Husch Blackwell celebrated founding Partner Christian Peper's 100th birthday on Friday, December 3. Peper enjoyed the company of his fellow attorneys, Husch Blackwell staff, community leaders, friends and family.
Several friends and colleagues shared fond memories and stories about Peper. Thomas Schlafly, former partner with Husch Blackwell, recited an amusing yet heartfelt poem about Peper’s life and its historical context (he was 18 months old when the Titanic sank and in grade school when the U.S. entered World War I).
"We're honored to celebrate such a milestone with Chris," said Carrie Hermeling, Husch Blackwell's St. Louis Office Managing Partner. "He exemplifies all that is right and good in our profession, and he still comes to the office almost every day."
Peper was born on December 5, 1910, in St. Louis and attended Our Lady of Lourdes grade school, St. Louis University High School, and graduated from Harvard College. He attended Washington University Law School and continued his education at Yale Law School where he received a Master of Law degree in 1936.
He founded St. Louis law firm Martin Peper Martin in 1941 with his close friend Malcolm Martin and Malcolm's father, William McChesney Martin. Over the years, the firm merged with a number of other law firms and is now known as Husch Blackwell LLP.
Peper has practiced for a number of years in the corporate and estate planning areas.
For many years, he served as legal counsel, and later as a benefactor, to The Saint Louis Art Museum. Peper has served as trustee and currently is on the Museum's Collections Committee.
"As an attorney, member of numerous board committees, and a dedicated collector and supporter, Chris has been an integral part of The Saint Louis Art Museum for a half-century," said David Linenbroker, Husch Blackwell Partner and legal counsel to The Saint Louis Art Museum.