Abigail Fears reflects on 'meaningful opportunities' through 2025-2026 Leadership Academy class
Meet Abigail Fears, a member of the 2025-2026 Missouri Bar Leadership Academy class! She is an associate attorney at Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. in St. Louis and is a member of their Pro Bono Committee and Junior Women’s Management Council. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Fears was a law clerk for Hon. Zel Fischer, of the Supreme Court of Missouri.
Every year, The Missouri Bar brings together a select group of new and young lawyers to serve on Leadership Academy. Each class completes a service project, engages in leadership workshops, networks with leaders in Missouri’s legal profession, and attends bar meetings. Following graduation, members continue to serve The Missouri Bar in an active capacity for two years.
Fears recently chatted with The Missouri Bar about her advice to new and young lawyers, the insights she has learned from Leadership Academy, and the unique paintings in her home office.
What has been your favorite part about being on Leadership Academy?
“My favorite part of Leadership Academy has been the opportunity to connect with and learn from fellow members of The Missouri Bar and my cohort. Gaining insight from experienced professionals who have already navigated similar paths is truly invaluable. At the same time, engaging with classmates who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences has enriched the learning process and made the experience even more meaningful.”
Why did you decide to apply for Leadership Academy?
“I saw it as a meaningful opportunity to challenge myself and continue developing as a leader within my community. I was particularly drawn to the program’s focus on growth and the chance to broaden my perspective through engagement with new ideas, experiences, and areas of practice … I was deeply honored to receive a nomination from my office’s managing partner and Judge Fischer.”
This year's class service project centers around learning about new lawyers’ needs, wants, and perceptions of The Missouri Bar. How do you see this work shaping the bar’s overall ability to continue helping lawyers even better serve their clients?
“By listening to and addressing the needs, wants, and perceptions of new lawyers, The Missouri Bar can more effectively tailor its resources, programming, and outreach to support them in the earliest stages of their careers … By equipping lawyers with the tools, guidance, and support they need from the outset, the bar can help ensure that they are well-prepared to serve their clients effectively and are supported throughout their ongoing professional development.”
Why did you want to become a lawyer?
“I was introduced to the legal profession at a young age through family members, including my father, who are attorneys. That early exposure gave me a foundational understanding of the practice of law and sparked my initial interest ... I was drawn to the practice [of] law because of the analytical challenges it presents, as well as the opportunity to contribute to something larger than myself. I find great fulfillment in advocating for my clients and making a meaningful difference in the cases I work on.”
What advice would you give to new/young lawyers?
“One of the most valuable traits you can develop as a lawyer is kindness. Building a reputation as someone who is professional, respectful, and collaborative — both with colleagues and opposing counsel — … often leads to more productive outcomes and stronger professional relationships than taking an unnecessarily adversarial stance.
“Equally important is prioritizing your well-being. The legal profession can be demanding both on your time and energy, and it is easy to overlook your own needs. However, you cannot effectively support your clients or your work if you are not taking care of yourself … Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and maintaining balance will help ensure long-term success and fulfillment.”
What is one interesting/unique thing in your home/work office that brings you joy?
“One of my favorite things in my home office is a pair of paintings my husband and I created of our dog during a local painting class. I have both pieces displayed behind me, so my dog’s portrait often makes a cameo in my Zoom meetings, which always brings a smile to my face. Adding to the charm, our dog seems to have perfect timing — he often wakes up from a nap as soon as I join a call and enthusiastically brings me a toy, making for joyful interruption to the workday.”
Editor’s note: These answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness. Learn more about Leadership Academy here.