More Than Four Decades of Legal Experience in St. Louis
Stephen G. Bell has practiced law in the St. Louis metropolitan area since 1982, building a career defined by legal experience, professional integrity, community involvement, and service to his clients. Steve is licensed to practice law in both Missouri and Illinois and has devoted his entire legal career to private practice. Over more than four decades, he has advised and represented individuals, families, business owners, and companies in civil litigation, transactional matters, and other significant legal concerns.
That depth of experience provides clients with more than knowledge of the law. It provides the perspective and judgment that come from decades spent negotiating agreements, resolving disputes, evaluating risks, protecting assets, and advocating for clients when the stakes are high.
AV Preeminent® Rated for Legal Ability & Ethics
Steve has earned the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest peer rating for professional excellence. The rating is based on confidential evaluations from members of the legal profession and recognizes attorneys for their legal ability and ethical standards. It reflects qualities that have remained central to Steve's practice throughout his career: integrity, diligence, reliability, preparation, professionalism, and respect for the responsibilities that come with representing a client.
For clients choosing an attorney, professional recognition matters. But what matters even more is what those standards mean when applied to their case. They mean having confidence that sensitive matters will be handled with discretion, that commitments will be honored, and that every interaction will be conducted with the seriousness the situation deserves. Those expectations are not reserved for especially complex or high-profile matters—they are the standard Steve brings to every professional relationship.
Saint Louis University Education & Academic Achievement
Steve's legal career has deep roots in St. Louis. He attended Saint Louis University on a full academic scholarship and completed the university's four-year Honors Program in only three years. He graduated magna cum laude with an Honors Bachelor of Arts in 1979.
Steve continued his education at Saint Louis University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1982. He entered private practice that same year and has continued serving clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis ever since. His education established the foundation for a career that has now spanned more than four decades of legal problem-solving, negotiation, transactional work, and litigation.
A Career of Service to St. Louis & Missouri
Steve's professional life has also been distinguished by an extensive commitment to civic leadership, charitable service, education, disability advocacy, and access to legal representation.
His dedication to pro bono representation and access to justice has also been recognized by The Missouri Bar's Pro Bono Wall of Fame. Steve's civic, charitable, educational, and professional service has included:
- • Chairman of The Gabriel Family Foundation, providing financial assistance to charitable organizations since 1996
- • Leadership and board service involving DeSmet Jesuit High School, St. Clement of Rome Catholic School, and Lou Fusz Soccer Club
- • Judge for the Missouri High School Mock Trial Program
- • Member of the Planning Commission for the City of Webster Groves
- • Member of the Missouri State Board of the United Cerebral Palsy Association
- • Speaker for the National Down Syndrome Congress
- • Instructor in the Rockwood School District Partners in Education Program
- • Chairman of Health and Environmental Services Advisory Board for the City of Webster Groves
- • Chairman of the Religious High Schools Foundation, supporting financial aid for education
- • Counsel to St. Louis HELP (Health Equipment Lending Program)
- • Volunteer attorney at the Joplin Tornado Disaster Center
- • Founder and President of DAKOTA, Inc., serving families of children with disabilities
Steve was also appointed by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke to the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and was subsequently elected to serve on the Board's Executive Committee.