Attorney Justin C. Strayhorn is an associate at SWMW Law. He joined the firm in 2024, focusing his practice on helping individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Before joining the firm, Justin worked as a plaintiff’s personal injury attorney, civil defense attorney, and as a prosecutor in both St. Louis City and St. Louis County, where he tried several jury trials to completion. The variety of roles he has held throughout his career have greatly influenced his decision to transition to asbestos litigation, a position he hopes will allow him to help more people on a larger scale.
“My journey as an attorney has allowed me to see the effect of the legal system on both sides of the proverbial aisle,” he said. “Previously defending insurance companies, and later helping victims pursue justice against insurance companies, has made me a well-rounded attorney and given me valuable insight into who I want to fight for – victims. At the heart of each case, there are hardworking people who were harmed through no fault of their own, and those people deserve justice. In the world of asbestos litigation, this is especially true, and I believe my history, tenacity, and heart for service make me a great fit for this type of litigation.”
Leveraging his legal acumen, positive attitude, and unsatiable desire to help others, Justin is a strong advocate for those he represents.
“In all of my work as an attorney, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of not just listening to my clients, but truly hearing them,” he said. “They’re often facing some of the most devastating and tumultuous periods of their lives, and to be a great attorney who can truly help them, it takes not only razor-sharp legal instinct and knowledge, but also takes someone who will see them as a person, acknowledge their struggles with empathy, and communicate with them every step of the way. My clients can rest assured that I will bring all of this and more to the table as their advocate and partner in the pursuit of justice.”
Outside of his work with the firm, Justin has proven himself to also be a leader in the legal community. He has been asked to present a CLE on “Closing Arguments” for the Young Lawyers Division of the Missouri Bar from 2022-2024 and is an active member of the Mound City Bar Association.
Justin’s leadership in the legal community is mirrored by his leadership in the community. He is an active member of his church, West Side Missionary Baptist Church, and of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, both of which host and lead service projects throughout the year. He is also a member of the Centennial Plaza Housing Board of Directors, a group that leads the charitable arm of Centennial Plaza Baptist Church and provides housing and advocacy for low-income senior citizens.
