Experience at Work
Teresa “Traci” Dale Pupillo is an experienced trial lawyer representing clients in a wide variety of litigation matters, with a particular emphasis on employment, land use and real estate matters. From daily HR compliance to high-stakes litigation, Traci partners with employers to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. She provides strategic counsel on critical HR issues, including investigations, training, classification employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act, overtime issues, and disciplining and terminating employees. She works with employers on drafting and revising employee handbooks, employment agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, and separation agreements. When disputes arise, Traci is an experienced advocate in state and federal courts, handling all facets of employment litigation, including wrongful discharge, discrimination, retaliation, misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference and non-compete matters. Traci also represents clients across a broad spectrum of real estate disputes and issues, assisting them with zoning, permitting, land use, condemnation proceedings and hotly contested public and private development projects and property disputes. She represents a variety of individual property and business owners, developers, contractors, condemning authorities and non-profit organizations and has earned a reputation for her thorough trial preparation and her passion for, and in-depth knowledge of, the complexities of the real estate industry. Her tireless efforts while working with dozens of municipalities have led her to develop important working relationships with key engineers, developers, city attorneys and public and elected officials across the region.
Awards & Recognition
Awards
- St. Louis Small Business Monthly, Top Business Advisor (2022)
- St. Louis Small Business Monthly, Best Attorney (2021)
- The Best Lawyers in America® | Litigation – Labor and Employment, St. Louis (2021 – Present)
- Super Lawyers® | Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers List, Super Lawyer (2016 – Present)
- St. Louis Small Business Monthly, Top 100 St. Louisans You Should Know (2015)
- Missouri Lawyers Weekly, Up and Coming (2007)
Memberships & Associations
Professional Organizations
- American Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
Education
Educational Background
- J.D., Washington University School of Law (1994)
- B.S., Economics, Missouri State University, summa cum laude, (1991)
Significant Experience
Representations
- Secured a significant trial victory in Effingham, IL, winning a $1.22 million jury verdict.
Firm Programs
- COVID-19 and Unemployment: What Employers Need to Know. Webinar. St. Louis, MO. (2020)
Admissions & Qualifications
Bar & Court Admissions
- Missouri
- Illinois
- U.S. Supreme Court
Leadership & Community Engagement
Current Leadership Positions
- Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis | Board Member
- Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis | Executive Committee Member
Civic & Community
- Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis