Helmut Starr
Principal
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Law Practice
Helmut’s practice is focused primarily on municipal, land use and zoning law, and commercial litigation, with a focus on financial, fiduciary, and probate litigation. He represents governmental entities, including serving as City Attorney for two cities in St. Louis County. He has successfully litigated zoning and other public law issues in state courts in Missouri and Illinois. Helmut has served as lead counsel in several multi-million dollar litigation matters before courts and arbitration panels, as well as partnering with clients in large-scale redevelopment and zoning projects. His municipal experience includes:
- City Attorney, City of Oakland, Missouri (1989-present)
- City Attorney, City of Lakeshire, Missouri (2005-present)
- City Attorney, City of Webster Groves, Missouri (1995-2018)
- Litigation Counsel for the City of Clayton (1993-1994)
- Litigation Counsel for the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority (1992-1994)
- Assistant City Attorney, City of Creve Coeur, Missouri (1990-1991)
- Prosecuting Attorney, City of Kirkwood, Missouri (1987-1988)
Bar Admissions
- Missouri (1985)
- Illinois (1986)
- U.S. Tax Court (1996)
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit (1988)
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri (1985)
Professional Associations & Memberships
- American Bar Association, Litigation and Municipal Law Sections
- The Missouri Bar
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Missouri Municipal Attorneys Association
- International Municipal Attorneys Association
Awards & Recognition
- Named The Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in St. Louis for Litigation, Land Use and Zoning
- Named The Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in St. Louis for Municipal Law
- Selected among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators (2019)
- Named The Best Lawyers® 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” in Missouri for Litigation, Land Use, and Zoning
- Named The Best Lawyers® 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” in St. Louis for Litigation-Municipal Law
- AV Rated Martindale Hubbell (1995 – present)
- Best Lawyers in America; Land Use & Zoning, Municipal Law, Real Estate Law (2008-2018)
- Named Best Lawyers® St. Louis, Missouri, Land Use and Zoning, “Lawyer of the Year” (2015)
- Selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers: Commercial Litigation, Financial and Fiduciary Litigation, Land Use & Zoning Law Litigation, Land Use and Zoning, Municipal Law, Real Estate Law (2007 – 2016)
- Juris Doctorate, Washington University, 1985 (Journal of Urban and Contemporary Law, Associate Editor and Starr Member)
- Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri, 1977
- Helmut is active in his community.