - Present
Missouri Bar, Solo and Small Firm CommitteePlanning Committee Member
2001 - Present
Missouri Bar, Solo and Small Firm CommitteeMember
1993 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1993 - Present
Missouri BarAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Metropolitan v Sinha
Judgment Set Aside, Contractor Dismissed Suit and Repaired Work
Employment Discrimination
Case Dismissed with Prejudice w/o any Payment
Education
1993
St. Louis University - School of Law
Juris Doctor
1985
Washington University in St. Louis
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2022
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, and Licensing & Taxes
2021
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, Licensing & Taxes, and Accounting & Finance
2021
Missouri Human Resource Law: What you Need to Know Now
Employee Performance, Discipline, and Discharge
2020
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, Licensing & Taxes, and Accounting & Finance
2020
Mini Law School for HR Professionals
Controlling Unemployment Compensation Costs
2019
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, Licensing & Taxes, and Accounting & Finance
2019
Human Resource Law from A to Z
Controlling Unemployment Compensation Costs
2019
Annual Law Update
Business Law Update
2018
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, Licensing & Taxes, and Accounting & Finance
2018
Solo and Small Firm Conference
Advising the Growing Small Business Owner
2017
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, Licensing & Taxes, and Accounting & Finance
2016
Starting and Managing the Small Business Workshop (Monthly)
Legal Entity Selection, Licensing & Taxes, and Accounting & Finance
2016
Solo and Small Firm Conference
Look Out Claimants – Beware Significant Statutory Changes to Unemployment!
2016
Business Smart Toolkit
Module 1: Ready
2016
Boots to Business: Reboot Training for Veterans
Legal Structures Selection
2014
Solo and Small Firm Conference
Advising the Small Business Client
2014
Solo and Small Firm Conference
Representing Clients in Employment Hearings
2007
Solo and Small Firm Conference
How to Run for Office from Those Who’ve Learned from the School of Hard Knocks
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Robert earned significant contribution points in 2025.
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long is allowed between specimen collection and lab testing the specimen.
09 Dec 2025
Q&A
Can i collect umployment if employer dosent have any opening for after i been release back to work .
08 Dec 2025
Q&A
Did my property manager violate his property management agreement due to willful or gross negligenc?
08 Dec 2025