Eric M. Walter
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Recognized for
Cannabis Law
The Elite Counsel Perspective
A formidable presence in Missouri cannabis law, Eric advises a significant share of license holders, with judgment honed as counsel to state licensing boards.
A formidable presence in Missouri cannabis law, Eric advises a significant share of license holders, with judgment honed as counsel to state licensing boards.
Overview
Eric Walter focuses on businesses in the legalized cannabis industry, advising on the regulatory, licensing and transactional issues involved in their operations. He has successfully represented companies applying for state licenses to cultivate, manufacture and dispense cannabis and cannabis-infused products, and represents a significant percentage of Missouri’s license-holding entities. Eric was also a member of the committee responsible for drafting Missouri Amendment 3, which legalized recreational cannabis use in the state.
Eric advises cannabis businesses on the state and federal regulations governing their operations. His work also includes helping clients solicit investors, arrange loan transactions to obtain capital, and pursue mergers and acquisitions involving cannabis companies. These matters place him alongside clients both as they seek permission to operate and as they address financing and ownership changes.
Eric has extensive experience litigating complex commercial and business cases in state and federal courts, including matters involving cannabis license holders. A significant part of his litigation practice consists of defending business entities in class actions, many of which involve allegations of fraud, false advertising, unfair trade practices or violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. He also handles business disputes alleging breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and copyright infringement, and advises employers on claims involving discrimination and violations of noncompete and non-solicitation provisions.
Before joining Armstrong Teasdale, Eric practiced at another St. Louis-area law firm and served as an assistant attorney general for Missouri. In the Attorney General’s Office, he was appointed general counsel to several professional state licensing boards and prosecuted licensure violations. He also worked on complex federal litigation involving ERISA pre-emption.
Education
- University of Missouri School of Law (J.D., 1998)
- Missouri Environmental Law and Policy Review, Articles Editor (1996-1998)
- University of Missouri (B.S., magna cum laude, 1995)
Admissions
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
Honors & Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2024-present); Commercial Litigation (2025-present)
- Best Lawyer for Cannabis Counsel, Reader's Choice Awards, MO Greenway Magazine (2019, 2021)
- Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyers® (Cannabis Law, 2017-present)
Professional Associations
- The Missouri Bar
- International Cannabis Bar Association
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (Marijuana Law Committee, Chair)
- Texas Bar Association