Law360 Names Barbara A. Smith Tyson as a 2024 Top Attorney Under 40

St. Louis Partner Barbara Smith Tyson has been named a Top 40 under 40 attorney nationwide by ‘Law360’ in the appellate category. She is the only BCLP attorney to make the list this year, and the only non D.C. based appellate attorney to do so. Among other achievements, Law360 highlighted several of Barbara’s recent victories, including (1) in the Illinois Supreme Court, on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer; (2) in the First and Eighth Circuits, on First Amendment questions; and (3) on discretionary review in the Kansas appellate courts on behalf of a national pharmacy retailer, for whom she achieved complete and total dismissal of all claims. Asked by Law360 what motivates her, Barbara emphasized, “getting the law right motivates me and being a fierce advocate for my clients motivates me.”

Before joining BCLP, Barbara served as a law clerk to Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. on the Supreme Court of the United States and Judge Thomas B. Griffith on the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.  At BCLP, Barbara co-leads firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court group, one of only a handful of women to hold such a role. Explaining her passion for appeals, she shared, “I love that appellate law is about the law, rather than the facts, and I appreciate that it gives me an opportunity to serve as a translator. A lot of the questions my clients face on appeal are complex or highly technical but just because they're difficult legal questions doesn't mean they have to be complicated."

As a seasoned trial and appellate litigator, Barbara counsels clients through their most delicate and challenging litigation issues— routinely handling politically sensitive matters and aggressively advocating for early and complete victories. Her diverse client base, which includes politicians, Fortune 500 companies, foreign sovereigns, and boards of directors, share one thing in common: They need a strong advocate, and they want to win. The firm is extremely pleased that Barbara has been recognized as a Rising Star by Law360.