Partner
Brian Bear focuses his practice as a litigator and trial attorney on representing both private and public entities in complex litigation, public finance, and intellectual property. Leaning on years of robust experience, Brian aggressively advocates for his clients to help them achieve their legal and business goals.
Brian began his career with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office where he oversaw significant consumer protection matters and complex litigation on behalf of the office including the National Mortgage Settlement. Brian’s experience included heading up the largest identity theft prosecution in Missouri state court history and a multi-million municipal bond fraud prosecution on behalf of the state.
Brian also served as general counsel for the Missouri Department of Economic Development, where he provided principal legal advice with respect to the Department’s annual $750 million of state business and community development incentives and tax credits annually. As part of his duties with the Department, Brian oversaw the state governments’ involvement with federal and local leaders, a 100-acre urban redevelopment project for a long-term $1.6 billion federal facility.
Brian uses his hands-on experience from the government to represent public and private entities who require sensible solutions to federal, state, and local government challenges whether related to economic development incentives or to general industry regulation.
Brian also represents clients with significant intellectual property litigation and regularly tries patent cases to verdict in the International Trade Commission, the Patent and Trademark Appeal Board, and the Eastern District of Texas.
Presentations and Publications
- Co-author, “Development Incentives in the Time of COVID-19,” Ingram’s, November 2020
- Presenter, “Government Investigation Webinar: COVID-19 – Potential (and/or) current enforcement and investigation actions,” April 2020
Distinctions
- Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Litigation, 2012
- Consumer Protection Division’s Award of Recognition, 2013
- Attorney General’s Award for Extraordinary Service, 2014
Contact Brian Bear at 816.292.8809 or bbear@spencerfane.com.