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Brent Dulle

Brent Dulle

Pro Bono Counsel - Civil Rights
Overview

A member of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team, Brent oversees the firm’s pro bono work on civil rights litigation, mentoring associates and advising on cases.

Brent began his legal career with 15 years in the City of St. Louis Law Department where he represented the City in a wide variety of litigation, particularly negligence tort and civil rights cases. A former broadcast journalist, Brent has always excelled at oral argument, and he thrived on the frequent jury trials. He eventually advanced into a management position where he continued to litigate his own caseload but also mentored and advised younger attorneys—a role he quickly discovered he loved.

Brent’s time with the City fostered a passion for the jury trial system and for high-quality representation for all. While his experience gave him a deep appreciation for the government’s work and good intentions, he also saw firsthand where cases can go wrong and how the system can fail. Brent strongly believes that attorneys have an obligation to ensure everyone’s equal access to the courthouse, which is fundamental to the U.S. Constitution—after all, what good are our rights if we can’t all enforce them in court?

At Husch Blackwell, Brent serves in a mentoring and management role for the firm’s pro bono civil rights litigation, supporting the associates who often take lead roles in these cases. He jumped at the opportunity to take on a position where he could combine his love of trial advocacy, mentorship and civil rights work. Brent was also thrilled to discover a law firm where such a unique job existed—a sign, he realized, of Husch Blackwell’s deep commitment to ensuring that not only is pro bono work done, but that it’s done well.

Education

  • J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
  • B.A., Marquette University

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • 22nd Circuit Judicial Commission, Lawyer Commissioner, 2018-2024
  • Missouri Bar Board of Governors; Board Member, 2016-present; YLS Delegate, 2014-2016
  • Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Council; District 9 Representative, 2011-2016; Executive Committee Member, 2014-2016
  • Fellow of the American Bar Foundation
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Husch Blackwell’s pro bono program is focused primarily on the representation of clients referred to the Firm by recognized legal aid agencies or for which the Firm has been appointed by a court. It is the Firm’s policy to not accept pro bono clients who contact the Firm directly seeking representation. If you are seeking pro bono legal services, please consider contacting a legal aid agency in your area or contacting your state’s bar association for assistance in finding a lawyer.

2023 Pro Bono Champion
Experience
  • Represented the City of St. Louis and its employees in 24 jury trials: served as first-chair or co-chair in 13 of these (11 in the 22nd Judicial Circuit; two in U.S. District Court) and served as second-chair in 11 (nine in the 22nd Judicial Circuit; two in U.S. District Court).
  • Directly supervised a staff of up to nine civil litigators who defended civil rights, personal injury, contract, property damage, other tort and equity matters brought against the City of St. Louis, its employees and officials.
  • Litigated caseload of civil rights, employment discrimination, equity and personal injury lawsuits, from initial filing through final disposition.
  • Advised City employees, policymakers and appointing authorities on liability issues, legal matters and disciplinary concerns.
  • Briefed and argued appeals in the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • Supervised legal investigators comprising the Claims section with the purpose of determining liability and negotiating settlements on all pre-suit demands for property damage and personal injuries.
  • Represented City departments in contested case evidentiary hearings under Chapter 536 RSMo.
Case Studies
Client Win in Prisoner Rights Case

A Husch Blackwell pro bono team helped a Missouri prisoner assert his right to be protected from attack by other inmates.

Firm News | February 14, 2023
2022 Pro Bono Impact Report
Outside the Office

With two small children at home, Brent and his wife love getting outdoors and taking advantage of the numerous family activities in St. Louis. As residents of the historic Shaw neighborhood, they adore Tower Grove Park and the local community of beautiful old homes and friendly people.

Brent also enjoys craft beer, bike rides and sports. An avid Cardinals fan, he also loves college football and college basketball.

Community Leadership
  • Historic Shaw Art Fair; Planning Committee Member, 2012-2014; Volunteer, 2010-present
  • Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association, Block Captain, 2012-2021