The Ferguson Dilemma: Storming the Challenges
A partner at the St. Louis law firm of Armstrong Teasdale, Steven N. Cousins P’16 is lauded for his role in helping break down racial barriers for local African American lawyers in St. Louis. In 2014, he was recognized as an Inspiring St. Louisan by the St. Louis County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
A member of Armstrong Teasdale’s Executive Committee, Cousins is founder of the firm’s Financial Restructuring, Reorganization, and Bankruptcy practice group. When Cousins was hired by Armstrong Teasdale in 1980, he became the firm’s first African American lawyer. He was named chair of the firm’s first bankruptcy practice in 1984 and became the first African American partner in 1987. Today, Cousins has a nationally recognized practice in the areas of bankruptcy, reorganization, and restructuring.
A graduate of Yale College and the University of Pennsylvania’s Law School, Cousins has been listed for more than 20 years in The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights law. He has also been named for many years as a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer. He is also listed in Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the country’s top five bankruptcy lawyers and received numerous awards including the 2013 Trailblazer Award from 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis.
A St. Louis native and former Ferguson resident, he is a great supporter of the St. Louis area and serves as volunteer, board member, and counsel for many local and regional organizations.