Stephanie L. Jones

Founding Member

I came to a career in law a little bit later than most. I didn’t grow up saying I wanted to be an attorney like a lot of my colleagues. I wanted to be a psychologist and help people. I didn’t have any attorneys in my family – most of my family didn’t attend college. Looking back now, a legal career was always there. I negotiated my first “contract” with my parents my senior year in high school when I presented them a detailed PowerPoint presentation as to why I should no longer be required to have a curfew. In fifth grade, I won an award for Most Questions Asked. Some people would call kids like me “spirited.” Looking back now, it was clear that becoming an attorney was unavoidable.

I am a native St. Louisan. I was raised in the southwest St. Louis suburb of Fenton and lived there until college. While most St. Louisans do not leave, my family has all relocated and I don’t have many relatives here anymore. My husband, Will James, and I currently live in Sunset Hills. Will is the Principal Percussionist with the St. Louis Symphony and I enjoy attending concerts to watch him and his colleagues play. We have two young children who keep us on our toes and who charm everyone they meet. When I am not lawyer-ing or mom-ing, I enjoy gardening, working out, reading, and drinking Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Obviously not all at the same time.

Journey to Family Law

I have always wanted to help people. Originally, that journey led me to a career in social work after college. I graduated with a psychology/sociology degree and worked as a social worker for three years prior to starting law school. I had a caseload of abused and neglected children who were wards of the state. I enjoyed advocating for my clients through the juvenile court system but I was missing something in that role.I missed writing, analysis, and research. I also was frustrated easily by a broken system. I applied to law school with the intention of practicing family law, a rarity among law students as most strive for careers with big law firms in tall buildings. I’ve never practiced any other type of law and have always considered it my calling.

Areas of Practice

Divorce, Child Custody, Spousal and Child Support

Business Valuation in Divorces

High Net Worth Divorces

Complex Asset Divorces

Pre/Postnuptial Agreements

Family Law Mediator

Education

Saint Louis University School of Law, Juris Doctor (2005)

Fontbonne University, Bachelor of Arts (1999), magna cum laude

Affiliations & Community

Kids In the Middle – Board of Directors (2019-present)

Foundry Art Center – Board of Directors (2010-2017), Secretary (2011-2015)

St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association (2009-2015)

Favorite Book:

Untamed, Glennon Doyle (current favorite). I have been a heavy reader during quarantine but this particular book had so many uplifting moments and is good for anyone going through change.

Favorite Podcast:

Armchair Expert, How I Built This, Ologies with Alie Ward, Revisionist History, and Broken Record

Favorite Quote:

“Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade.”

– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Credentials and Distinctions

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America (2016-Present)
US News & World Report Best Lawyers Law Firms in America (2016-Present)
Missouri Kansas Super Lawyers Rising Star (2010-2012, 2017)

In addition to her formal academic training, Ms. Jones received extensive and specialized training in trial advocacy at the Houston Family Law Trial Institute from experts across the United States. Ms. Jones also attended the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Associate Institute in 2006 and 2007.

Publications & Presentations

Family Law From A to Z: Finance 101, National Business Institute (June 2020), Presenter
The “Whats, Whens and Hows” of Presumptions in Family Law, MO-AFCC Fall Conference (December 2018), Presenter
Crafting an Effective Parenting Plan, Missouri Bar (February 2017), Presenter
Court Procedures, National Business Institute (September 2016), Presenter
Family Law Essentials – Characterization of Property and Debts: Issues of Categorization, Acquisition and other Special Circumstances, Missouri Bar (March 2015), Presenter
Family Law Appellate Cases for Appraisers and Accountants: A Case Law Update, Business Valuation Roundtable (September 2014), Presenter
It’s a Matter of Trust: Understanding Trusts in Dissolution of Marriage Cases, Missouri Bar Annual Meeting (September 2014), Presenter
Evidentiary Challenges: Tips and Tactics for Authenticating Useful and Practical Evidence, Annual Family Law Conference (August 2013), Presenter
Critical Trial Skills for Legal Services Attorneys, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, St. Louis, MO (April 2013), Presenter
E-Discovery in the Family Law Case: New Age Media, Age Old Issues, Missouri Bar/Missouri Judicial Conference Annual Meeting (September 2011), Presenter
“The New Era of Electronic Eavesdropping and Divorce: An Analysis of the Federal Law Relating to Eavesdropping and Privacy in the Internet Age” Journal of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Fall 2008), Co-Author with Cary J. Mogerman
“Characterization and Division of Property” Missouri Family Law CLE Deskbook, Divorce Chapter, Missouri Bar (2007-present), Co-Author with Cary J. Mogerman
Spyware: What it is, What it Does, and Use and Misuse in Divorce Cases, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Family Law Symposium (May 2007), Presenter
Spyware: Does the Law Protect Us, Missouri Bar Annual Meeting (September 2006), Presenter

Call (314) 449-8830 or contact us to make an appointment

Stephanie L. Jones