Inside the Office: What It’s Like to Be Missouri’s Attorney General
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey joined the Welcome Home Forum at Saint Louis University School of Law for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about military service, community leadership, and the legal challenges shaping our state.
As fellow Iraq War veterans, AG Bailey and I shared parallel experiences—deploying to Iraq, returning home, and navigating the transition from military service to the practice of law. What followed was an honest discussion about how those experiences shape the work we do today.
AG Bailey spoke about his time as an Armored Cavalry Officer, and the responsibility of training Iraqi Security Forces during a pivotal moment in the war. He offered an inside look at the realities of service, the challenges of coming home, and how those years continue to influence his approach to public leadership.
Both of us returned from Iraq and went into law school—a transition that can be jarring for any veteran. AG Bailey reflected on finding direction, identifying mentors, and discovering the path that ultimately led him to statewide office. His advice to students was simple: show up, stay curious, and say yes to opportunities you didn’t expect.
We explored the evolving role of state Attorneys General in a time of heightened federal power. AG Bailey discussed his view of federal overreach, constitutional principles, and the responsibility of state AGs to defend their citizens. He spoke about leading a fast-moving office, managing high-impact litigation, and balancing the legal and political dimensions of the job—without losing sight of the people he serves.
The Welcome Home Forum exists to bring leaders, veterans, and students together for meaningful, in-person conversations about service, law, and community. AG Bailey’s visit exemplified that mission. His story—from Army officer, to prosecutor, to Attorney General—underscores how veterans continue to strengthen Missouri long after they hang up the uniform.
Featuring Andrew Bailey