Lauren DeSantis has been an integral part of Polsinelli’s success since joining the firm as a summer associate in 2005. “Over the years, she has made significant contributions to the firm’s growth and development,” said her colleagues. “Her dedication and hard work helped Polsinelli transform into the powerhouse it is today, growing from just over 200 attorneys when she joined to a much larger firm with a national presence.”
Polsinelli is a law Am Law 100 firm with more than 1,000 attorneys in 22 offices nationwide. The firm’s attorneys provide value through practical legal counsel infused with business insight, offering comprehensive corporate, transactional, litigation and regulatory services with a focus on health care, real estate, finance, technology, private equity and life sciences.
After graduating from Duke Law School, DeSantis moved to Polsinelli’s DC office and played a key role in its expansion over the next 12 years. Upon returning to St. Louis, DeSantis’ contributions continued to be felt throughout the firm when she took the lead in the summer associate program, mentoring and guiding younger lawyers.
“Over the past few years, she has successfully defended multiple investigations, representing professionals, investors and firms,” said her colleagues. “Her contributions to the firm’s tax enforcement defense team have been particularly noteworthy, too.”
DeSantis is known for staying involved in the community. She was a member of Leadership St. Louis and serves as a mentor for the Mosaic’s International Women’s Mentoring Program. DeSantis is involved with the Women in White Collar group in St. Louis and represented an African American church in DC pro bono regarding the destruction of their property.
To promote diversity, cultural learning and opportunities for first-generation college students, DeSantis founded a $15,000 scholarship at Truman State University. “Lauren knows, firsthand, how difficult it can be to find the funds to pay for college tuition,” said her staff. “First-generation college students typically come from working class households and lack the financial backing of their parents, as well as the educational and career guidance that more privileged students receive.”
As a leader, DeSantis said it’s essential to embrace integrity. “Integrity inspires confidence, loyalty and builds trust within the team,” she said. “I think it is of the utmost importance to be honest, ethical and always try to do the right thing.”
Doing the right thing includes fostering communication with both clients and team members, said DeSantis. “There are a lot of setbacks in law, so it is important not to give up and keep going,” she said. “I try to build strong relationships with my team members based on trust and respect.”
Garnering respect in her field, DeSantis has also earned the title of a Titan 100.
