Q&A with Hon. Jalilah Otto, Leadership Academy alum
Nominate a lawyer for Leadership Academy by May 22
Hon. Jalilah Otto, a circuit court judge and alumna of The Missouri Bar's Leadership Academy, remembers when her legal network barely extended beyond her own office. Now, she credits the Leadership Academy with fostering connections that have become the bedrock of her successful career.
The Leadership Academy, founded in 2000, encourages diversity among the bar’s leadership by recruiting young lawyers or those recently admitted to the bar who have shown exceptional leadership qualities. Each class completes a service project, engages in leadership workshops, and attends bar meetings.
The Missouri Bar is accepting nominations for the 2024-25 class through May 22. Submit your nomination here.
Otto, from the 2009-10 Leadership Academy class, talks with The Missouri Bar about her journey with the academy and the value of developing a network of lawyers and mentors along the way.
Why did you want to be part of Leadership Academy?
“I only knew the lawyers in my office, and I wanted to meet and network with different lawyers across the state.”
Why do you think Leadership Academy is a valuable opportunity for lawyers?
“As a young lawyer, I met so many lawyers from all over the state, those in different practice areas and stages of their careers. I gained so many unexpected mentors who I would not have ordinarily had the opportunity to interact with. The Leadership Academy also introduced me to the governing structure for lawyers in Missouri, and I had the opportunity to meet one-on one with presidents of The Missouri Bar and members of the Supreme Court of Missouri.”
What are some lessons you took away from being part of Leadership Academy?
“I learned to not be shy, and volunteer for new opportunities. Many things that I have encountered in this profession are far beyond what you learn in law school. Exposing yourself to new opportunities early in your career will help you become a more creative and intuitive lawyer.”
How has Leadership Academy helped you in your legal career?
“The mentorship and network I developed from the Leadership Academy has been phenomenal! I still talk to many of the people I met through the Leadership Academy on a regular basis.”
What was your favorite moment from Leadership Academy?
“I will never forget the lock-in at the bed and breakfast. We stayed up all night trying to agree on a service project. Eventually, we agreed to make an ethics video for law schools to use for first-year students. Unbelievably, I have had a few young lawyers come up to me and say, ‘Hey, weren't you in that law school video…’”
Leadership Academy’s mission promotes lawyers from all different backgrounds to get involved in their state and local bars. Why do you think this is important?
“Networking with your peers is critical in this profession. You never know how any one person may impact your life or help you develop as a person. Or how you may be able to help them. The legal community is not that big in Missouri so it is valuable (and fun) to have friends throughout the state.”
If a lawyer was hesitant to participate in Leadership Academy, what would you say to encourage them to join?
“Do not hesitate. Join the Leadership Academy and be open to new experiences. You will not regret it!”
Editor’s note: These answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness. Learn more about Leadership Academy here.