Former U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming Joins Dowd Bennett
Former United States Attorney, Sayler A. Fleming, is joining Dowd Bennett as a partner. Fleming, who served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri from December 2020-June 2025, is the latest former U.S. Attorney to join the firm.
“Dowd Bennett is widely recognized for delivering exceptional legal outcomes and fostering a collegial, collaborative approach to its practice. I am honored to join such a distinguished group of attorneys and look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success,” said Fleming.
During her tenure as U.S. Attorney, Fleming was known as a convenor of various law enforcement agencies to fight and reduce violent crime in the St. Louis region and beyond. The Eastern District of Missouri, which includes 49 counties, led the nation in gun prosecutions, including cases involving carjackings, armed robberies, and murders. Under Ms. Fleming’s leadership, St. Louis became one of a handful of cities in the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, which marshals resources to target the ‘worst of the worst’ violent offenders. Fleming co-chaired the Attorney General’s Child Exploitation Working Group and increased the number of prosecutors handling the office’s child exploitation cases. She also oversaw a multitude of other areas under the federal prosecutor’s umbrella including civil litigation, fraud, terrorism, cybercrime, and drug-trafficking.
The firm’s strategic focus on attracting former U.S. Attorneys and federal prosecutors enhances its ability to assist clients with their most challenging and sensitive matters. Founding Partner Ed Dowd is a former U.S. Attorney and also served as an accomplished Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Missouri. Dowd said, “The depth and breadth of experience that a former U.S. Attorney brings to our practice is a tremendous benefit to both our clients and our colleagues.” Founding Partner Jim Bennett added, “We are proud to have someone of Sayler Fleming’s intellect and achievements join our ranks, and we look forward to her assisting our clients.”
Fleming is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law and clerked for the Honorable Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. during his term as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri.
Before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2010, Fleming was with a large international law firm where she focused on appellate, class action, commercial litigation and product liability matters.