Former Chair of Husch Blackwell Appointed Missouri Attorney General
August 21, 2025 – Catherine L. Hanaway, a partner and former chair of Husch Blackwell LLP, has been appointed Missouri’s next Attorney General by Governor Mike Kehoe, becoming the first woman to hold the position in state history. The appointment, announced on August 19, 2025, fills the vacancy left by outgoing Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who resigned to join the FBI as Co-Deputy Director under President Donald Trump’s administration. Hanaway’s extensive legal and political experience positions her as a trailblazer in Missouri’s legal landscape.
A Distinguished Career
Hanaway, 61, brings a wealth of experience to the role. A partner at Husch Blackwell since 2013, she served as the firm’s first female chair from 2021 to 2024, leading its 800-plus attorneys and strengthening its national white collar practice. Her tenure at the firm included representing high-profile clients like Bayer, lobbying for legislation to shield the company from claims related to its Roundup weedkiller, and serving as lead counsel for the Grain Belt Express, a controversial clean-energy transmission line project. Due to her involvement with Grain Belt, which faced opposition from Bailey and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley over eminent domain issues, Hanaway has pledged to recuse herself from the ongoing civil investigation into the project.
Before Husch Blackwell, Hanaway served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri from 2005 to 2009, where she prosecuted over 4,000 cases, focusing on methamphetamine trafficking, child exploitation, government corruption, and healthcare fraud. She personally tried cases to jury verdicts and pioneered data mining and audits as investigative tools. Hanaway also made history as the first woman elected Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives (2003–2005), after serving as a state representative from 1998 to 2005. Her earlier roles included five years on the staff of U.S. Senator Kit Bond, where she worked on healthcare policy.
A graduate of The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, Hanaway is based in St. Louis and is active in the Regional Business Council and the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission Board. Her appointment has been praised as a historic milestone, with Governor Kehoe calling her “a talented, trusted prosecutor with a passion for enforcing the rule of law.”
Appointment Context and Political Implications
Hanaway’s appointment follows Andrew Bailey’s resignation on August 18, 2025, after his appointment as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI, announced by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bailey, who won a four-year term in November 2024, was noted for high-profile actions like securing a $24 billion judgment against China for PPE hoarding during COVID-19 and advancing the Missouri v. Biden lawsuit exposing federal censorship efforts. His departure created an immediate need for a successor, and Kehoe acted swiftly, naming Hanaway within 24 hours.
The appointment has garnered bipartisan support. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Kansas City Democrat, described Hanaway as a “vast improvement” over Bailey, expressing hope that she will restore integrity to the office. U.S. Representative Ann Wagner, a Republican, hailed Hanaway as a trailblazer for her historic roles as Missouri House Speaker and now Attorney General. However, some Democrats, like Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, expressed skepticism about the revolving door of Missouri attorneys general, noting Hanaway is the fourth in six years.
Hanaway’s political history includes an unsuccessful 2016 gubernatorial primary run, where she lost to Eric Greitens but notably expressed support for Trump’s presidential campaign. She later represented Greitens’ campaign committee during his legal challenges in 2018. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move by Kehoe, signaling stability in a role that has often served as a springboard for higher office, as evidenced by predecessors like U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.
Challenges and Priorities
Hanaway will assume office on September 8, 2025, leading a 400-person office as Missouri’s chief legal officer. She has pledged to “uphold the rule of law, protect the Constitution, and ensure a strong future for our state.” Her priorities include continuing Bailey’s focus on combating federal overreach and addressing public safety, though she emphasized innovation and adaptability in her approach.
A key challenge will be navigating conflicts of interest, particularly with the Grain Belt Express case, given her prior representation of the project. Her recusal ensures impartiality but may limit her involvement in one of the state’s high-profile disputes. Additionally, Hanaway inherits an office under scrutiny for its role in politically charged litigation, requiring her to balance legal rigor with public trust.
Industry and Community Impact
Husch Blackwell’s leadership, including CEO Jamie Lawless, praised Hanaway’s contributions to the firm and her public service record. “Catherine has built our national white collar practice and been an integral part of our leadership,” Lawless said, expressing gratitude for her tenure. The firm, ranked in the Am Law 100, continues to thrive, with Hanaway’s appointment reinforcing its reputation for producing influential legal leaders.
Posts on X reflect enthusiasm for Hanaway’s historic appointment, with some users highlighting her prosecutorial experience and others noting the political significance of her role in the Kehoe administration. However, sentiment also includes calls for stability in the Attorney General’s office, given its recent turnover.
Looking Ahead
Hanaway plans to serve the remainder of Bailey’s term, ending in 2028, and has expressed interest in running for a full term. Her appointment marks a new chapter for Missouri’s legal system, with her experience and trailblazing record positioning her to address complex challenges. As the first woman in this role, Hanaway’s tenure will likely shape discussions on diversity and leadership in Missouri politics and beyond.
Sources: Law.com, Missouri Lawyers Media, WGEM, The Independent, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Husch Blackwell, X posts