Meet your 2025-2026 Leadership Academy class: Caitlyn Vanover

Meet Caitlyn Vanover, a member of the 2025-2026 Missouri Bar Leadership Academy class! A graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Law, Vanover is a senior associate at the Thurman Law Firm in Hillsboro.

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. 

Vanover recently chatted with The Missouri Bar about her invaluable experiences in Leadership Academy, her advice to new and young lawyers, and her love of sharing and reviewing books on social media.

Why did you want to become a lawyer?

“I have always known that I wanted to become a lawyer, but my time in undergrad at Webster University and working with Anne Geraghty-Rathert on the WILLOW Project truly solidified that desire. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how advocacy, empathy, and practical guidance can make a real difference in someone’s life. As cliché as it may sound, I wanted to help people, but I also wanted to do so in a way that felt genuine and human.

“I was drawn to the law because it gave me a platform to be a different mold of what a ‘typical’ attorney is perceived to be: approachable and focused on making the legal process less intimidating and more kind.”

Why did you decide to apply for Leadership Academy?

“A partner at my firm, Derrick Good, nominated me, I believe. I initially decided to apply for Leadership Academy to meet an expectation at my firm, as I was encouraged to be involved in a wide range of professional activities. However, over time, my perspective has completely shifted. While Leadership Academy is certainly time-consuming, I have come to see it as truly invaluable. The relationships, growth, and opportunities it provides are unlike anything else, and I now cannot imagine my professional development without being part of it.”

What are you most looking forward to about serving on Leadership Academy?

“I am most looking forward to the relationships that come from serving on Leadership Academy. I value the opportunity to make new friends, open doors to new connections, and build meaningful relationships with mentors who challenge and inspire me. I also genuinely love learning new things, and I am excited to grow alongside a diverse group of leaders while expanding my perspective and skill set (and reminding me that there is more to life in the legal field than just work and billable hours).”

What do you value most about The Missouri Bar and its mission?

“What I value most is its commitment to professionalism, education, and service. The Missouri Bar plays a critical role in supporting attorneys at every stage of their careers while also protecting the public and strengthening trust in the legal system. I especially value the emphasis on continuing education, ethical practice, and leadership development, which ensures that lawyers are not only competent advocates, but thoughtful, engaged professionals who give back to their communities.”

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 intentionally focusing on the needs, expectations, and perceptions of new lawyers, this service project gives The Missouri Bar an opportunity to listen, adapt, and evolve. Understanding how newer attorneys experience the bar helps identify gaps in resources, communication, and support at the earliest stages of practice.

“When lawyers feel supported, informed, and connected from the beginning of their careers, they are better equipped to serve their clients ethically, competently, and confidently. This work strengthens the bar’s ability to remain relevant and responsive, ultimately benefiting both the profession and the public it serves.”

What advice would you give to new/young lawyers?

“My advice to new and young lawyers is to remember that you do not have to fit a predetermined mold to be a great attorney or advocate. Authenticity matters, and you can be highly competent, ethical, and effective while still being yourself.

“I would also strongly encourage new lawyers to lean on their mentors and build a support system early. Graduation does not mean your professors, supervisors, or mentors are off the hook — ask questions, seek guidance, and stay curious. The lawyers who grow the most are the ones who remain open to learning and willing to ask for help.”

What is one interesting/unique thing in your home/work office that brings you joy?

“One interesting thing about me at home is that I have a book-focused Instagram account, @life_law_literature, where I share and review books. Through that account, I have even had authors send me early copies of their books to read and review, which is something that truly brings me joy and lets me combine my love of reading with learning, connections, and community involvement.”

Editor’s note: These answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness. Learn more about Leadership Academy here.