“Lori Lea has a wealth of knowledge with a practical and business-oriented approach,” according to one corporate attorney. “Most importantly, she is client-focused, taking the time to understand objectives, explain alternatives, draft conscientiously and follow-up to ensure objectives are met.”

Lori Lea Shelley serves as bond counsel for many municipal bonds, advising clients on estates and trusts, probate, corporate and transactional matters. As a partner at Lathrop GPM, she has been recognized as one of Missouri’s top five bond counsel for seven years by Refinitiv, now known as LSEG.

Lori Lea represents government entities (cities, counties, municipalities and school districts) in public finance matters, including general obligations, refundings, lease purchases and district tax levy issues. In addition, she represents a wide range of industries and clients, including individuals and corporations in:

  • Consumer goods
  • Manufacturing
  • Real estate and development
  • Technology

Regularly representing individuals, privately held businesses and limited liability companies, Lori Lea counsels clients regarding:

  • Bond financing
  • Business formation
  • Corporate finance – equity and debt financing
  • General business needs
  • Insurance financing
  • Leveraged buyouts
  • Partnerships
  • Private placement securities offerings
  • Reorganizations
  • Restructuring
  • Shareholder buy-sell agreements
  • Succession planning
  • Tax planning and tax credit finance
  • Trusts, estates and legacy planning

Areas of Focus

Credentials

Education

  • St. Mary's University School of Law (J.D., 1996)
  • University of Missouri - St. Louis (B.S.B.A., 1993)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Texas (Inactive)

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Tax Court

Recognitions

  • The Bond Buyer, "Top Five Bond Counsel in Missouri," 2022-2023

Professional Activities

  • National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL)
  • Women in Public Finance (WPF)

Community Involvement

  • Center of Creative Arts (COCA), Volunteer and Associate Board Member
  • St. Louis Artists' Guild (SLAG), Volunteer, Board Member, Treasurer and Member of the Board of Governors