Our Story

L&M Law Group was founded in early 2024 with a singular vision: to deliver top-notch legal defense while treating clients like real people. After years of practicing law, Andy Morris and D. Christopher LaPée saw too many individuals feel unheard and pressured into quick plea deals. They left a previous firm and created L&M Law Group so they could do things differently. Here, your attorneys don’t just see a case number – we see you. We recognize that one mistake or accusation doesn’t define your life, and we’ve made it our mission to tell your side of the story with impact.

Andy’s background as a public defender and Chris’s experience as a former prosecutor give our firm a well-rounded perspective on the justice system. With over two decades of combined criminal law experience, our founders have handled everything from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. They built L&M Law Group to be the firm that theywould want to hire: one that fights aggressively in court, stands by clients every step of the way, and never sacrifices integrity or empathy.

Our Mission & Values

At L&M Law Group, our mission is simple – protect our clients’ futures by pairing fearless advocacy with genuine compassion. What sets us apart is how we live that mission every day:

  • Relentless Trial Advocacy: We are trial attorneys, not “plea attorneys.” Many lawyers treat a jury trial as a last resort – not us. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and we never charge extra or shy away from the courtroom. Fighting for you is our privilege, not an add-on.

  • Client’s Story First: Your story is the heart of our defense strategy. We take the time to learn who you are beyond the charges. By humanizing you to judges and juries, we level the playing field. You will never be “just another defendant” to us – we make sure everyone knows your name and your truth.

  • Honest, Straightforward Counsel: During uncertain times, you deserve honesty, not false promises. We will always give you a forthright assessment of your case. No sugarcoating, no empty guarantees – just the truth about your options. We believe in earning your trust through transparency.

  • Compassion & Respect: We know how stressful and scary criminal charges can be. Our attorneys listen without judgment and treat you with respect. Expect a personal, one-on-one relationship with your lawyer. We’re here to answer questions, ease your fears, and stand with you from start to finish – like a loyal friend who happens to be a skilled attorney.

  • Fair Fees & No “Trial Tax”: Justice shouldn’t come with hidden costs. Our flat fees are straightforward and include the option of a jury trial because we will never penalize you for fighting your case. Quality legal defense at a fair price is a cornerstone of our firm’s philosophy.

These values aren’t just talking points – they’re the principles Andy and Chris insist upon every day. When you choose L&M Law Group, you are choosing a team that genuinely cares about you and isn’t afraid to fight like hell to secure your future. We don’t just want to win cases; we want to help good people through the hardest times of their lives.

What Makes Us Different

Aggressive trial lawyers are not hard to find, and caring listeners are not hard to find – but finding both in the same defense team is rare. L&M Law Group prides itself on being that rare find. We have big-firm trial experience with a small-firm touch. We know the local courts in St. Louis and surrounding counties inside and out, and we’ve built a reputation for bold advocacy and genuine client care. Our team’s diverse experience (from prosecuting attorney to public defender work) means we know how the other side thinks and how to counter them effectively.

Ultimately, our firm was founded to be the legal team we would entrust our own family to. We measure our success not just by case victories, but by the relief we see on our clients’ faces when they realize they have someone truly on their side. Your fight is our fight – and we never forget that.