Meet #MOLawyers: Shannon C. King

Shannon C. King is a lawyer at Lashly & Baer, P.C., where she focuses on civil litigation, with an emphasis on transportation and commercial litigation. Originally from Virginia, King graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law and was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 2020. She is one of 12 lawyers in The Missouri Bar’s 2022-23 Leadership Academy class.

Why did you want to join Leadership Academy?

I practice in St. Louis and as a result, my entire network is limited to my city. I wanted an opportunity to expand my network to the entire state of Missouri. I’ve had the honor and privilege of getting to know some amazing people and even better lawyers throughout Missouri thanks to Leadership Academy. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively on our class project.

What advice would you give to young lawyers who are interested in getting involved with The Missouri Bar but are hesitant due to unknown time commitments, not knowing many people in the field, etc.?

Take it one day at a time. Start by going to a meeting (in person or virtually) and making it a goal to speak to at least two people you don’t know or following up with two people you don’t know.

What personal item in your office best represents your personality?

My law degree because it’s a symbol of a lifetime of hard work. I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was 4 years old. There was no Plan B for me. So, for 21 years, my only goal was to become a lawyer. My law degree is a tangible token of a dream realized. Further, I told myself I wasn’t going to frame it until I felt that I had earned it and was worthy of being a lawyer. That feeling came two years into being a licensed, practicing professional. So, it’s a symbol of sheer bullheadedness, which I think encapsulates me pretty well.

Who is your legal idol or mentor?

Thurgood Marshall, first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice. I also consider everyone that works at my firm to be my mentors.

What brought you to Missouri, and what do you like most about Missouri?

I moved to Missouri to attend undergrad and to get closer to my brother (who was stationed near St. Louis at the time). My favorite thing about Missouri is the friends I’ve made and St. Louis-style pizza!

Editor’s note: These responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. Do you know someone who should be featured in Meet #MOLawyers? Let us know by emailing nhillen@mobar.org.