Former Missouri Gov. Jeremiah W. Nixon provides strategic counsel to companies involved in high-stakes litigation. He also advises businesses and corporate executives that are the target of government investigations, and conducts internal investigations. In addition, he counsels clients on public policy issues.
As a former state senator, four-term attorney general and two-term governor, Jay knows how to successfully navigate and resolve complex, high-stakes disputes in a fiscally responsible manner. As governor, Jay received national recognition as a strong fiscal manager who brought people together and led the state through difficult economic times and devastating natural disasters. He balanced Missouri’s budget every year without raising taxes, and made smart and historic investments in education, health care and economic development. He also was praised for his appointment of more than 150 centrist bipartisan judges. Jay brings his government services expertise to bear when counseling clients.
Internationally, Jay led 14 foreign trade missions to countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central America and South America. He applies this deep understanding of international business when counseling clients involved in cross-border disputes and those being litigated in more than one country.
Jay is also a nationally recognized appellate advocate. During his four terms as Missouri’s attorney general, Jay briefed and argued cases at all levels of state and federal courts of appeals across the country. He personally argued two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including the landmark Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PAC, which reinstated Missouri’s campaign contribution limits. He was also three times awarded United States Supreme Court Best Brief by the National Association of Attorneys General. Jay continued his appellate advocacy upon returning to private practice. His appellate arguments have earned unanimous favorable decisions from both Missouri Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. Jay’s long track record of appellate success is attributable to his unique understanding of legislative and executive functions and his ability to synthesize and simplify the issues before the court.
As Missouri’s chief legal and law enforcement officer, Jay developed a reputation for rooting out corruption, fighting crime and protecting consumers. In that role, he led an investigation into the acquisition of nonprofit Health Midwest hospital system by for-profit HCA that resulted in more than $1 billion being used to establish and fund two healthcare foundations in Missouri.
Jay is actively involved in Dowd Bennett’s pro bono work and helps train the firm’s more junior litigators. An avid outdoorsman, he is the 2015 recipient of the Sheldon Coleman Great Outdoors Award for his commitment to conservation and the outdoor economy. He is also a dedicated supporter of strengthening access to mental health services.
