Combs Waterkotte In the Community: Committed to the People We Serve
At Combs Waterkotte, our work doesn’t stop at the courthouse doors. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve across Missouri and Southern Illinois—because the people behind the cases are our neighbors, families, and local businesses.
As a leading criminal defense law firm, we understand that strong communities are built on fairness, accountability, and access to justice. That belief drives not only how we defend our clients, but how we show up outside the courtroom as well.
More Than Lawyers — Local Advocates
Combs Waterkotte was built with a clear purpose: to protect people when the system feels stacked against them. That same mindset extends into our community involvement.
Our award-winning attorneys and staff regularly support local organizations, civic initiatives, and service efforts focused on:
- Legal education and awareness
- Community safety and youth outreach
- Access to justice and civil rights
- Support for families and individuals in crisis
- Professional mentorship and public service
These efforts reflect our belief that meaningful legal advocacy starts with understanding the real-world challenges people face long before an arrest or accusation ever happens.
Christopher Combs — Community Support Through Recovery & Second Chances
Firm co-founder Christopher Combs believes that real criminal defense work starts with meeting people where they are and helping them move forward. As part of that commitment, Combs Waterkotte proudly sponsors the National Peer Recovery Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery and helping them rebuild stable, productive lives.
Christopher regularly visits local recovery centers in the St. Louis area, where he speaks directly with people in recovery, offers free legal guidance, and hosts open Q&A sessions for individuals navigating the legal obstacles that often follow addiction, arrests, or past convictions. These sessions are intentionally informal—often over pizza and soda—creating a safe, judgment-free space where people can ask real questions about their rights, records, and next steps.
Beyond education, Christopher and the Combs Waterkotte team frequently work with individuals in recovery through discounted rates and flexible payment plans, recognizing the effort it takes to stay sober, work consistently, and rebuild trust and stability. For Christopher, this work is about more than cases—it’s about accountability, dignity, and giving people the legal support they need to truly get back on track.
Steven Waterkotte — Mentorship, Advocacy, and Supporting At-Risk Youth
Co-founder Steven Waterkotte’s community involvement is rooted in long-term mentorship and advocacy for children and families facing difficult circumstances. For more than 15 years, Steven has been actively involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as a Big Brother and supporting the organization in numerous leadership and service roles.
Over the years, Steven has contributed to fundraising efforts, event planning, committee work, and direct assistance to families in need—particularly during the holiday season. His involvement reflects a deep belief that consistency, mentorship, and community support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Steven also serves as a mentor with Attorneys for Amachi Missouri, an organization dedicated to supporting children who have a parent currently incarcerated. Through Amachi, Steven provides guidance, stability, and a positive male role model for children navigating the emotional and practical challenges of parental incarceration. He also helps raise awareness and advocate for resources for at-risk youth across Missouri.
This work aligns closely with Steven’s approach to criminal defense—understanding the ripple effects of the justice system on families and communities, and working to protect not just individual clients, but the people who depend on them.
Why Community Involvement Matters to Our Clients
Community engagement isn’t a side project for us—it directly informs how we practice law.
Being involved locally—whether in St. Louis, Kansas City, or anywhere else across Missouri and Southern Illinois—means:
- We have experience and expertise in the courts, prosecutors, and systems our clients are facing
- We treat our clients as real people, our neighbors, instead of case numbers
- We stay connected to the real impact criminal charges have on families and livelihoods
- We approach every case with empathy, urgency, and perspective, with a trial-ready focus
Our criminal defense lawyers don’t just know the law—we know the communities that law affects every day.
Rooted in Missouri. Invested in Southern Illinois
With offices and clients across Missouri and Southern Illinois, Combs Waterkotte takes pride in being a law firm that’s rooted locally and respected regionally.
We live here. We work here. We raise our families here.
And when our clients need someone to stand between them and the power of the state, we take that responsibility personally.
Looking Ahead: Continuing to Serve Beyond the Courtroom
As Combs Waterkotte continues to grow, our commitment to community involvement grows with it. We believe a law firm should be measured not only by its results in court—but by the integrity, leadership, and service it brings to the communities it represents.
We’re proud to serve Missouri and Southern Illinois—not just as attorneys, but as neighbors and advocates.
