Drawing on decades of experience in commercial and government litigation, Erwin (Erv) Switzer has deep knowledge of areas of law including consumer protection issues, governmental regulatory affairs and the appeals process. As the firm’s general counsel, he also advises on legal ethics on behalf of the firm and for outside clients. He is co-editor of the treatise State Consumer Protection Law, published by the American Bar Association.

For 11 years, Erv served as chief counsel in the Office of the Missouri Attorney General. There, he led litigation on matters including the Merchandising Practices Act, Telephone Consumer Protection Act, trade and securities regulations, antitrust compliance, civil rights, First Amendment law and taxation in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout Missouri. He was involved in dozens of high-profile matters, including the relocation of the Rams to St. Louis, representation of the Missouri Commissioner of Securities and Secretary of State, and litigation resulting in a ban against the sale of ephedra products in Missouri.

Erv frequently represents businesses facing consumer protection class action claims related to pricing and disclosure issues. In addition to handling the litigation aspect of such complaints, he guides clients through a proactive approach of reviewing consumer sales forms to make sure they comply with regulations, lessening the risk of future liability. 

With his prosecutorial and government experience, Erv is well-positioned to conduct special investigations or serve as independent counsel, monitor or special committee member. He was appointed by the Federal Trade Commission to serve as a monitor and administrator of a consent decree in an antitrust case, giving the federal agency an experienced independent monitor for the matter at more affordable Midwest rates.

Erv has also handled matters involving defense of attorney general investigations, student lending practices, deceptive advertising claims, Internet domain names and drafting legislation. He is co-chair of Greensfelder’s appellate practice section and has briefed and argued dozens of appellate cases in state and federal courts, making him a knowledgeable resource for clients seeking new counsel or a second opinion during an appeal.

Erv represented the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority (the governmental body responsible for the Dome at America’s Center) in negotiations with St. Louis City and St. Louis County regarding the allocation of the $500 million settlement with the NFL and the Rams. 

Erv has significant community and leadership experience and has made mentorship of younger colleagues a priority throughout his career. He has lectured and authored articles on appellate practice, consumer protection/trade regulation, and legal ethics. 

Professional Affiliations

• Appellate Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee, Secretary, 2008-2016   
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Board of Governors, 2003-2009
• St. Louis Bar Foundation, Board of Governors, 2003-2006
• American Bar Association Antitrust Section, Consumer Protection Committee Leadership Group member
• Editor of the State Consumer Protection Law treatise, published by the American Bar Association in 2022

Community/Civic Activities

• Nerinx Hall High School, President’s Council, 2019-present
• Military Legal Assistance Team Advisory Board, Missouri Attorney General’s Office, 2017-18
• Citizen Advisory Committee, City of St. Louis police chief search, 2017
• Missouri Technology Corporation Board of Directors, 2017-present
• St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, chairman, 2016-17
• Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life, Advisory Board, 2013-2020
• City of St. Louis, Board of Police Commissioners, 2012-2013   
• Governor's Council on Disability, 2009-2012
• Bankruptcy Practice Memorial Fund, Governing Board, 2006-2010
• FOCUS St. Louis, Board of Directors, 2003-2009
• Paraquad, Board of Directors, 1995-2007
• St. Louis Library Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2002-2006
• St. Louis Public Library, Board of Directors, 1994-2006; President, 1998-2002
• Tossed ceremonial "first pitch” at St. Louis Cardinals game, August 23, 2000
• Leadership St. Louis, Class of 1996-1997
• St. Louis Housing Authority, 1989-1994; Chair, 1991-1993

Honors & Awards

• The Best Lawyers in America, Advertising Law, 2024; Appellate Practice 2023-2024, Government Relations Law, 2007-2024; St. Louis area Government Relations Practice Lawyer of the Year, 2018, 2024
• Benchmark Litigation, 2015-2022
• Missouri Lawyers Media ICON Award, 2022
• Missouri Lawyers Weekly, Power List of top attorneys, 2020-2022
• Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, Consumer Law, 2009-2019
• Missouri Lawyers Weekly, Up & Coming Mentor Award, 2015
• Pro Bono Service Award Winner—Missouri Attorney General Wall of Fame
• St. Louis Bar Foundation, Spirit of Justice Award, 2014
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, President's Award, 2002, 2008

Representative Matters

• In a matter undertaken at the Court of Appeals, obtained a reversal of a $6 million judgment against the client based on allegations of fraudulent transfers as part of a Ponzi scheme before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.   
• Represents clients in class actions involving pricing issues or disclosure issues.
• Represents clients in licensing and investigation matters before various government agencies, including the Attorney General’s Office, Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration and the Department of Social Services.
• Defends and prosecutes false advertising claims, including on behalf of a large retail chain.
• For the state of Missouri, prosecuted a consumer fraud case against the operator of a purported charity, obtaining judgment of guilty of all counts.
• For the state of Missouri, prosecuted the Second Injury Fund civil RICO suit, leading to recovery of more than $1 million and referenced in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as one of its 125 most important stories in its 125-year history.

News

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

Publications