07
December
2020
|
16:28 PM
America/Chicago

Meet your YLS Council Diversity Seat representatives

The Young Lawyers’ Section of The Missouri Bar is pleased to welcome three new diversity seat representatives. Tamar Hodges of St. Louis was elected by members of the section who practice in the state’s Eastern Appellate District to be their representative. In September, the YLS council voted to seat Amanda Johnson of Springfield as the Southern Appellate District representative and Matt DePaz of Kansas City to represent the Western Appellate District, both of which are newly created seats. Learn more about YLS at MOBarYLS.org 

 

Tamar E. Hodges 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member? 

I look forward to contributing my ideas on how to make our profession more diverse not only locally but regionally and nationally as well.  

What do you want other young lawyers to learn about the YLS or The Missouri Bar?  

I love the fact that YLS is diverse in race, gender, and demographics. We are a very welcoming group and encourage everyone to get involved. This is my first year on council and everyone has been amazing.  

Who is your personal hero?  

I have many personal heroes, but Oprah Winfrey is high on the list.  

Is there anything you would like to add or that you would like members of the bar to know about you?  

I’m hoping my soon-to-be 14-year-old son joins the legal profession when he’s older but so far, I haven’t been able to convince him.  

 

Amanda N. Johnson 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member?  

I'm looking forward to working with other council members to improve the experience of young lawyers in Missouri and helping with initiatives to boost diversity in the profession. 

What do you want other young lawyers to learn about the YLS or The Missouri Bar?  

There is something for everyone and there are many ways to get involved. YLS is also a great way to develop a network of attorneys across the state and within different areas of practice. 

Who is your personal hero?  

Dolly Parton 

 

Matt DePaz 

What are you most looking forward to in your role as a YLS Council member?  

We are currently looking at ways to help young lawyers who have been impacted by the pandemic. I look forward to spearheading some of these efforts and collaborating with fellow council members about possible solutions.  

What do you want other young lawyers to learn about the YLS or The Missouri Bar?

The YLS provides great opportunities for young lawyers to broaden their networks across the state. Often, our networks are limited to our local cities or counties, but YLS creates events and initiatives that bring all Missouri lawyers together for one united purpose.  

Who is your personal hero?  

Ricardo DePaz. My grandfather left Guatemala at age 19 to come to the US. Like so many others, he had no money and spoke no English. For his first year in America he ate ham and eggs every day because those were the only two words he knew. He later fought in WWII to gain U.S. citizenship. He taught himself to read, write, and speak English. And built a 30-year career working at Wonder Bread bakery in Detroit.  

His goal in coming to America was to create more opportunities for his family. He achieved that goal. And I have been the beneficiary of his hard work and sacrifice. He is the most courageous, resilient, and loyal person that I know. He has always been someone I look up to throughout my life. 

Is there anything you would like to add or that you would like members of the bar to know about you? 

I work at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP. I have a wifeElia, and two daughters, Sydney and Grace. In my spare time, I love playing pickle ball.