William Catlett is the founder of William A. Catlett, L.L.C., a St. Louis-based law practice that has served individuals and families for more than three decades.
Licensed to practise law in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas, he has built a career helping clients through complex legal matters including family law, bankruptcy, guardianships, probate administration, criminal defence and mental illness proceedings.
After earning his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law, Catlett began his legal career as an associate attorney and opened his own practice in 1997. Throughout his career, he has focused on protecting clients’ rights while helping them understand the legal process. His approach is centred on clear communication, practical advice, and careful preparation rather than unnecessary complexity.
Beyond private practice, Catlett has served in several public-facing legal roles. He is regularly appointed to represent individuals in involuntary commitment and guardianship proceedings throughout the St. Louis area. Since 2017, he has also served as a Court Testimonial Trainer for resident physicians at major hospitals, helping medical professionals prepare to give effective evidence during court proceedings.
His broad experience extends beyond the courtroom. William Catlett was formerly licensed as both a title agent and a real estate broker, giving him additional insight into property and financial matters that often intersect with legal disputes.
Throughout his career, Catlett has remained guided by one principle: every client deserves honesty, transparency, and an advocate who places their interests first. His commitment to protecting legal rights and finding practical solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted leader within Missouri’s legal community.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I’ve always been interested in solving problems that have a real impact on people’s lives. Law allows you to help someone through situations that are often stressful and uncertain. From the beginning, I wanted to build a career where I could guide people through those challenges while making sure their rights were protected.
How did your career develop after law school?
Prior to graduating from Saint Louis University School of Law, I was a law clerk at the City of St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. Following graduation, I worked with a private law firm as an associate attorney. Those early experiences allowed me to see the legal system from different perspectives before becoming an associate attorney. In 1997, I opened my own practice, and that allowed me to build the kind of law firm I had always envisioned.
Many attorneys focus on one area of law. Why did you choose such a broad practice?
Life doesn’t fit neatly into legal categories. Someone going through a divorce may also be dealing with financial difficulties. A guardianship matter might involve probate issues. Real estate questions can arise during family disputes. I wanted to understand how these areas connect so I could look at the whole picture instead of treating each legal issue in isolation.
Your practice includes guardianships and involuntary commitment proceedings. What have those experiences taught you?
Those cases remind you how significant the legal system can be in someone’s life. You’re often dealing with questions about personal liberty, family relationships and long-term wellbeing. They require careful preparation because every decision can have lasting consequences. That responsibility has reinforced the importance of listening carefully, communicating clearly and paying close attention to the facts.
You also train physicians to testify in court. How did that opportunity come about?
Over time, my work in mental illness proceedings led to opportunities to work more closely with medical professionals. Since 2017, I’ve served as a Court Testimonial Trainer for resident physicians. My role is to help them understand what to expect when they testify and how to communicate medical information clearly in a courtroom. It’s rewarding because effective testimony helps judges make informed decisions.
What do clients value most when working with an attorney?
I believe they want honesty. Most people aren’t looking for complicated legal language. They want someone who will explain the process, answer their questions and give them realistic expectations. I always try to speak with clients in plain language instead of talking over their heads.
You’ve been practising for more than three decades. What has stayed consistent throughout your career?
My priorities haven’t changed very much. My job is to protect my client’s interests while helping them understand the legal process. Every case is different, but that responsibility stays the same whether I’m handling a family law matter, a bankruptcy case or a guardianship proceeding.
How has your experience outside traditional legal practice influenced your work?
Earlier in my career, I was also licensed as a title agent and a real estate broker in Missouri and Illinois. That experience gave me a broader understanding of property transactions and financial matters that often appear in legal disputes. Having that background allows me to recognise issues that someone with a narrower focus might overlook.
What do you think defines good leadership in the legal profession?
Leadership starts with responsibility. Clients trust you with some of the most important situations they’ll ever face. That means being prepared, communicating openly and putting their interests ahead of your own. Experience is valuable, but integrity is what earns trust over time.
After more than thirty years, what continues to motivate you?
Every client comes to you with a different story. Even after all these years, no two cases are exactly alike. I still enjoy helping people understand their options and working towards practical solutions. Success isn’t about winning every argument. It’s about achieving the best possible outcome for the client while making sure the legal system respects their rights.
