By R. Johnson
Attorney Willie Epps’ legal career causes even seasoned attorneys to take notice. Missouri Lawyers Weekly (December 2001) recognized Willie Epps as one of St. Louis’ "Up and Coming Lawyers". Epps is definitely deserving of that distinguished acknowledgement.
Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Epps spent a few years in Mobile, Alabama before his family made the permanent move to St. Louis when he was still young. Epps is the eldest child of Willie and Barbara Epps. His parents received their PhD's from Kansas State University and were educational administrators at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville’s, East St. Louis campus. His sister, Bea Epps is an attorney in Chicago.
Initially, Epps dreamed of becoming an attorney and doctor simultaneously. As Willie matured he realized his strengths and focused his attention solely on law.
Epps graduated cum laude from Amherst College and received his Juris Doctor from Harvard University. After graduating from law school, He worked as a foreign associate for Houthoff Law Firm in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. During his stay overseas, Willie took the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. While in The Netherlands, Epps found the people to be genuinely curious about the American people. He took advantage of the chance to educate those whose only perception of Black Americans came from sensationalist American TV talk show exports (e.g. Jerry Springer). Epps was able to provide a more realistic and balanced view by sharing his experiences.
After his stay in The Netherlands, Epps began his impressive career as a Judge Advocate (JAG) in the US Air Force. JAG officers are exposed to many fields of law ranging from civil to criminal matters. After an intense nine-week training in "Judge Advocate General School" (Maxwell AFB), Epps prosecuted his first court-martial case two weeks later. During his military career, Willie was a prosecutor and later a defense attorney for military personnel.
Many people are unaware that the military’s legal system has multiple safeguards in place to ensure its soldiers receive fair trials. Unlike the civilian grand jury, the military grand jury is an open process that gives a defendant the option of testifying, and his attorney the ability to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. After exhausting military tribunals, court-martial cases may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court. Furthermore, military personnel have the choice of seeking non-military counsel for representation. Epps spoke passionately about his military tenure as an Air Force Judge Advocate: "JAG taught me how to try cases, gather evidence, communicate to a jury, and interact and care for clients".
After a four-year tour in the Air Force, he received top security clearance to work for the Office of Special Counsel, John C. Danforth, on the Waco investigation. He was one of twelve attorneys assigned to investigate misconduct allegations regarding the FBI.
Currently, Willie works as a sole practitioner, The Epps Law Firm LLC. He specializes in medical malpractice, personal injury, estate planning, wrongful death, white-collar crime and military criminal defense. Epps admits he had not anticipated being on his own so early in his career, however he has no regrets. The benefits are immeasurable. He is his own boss, is able to set his own hours, and can be selective about the cases he handles.
Epps stands out as an attorney because his clients sense he cares, will work hard to provide fair representation and is honest enough to let them know when he can not help. He also has a wealth of resources that enable him to stay abreast of current law and be an important player in legal arenas where larger law firms have traditionally dominated.
In advising others who have contemplated a career as a sole practitioner, Epps believes it is important to believe in yourself, to understand the importance of managing money well and to enjoy your job. In the future, He would like to expand his practice to include a small group of attorneys who share his same ideals.
Epps is devoted to his law practice but does take time to spend with family, friends and various social groups. Lately Epps has been working with the MOBAR YLD Council -Vote Missouri Task Force. The Task Force visits area classrooms exalting the importance of voting and encourages students to register to vote.
Willie Epps is driven by his sense of responsibility and commitment to his community. Epps has been blessed to have great people in his life who have helped him and wants to use his talents to empower others to improve their lives. His accomplishments are credited to parents who provided positive examples and were his true role models. An encouraging "you can do anything" attitude permeated his everyday life.
The late minister Robert S. Johnson of First Missionary Baptist Church, also played a vital role in Epps’ life. Minister Johnson let Epps know his options in life were boundless as long as his faith in God remained strong. Willie grew up in an environment which valued faith, family and education, and that has been the foundation of his success.
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