Meet your 2025-2026 Leadership Academy class: Delaney Catlettstout

Meet Delaney Catlettstout, a member of the 2025-2026 Missouri Bar Leadership Academy class! A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Law, Catlettstout is an associate trial counsel for the Central Capital Division of the Missouri State Public Defender.

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. 

Catlettstout recently chatted with The Missouri Bar about her goals for Leadership Academy, her advice to new lawyers, and the cinematic inspiration she keeps in her office.

Why did you want to serve on Leadership Academy?

“I wanted to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and participating in a program that will facilitate professional relationships and develop leadership skills that I would not otherwise pursue.” 

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? 

“I think that this project will help new lawyers find their voice and empower them to take meaningful leadership roles not only in The Missouri Bar but across the state … Empowering new lawyers to be leaders will change the framework of our judicial and legislative systems across the state.

“Additionally, integrating new lawyers into The Missouri Bar at an early stage also strengthens retention, mentorship, and professional development. When lawyers feel supported, connected, and confident in their advocacy, they are better equipped to represent clients zealously, creatively, and ethically. Over time, that confidence and engagement contributes to a stronger legal profession and, ultimately, to a system that better serves the public."

What do you value most about The Missouri Bar? 

“I value The Missouri Bar because it … provides lawyers with the space, resources, and professional community to support one another and to confront the challenging realities of the practice in a constructive and ethical way. By fostering collegiality, education, and wellness, the bar helps lawyers care for themselves so they can better serve their clients.

“I also value the bar’s commitment to civic education: informing people of their rights, promoting fairness and justice, and explaining the processes through which meaningful legal change occurs. These efforts strengthen public trust in the legal system and empower communities to engage effectively.”

Why did you want to become a lawyer? 

“I started my professional career working in politics and saw firsthand how deeply our policies impact communities … I became a lawyer because I saw an opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to advocate more effectively for people and communities that are underrepresented across our systems … By working with my clients, whom are members of some of the most vulnerable communities in our state, I am better able to use my voice and influence to advocate not only for individuals, but for meaningful, systemic change.”   

What advice would you give to new/young lawyers? 

“Trust your professional judgment and intuition. Do not be afraid to claim your seat at the table. Your voice, perspective, and presence matter, particularly in a profession shaped by tradition and power. Find appropriate, respectful ways to be heard, and understand that the legal system is stronger when it reflects a diversity of experiences and viewpoints.” 

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

“One unique feature of my home and work office is my collection of movie references. As a teenager, my favorite job was working at a local movie theater, and I have carried that love of film with me ever since. Throughout my space are small, thoughtful nods to movies, including an office poster featuring the quote from 'The Shining': ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,’ which serves as a reminder of the importance of balance. I even named my dog Anakin Dogwalker.”

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