Robert E. McWilliams, Jr. possesses a wide range of transactional work experience in diverse areas. He brings to his practice almost 25 years of experience and perspective in advising and performing services for public agency and governmental clients.  He regularly advises clients on real estate, public contract, construction law, commercial law and governance matters. He has been involved in all aspects of multimillion-dollar construction projects with extensive experience in counseling public bidding and public purchasing. Mr. McWilliams for many years has undertaken and been involved in all facets of the purchase and sale of residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Primary Practice Areas

• Commercial Law
• Construction Law
• Public Contract Law
• Public and Governmental Agencies
• Real Estate Law

Bar Admissions

• United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, 1997
• United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, 1981
• Supreme Court of Missouri, 1974

Education and Academic Honors

• J.D., Saint Louis University, 1974
• A.B., magna cum laude, History, Saint Louis University,  1971
  Phi Beta Kappa, 1971

Representative Transactions

• Review, preparation and negotiation of contracts with national contractors on behalf of the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis for facilities management services, food services management, and bus transportation services in amounts ranging from approximately $50 million to $90 million, as well as sizeable contracts for health benefits services
• Sale of more than 30 separate properties on behalf of the Board of Education in all areas of the City of St. Louis, for total sale proceeds in excess of $10 million
• Acquisition of in excess of 100 properties, from private and public owners, on behalf of the Board of Education for the site of a new high school facility
• Preparation of construction documents and related services for approximate $55 million new school construction and renovation on behalf of the Board of Education
• Preparation and negotiation of contract and financing documents for multi-million dollar tax exempt transaction for the Board of Education for computer equipment acquisition from Dell Financial Services
• Review, preparation and negotiation of leases with communications carriers for placement of towers and equipment for wireless communications services and transmissions
• Preparation and negotiation of contracts and bonds with approximately seven separate parties, including SBC, totaling approximately $50 million, for computer and Internet access in school facilities of the Board of Education
• Preparation and negotiation of contracts  with energy performance contractors and financing documents with GE Capital for multi-million dollar performance energy contracts covering equipment and energy measures for numerous public educational facilities

Representative Clients

• Board of Education of the City of St. Louis

Selected Lectures and Publications

• "Construction Contracting for Public Entities in Missouri," February 2000

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• The Missouri Bar
• Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
• Regional Disciplinary Committee for Region XI
  Member, Division 3

Community Service and Awards

• St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers Program

Employment

• Lashly & Baer, P.C.
  Member, 1985-Present
  Associate, 1980-1984
• Interco Incorporated
  Corporate Counsel, 1975-1980
• Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District
  Clerk for Honorable Harry L. C. Weier, 1974-1975