Overview Experience Thought Leadership Outside the Office Community Leadership

Harry B. Wilson

Of Counsel

St. Louis
office: 314.480.1843
fax: 314.480.1505

Overview Experience Thought Leadership Outside the Office Community Leadership

Download Bio Download vCard

Overview

Harry has built his practice as a litigator with extensive trial experience, particularly in jury cases.

He has appeared in and tried cases throughout the Midwest, including significant work for Farm Credit System institutions. These cases:

Raised lender liability issues, as well as novel issues arising under federal “borrowers’ rights” legislation that affected farm lending practices.
Were tried in front of rural judges and juries, with a favorable result in all, despite the difficulty of representing a bank in litigation against farmers.

Harry also has handled a variety of business cases involving labor and employment, environmental, insurance and health law. In addition, he has litigated in complex tax cases against the federal government.

Harry was an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Law from 1982 to 1987. He was a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam conflict, having served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Industry

Real Estate, Development & Construction

Services

Labor & Employment

Levee & Flood Protection

Litigation

Recognition

Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame, 2012

Education

J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
- with honors
- Saint Louis University Law Journal, Writing Editor
A.B., Harvard University
- with honors

Admissions

Missouri
U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
Illinois

Clerkships

The Hon. Theodore McMillian, Missouri Court of Appeals

Experience

Advised in multiple banking cases for Farm Credit System institutions that raised lender liability issues, as well as novel issues under federal “borrowers’ rights” legislation that affected farm lending practices.
Defended an employer in an age-discrimination case involving 16 plaintiffs and a seven-week jury trial with 60 witnesses. Verdict was listed as one of the Top 10 Defense Verdicts of the Year by The National Law Journal (March 19, 2001).
Developed a unique theory of environmental recovery against the federal government and two of its prime contractors, resulting in a favorable settlement for national defense subcontractor.
Represented a Fortune 500 global provider of technology-based agricultural products in a declaratory judgment action regarding an electrical service contract to the client’s elemental phosphorus plant, which was the largest single-point customer for the defendant. The issue in the case was whether the defendant was bound to provide service under previously negotiated contract rates or new rates. The court entered a judgment for client, which was confirmed on appeal and resulted in substantial savings.
Represented a large bank against claims by limited partners relating to the bank’s loans to the partnership. In litigation that spanned more than 16 years, the limited partners alleged that the bank’s loans were issued in bad faith and in breach of its fiduciary duties. Following a trial before special master, the court entered its order finding no liability on the part of the bank. The order was confirmed on appeal.
In pro bono matter, represented Hayti Heights, Mo., which was in bankruptcy and facing receivership by the state. Negotiated reduction in payroll tax debt to the Internal Revenue Service from well more than $150,000 to less than $2,560 and then defended this deal on administrative appeal. Tried and obtained judgment in favor of the city in a mismanagement-of-funds lawsuit. Blocked the transfer of sewer and water system operation to neighboring city.
Supervised a major piece of litigation filed in the British courts that resulted in a favorable settlement for client.