Portrait of Jessica E. Courtway

Jessica E. Courtway

Partner

Jessica advises clients in a variety of construction matters, including construction litigation and arbitration, prosecution of mechanic’s liens, contract negotiation, and contractor licensing issues. She has successfully prosecuted and defended construction claims in litigation and arbitration.

She prioritizes frequent client interaction with a forward-thinking approach. Jessica’s specialized knowledge allows her to work efficiently, and she is often praised for her responsiveness and ability to simplify complex matters.

In addition to her work within the firm, Jessica holds several leadership positions in professional and community organizations including the Downtown Community Improvement District, Missouri Asian-American Bar Association, and ABA Forum on Construction Law.

Jessica was recognized for her professional and community contributions by being named among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America every year since 2021, St. Louis Business Journal’s “30 Under 30,” and Missouri Lawyers Media's Up & Coming class of 2019.

During law school, Jessica served as a judicial extern to Judge George W. Draper III of the Missouri Supreme Court.

    Education

    • Saint Louis University (B.A., magna cum laude, 2011)
    • Washington University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2014)

    Bar Admissions

    • Missouri
    • Illinois
    • Colorado
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
    • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

    Professional Affiliations

    • American Arbitration Association (Arbitrator)
    • Meritas Law Firms, Young Lawyer Advisory Board (2021-2024)
    • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Young Lawyers' Division (Vice Chair, 2017-2019)
    • Missouri Asian-American Bar Association (President, 2017-2018)
    • American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law
    • National Association of Women in Construction, Former St. Louis Chapter (Board of Directors, Member)

    Community Involvement

    • Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (Board of Directors, 2023-present)
    • Regional Union Construction Center (Advisory Board of Directors, 2019-2020)
    • Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (Big Sister, 2014-2019)
    • Girls on the Run of Greater St. Louis (Site Liaison, 2015)

    Awards & Honors

    • Ranked as one of Missouri’s “Leaders in Their Field” in Construction by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2025; 2026)
    • Named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction (2026)
    • Named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2021-2025)
    • Up & Coming Award, Missouri Lawyers Media (2019)
    • Named to the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Rising Stars list, Construction Litigation (2018-2024); Super Lawyers list, Construction Litigation (2025)
    • 30 Under 30 Award, St. Louis Business Journal (2018)
    • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis YLD Award of Merit (2016)
    • Who's Who Diversity in Color (2015)
    • Diane Yu Scholarship & Service Award, Missouri Asian-American Bar Association (2014)
    • Carmody MacDonald Legal Practice Excellence Award (2012)
    • ABA Forum on Construction Law Diversity Fellow

Jessica E. Courtway

Jessica advises clients in a variety of construction matters, including construction litigation and arbitration, prosecution of mechanic’s liens, contract negotiation, and contractor licensing issues. She has successfully prosecuted and defended construction claims in litigation and arbitration.

She prioritizes frequent client interaction with a forward-thinking approach. Jessica’s specialized knowledge allows her to work efficiently, and she is often praised for her responsiveness and ability to simplify complex matters.

In addition to her work within the firm, Jessica holds several leadership positions in professional and community organizations including the Downtown Community Improvement District, Missouri Asian-American Bar Association, and ABA Forum on Construction Law.

Jessica was recognized for her professional and community contributions by being named among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America every year since 2021, St. Louis Business Journal’s “30 Under 30,” and Missouri Lawyers Media's Up & Coming class of 2019.

During law school, Jessica served as a judicial extern to Judge George W. Draper III of the Missouri Supreme Court.