Bill R. Bay

William R. Bay focuses his practice on high-stakes litigation for major corporations across the country. He represents clients in state and federal courts and often serves as regional or national counsel in lawsuits and regulatory matters involving several venues, serious risk, and complex legal challenges.

William earned his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School. His education supports a litigation career built on careful analysis, clear writing, and strong advocacy in business, financial, and institutional disputes.

William handles matters involving business litigation, financial services, higher education, insurance recovery, bankruptcy, private wealth, and fiduciary litigation. His work includes breach of contract, fraud, corporate governance, insurance coverage, lost profits, lender liability, tortious interference, trust disputes, and estate litigation involving fiduciary duties.

William has helped clients manage major litigation portfolios in many jurisdictions. He works with financial institutions, manufacturers, and post-secondary institutions facing serious disputes. His role often includes building defense strategies, responding to regulatory actions, and guiding companies through document-heavy cases with practical judgment.

William has also held major leadership roles in the legal profession. He served as American Bar Association President, President-Elect, Chair of the ABA House of Delegates, Chair of the ABA Section of Litigation, and member of the ABA Board of Governors, including service on its Finance Committee.

William’s professional service also includes work with The Missouri Bar, The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and statewide court commissions. He has served as co-chair of the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness and has been selected as a member of the American Law Institute.

William R. Bay has received several honors, including the Special Chief Justice Award, 2025 Robert Walston Chubb Award, Missouri Bar President’s Award, Distinguished Lawyer Award, and 2017 Spurgeon Smithson Award. He has also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, and the Missouri Lawyers Media POWER List.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Thompson Coburn LLP
• Member, American Bar Association​
• Member, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
• Member, Missouri Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Mound City Bar Association
• Member, Women Lawyers’ Association
• Member, Lawyer’s Association of St. Louis
• Member, St. Louis County Bar Association
• Member, Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers
• Member, National Native American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois
• Missouri

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Missouri-Columbia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges