Jennifer Schwesig Recognized by Gateway Alliance Against Human Trafficking

Armstrong Teasdale Partner Jennifer Schwesig has been recognized by the Gateway Alliance Against Human Trafficking (GAHT) with its Blue Heart Award. This award celebrates her dedication to combating human trafficking through her professional expertise and extensive pro bono legal work.

GAHT’s mission is “to educate communities and inspire positive systemic change to end human trafficking.” They seek to empower communities through education to recognize and report human trafficking and minimize victimization of vulnerable people. The award was highlighted recently in the St. Louis Jewish Light.

Providing pro bono legal services for those who cannot afford them has been a priority of Armstrong Teasdale since it began 120 years ago. As one of the founding members of the Washington D.C.-based Pro Bono Institute, Armstrong Teasdale has created several programs that demonstrate our long-term commitment to helping those in need. In addition to litigation, our lawyers have guided more than 25 nonprofit organizations in all facets of their organization and operation.

“A significant portion of our pro bono activity involves the protection of women and children and supporting not-for-profit organizations that serve them. We believe it is part of our obligation as attorneys to give back to the community, especially the most vulnerable,” Schwesig said, adding that her work assisting companies in complying with U.S. and international laws against forced labor aligns with the work of organizations such as GAHT. “Trafficking affects all regions and most countries of the world. Unfortunately, St. Louis is one of the 20 destinations in the country so the need for assistance from organization like GAHT is critical.”

Schwesig leads Armstrong Teasdale’s International practice area and serves as assistant general counsel to the firm. Her practice centers on counseling both domestic and foreign clients on international corporate compliance issues and business transactions in order to facilitate global expansion and management of overseas operations. Active in the community, she served as Board Chair of the Anti-Defamation League – Heartland Region from 2020-2023 and continues to serve on the board. She is also Board Chair of the International Institute of St. Louis and serves on the U.S. Attorneys’ Hate Crimes Task Force.