About James H. Erlinger
James H. Erlinger III combines legal training and financial credentials that few lawyers can match. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1981, followed by an M.B.A. from the same campus in 1983. He completed his J.D. at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1985.
Soon after law school he was admitted to the Missouri bar in 1985. His admissions also include the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Those credentials have supported a career that bridges state and federal practice.
Erlinger is a partner at Bryan Cave LLP. He brings both a law degree and a Missouri Certified Public Accountant credential to his work. That combination places him at the intersection of legal analysis and financial detail. Colleagues and clients have turned to him on matters where accounting and legal issues meet.
His education in business and law shows through in how he approaches matters. The M.B.A. informed his understanding of corporate structure and finance. The CPA credential offers a technical grasp of financial statements and tax considerations. The J.D. provides the legal framework for negotiating agreements and resolving disputes. Together they shape a practice that requires careful parsing of numbers and text.
At Bryan Cave LLP he has held partner responsibilities that include advising clients and mentoring junior lawyers. He has represented clients in matters before Missouri state authorities and in federal court in the Eastern District of Missouri. His courtroom admissions allow him to handle litigation that begins at the state level and proceeds to federal filings when necessary.
Outside of the courtroom and conference room, Erlinger’s background suggests a methodical approach. He tends to present complex information in straightforward terms. He favors clear explanations over technical jargon when briefing clients or preparing documents.
As of 2026 he continues at Bryan Cave LLP, combining his legal and accounting credentials in practice. His current practice focuses on matters that require both legal analysis and financial expertise.
