Meet your new Board of Governors: Syd Tippie
Syd Tippie is one of five newly elected members of the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar. Tippie, assistant attorney general for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in Springfield, was elected to the Southern District Appellate seat in August. Board members serve two-year terms, which begin with the bar’s Annual Meeting in late September.
Tippie earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. Here, he shares his goals for serving on the board.
What made you interested in serving on the Board of Governors?
A fellow governor: Ms. Erica Mynarich. Erica represents District 10, and although we serve in an adversarial system, we have become friends and colleagues in the law. She initially nominated me for The Missouri Bar Leadership Academy. After graduating from that program, I ran and obtained a position on the Young Lawyers’ Section (YLS) Council. I served The Missouri Bar in that capacity for a couple years until this position became available, with Gov. Moss reaching her term limit. Until filling my seat, I was always inspired by the people who currently serve or came before me. Now, I hope my service will serve as an inspiration to younger lawyers who want to become more involved.
What aspect of board service most excites you?
The ability to effectuate change and serve as a representative of a minority group. I would like to see things better than they were before. The legal community needs to be representative of the client base we serve—whether that means race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, or socio-economic background. These broad and diverse experiences and backgrounds will lead to better representation and better results for the citizens of Missouri. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I never saw similarly situated individuals serving in crucial leadership roles. My appointment to the Board of Governors signals to me that we, as a profession, see, value, and capitalize on our differences.
What do you want the lawyers you represent to know?
That The Missouri Bar is an organization that has so many different resources available to its members and is truly invested in being of service. Through my exposure to programs, meetings, and staff, it has become very apparent how passionate those involved in The Missouri Bar are. Are you considering starting a solo or small firm? They have resources for you. Are you or someone you know struggling with substance-use issues? They have resources for you. Do you struggle with remote public access redaction requirements? They have resources for you. We are here to help.
What do you enjoy most about The Missouri Bar?
Being exposed to individuals from all over the state who I can call friends.