Neil John Bruntrager

When a high-profile individual is forced to address a legal matter in the media spotlight, Neil Bruntrager is often hired to handle the case. Because of Bruntrager's legal expertise and his philosophy of avoiding publicity, prominent clients turn to him when they need legal help. "At Bruntrager & Billings, we keep the focus on the client and refuse to get distracted by the media circus," Bruntrager explains. 

Bruntrager began his legal career in 1981 as prosecutor. After receiving an undergraduate degree in urban studies with a minor in political science from Saint Louis University in 1978, he attended the Saint Louis University School of Law, graduating in 1981. Shortly after graduation, Bruntrager joined the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office, which prosecutes state-level crimes in the city of St. Louis. 

"Working as an assistant circuit attorney was a valuable part of my legal career," Bruntrager says. "Almost immediately, you're trying cases." Bruntrager was sworn in as an attorney on Sept. 16, 1981 and was picking his first jury one month later. 

As an assistant circuit attorney, Bruntrager handled hundreds of cases. His three-year tenure taught Bruntrager much about police procedures, the handling of evidence and law enforcement resources. It also gave him an almost daily opportunity to appear before St. Louis judges. 

In 1984, Bruntrager left the prosecutor's office and joined the family firm, Bruntrager & Billings. Over the past 25 years, Bruntrager has developed a thriving general trial practice that includes criminal defense, personal injury, federal personal injury and worker compensation cases. As a civil litigator, Bruntrager has obtained multimillion-dollar results on behalf of his clients, both as verdicts won and cases settled 

Bruntrager is proud of the fact that his firm represents the St. Louis Police Officers Association. "Police officers know who is a good trial lawyer," Bruntrager notes. "The fact that our firm represents the association is an honor." As a natural extension of its public sector legal work, Bruntrager & Billings has also given guidance to fire and ambulance districts; currently the firm represents eight fire and ambulance districts located in the St. Louis region. 

Because of his expertise, Bruntrager is frequently invited to speak to professional and public sector groups. He also lectures at continuing legal education seminars and has taught business law at the University of Missouri-St. Louis as an adjunct professor. 

An active member of the Bar and the community, Bruntrager served for several years on the board of governors of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. Along with the other members of his firm, he raises money for Catholic Legal Services, which assists victims of abuse, and is involved with the Thomas More Society. 

"What I do isn't work-it's a vocation," says Bruntrager. "People depend on you, and you have to rise to the level of their expectations."