Her Story
About Dedra
Dedra M. Moore is a Trial Attorney with Brown & James, P.C. in St. Louis, Missouri, where she litigates high-exposure insurance defense matters through verdict. Her practice spans construction law, premises liability, product liability, transportation, employment law, and criminal defense. She is experienced in all phases of litigation, including motion practice, discovery, depositions, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy. Prior to her current role, she served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where she presided over appeal hearings involving child abuse and neglect cases and issued written legal opinions. She also previously managed her own practice as Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Dedra Brock-Moore, LLC, where she first-chaired over 100 jury and bench trials across a broad range of civil and criminal matters, while overseeing firm operations and mentoring legal staff. Earlier in her career, Dedra practiced at Brown & James, P.C. as an Associate and served as a Staff Attorney with the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation. She earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to trial advocacy, leadership, and delivering strategic legal counsel.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dedra
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents were really strict and hard on education, and they were really big on community service, being self-disciplined, and an independent thinker. They did not accept excuses. There is no such thing as an excuse, and there's no such thing as I can't.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Focus on your skills, preparation, and professionalism rather than your gender. Let your work speak for itself, strive for excellence in every opportunity, and remain committed to serving others with integrity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do it. Just do it. Because your sex doesn't matter. It really only matters to other people. It does not matter to you. When I go in, I don't consider myself a female lawyer. I am a lawyer. I deserve a seat at this table. I took and passed the same bar that you did.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the legal field right now is managing increasingly complex regulations and compliance requirements while also addressing growing caseloads and limited resources. Ensuring access to justice for underserved populations and reducing disparities affecting vulnerable communities also remains a critical concern.
At the same time, there are meaningful opportunities to expand access to legal services through technology and community outreach. The field is also seeing increased demand for attorneys in administrative and municipal law, along with a stronger emphasis on mentorship, diversity, and public service.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. If you say you're gonna do it, do it. If you can't, let me know. Be accountable. If you messed up, say I messed up, so we can fix it together. Own what you did. Own what you did not do.
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