Q&A with Nimrod T. “Rod” Chapel Jr., Leadership Academy alum

Nimrod T. "Rod" Chapel Jr., founder of The Chapel Law Group LLC in Jefferson City and a proud alumnus of The Missouri Bar's Leadership Academy, has always sought opportunities for professional and personal growth. When the chance to apply for Leadership Academy came, he didn’t hesitate.

Founded in 2000, the Leadership Academy program brings together young lawyers to complete a service project, engage in leadership workshops, network with leaders in Missouri’s legal profession, and attend bar meetings.

In this Q&A, Chapel reflects on his experience in the 2001-2002 class, discussing the value of building a strong network and the lasting impact the program has had on his career and life.

Why did you want to be a part of The Missouri Bar Leadership Academy?

“The Missouri Bar Leadership Academy offered me an opportunity to learn more about my bar association. At the time, I understood that I would get to know young lawyers around the state, but I had no idea how important and long-lasting these relationships would be. Perhaps because of the in-depth introduction to our bar association, I was able to continue working in and outside of the bar with other lawyers from not only my class in the Leadership Academy, but also the years to follow. It’s been a highlight for me professionally and supportive socially.”

Why do you think Leadership Academy is a valuable opportunity for lawyers?

“Lawyers participating in the Leadership Academy can learn, not just about our bar association, but also about the deeper commitment that we, as lawyers, have to service. The service project of each academy year provides time, structure, and resources to bring ideas to improve our profession to life. Sometimes the academy has provided information to people in our communities and other times, it is created resources for lawyers themselves. Both are worthy opportunities for growth and expansion personally and professionally.”

What are some lessons you took away from being a part of Leadership Academy?

“That lawyers participating in the Leadership Academy have a chance to meet distinguished lions of The Missouri Bar — Dana Cutler, Erik Bergmanis, and so many others who demonstrate daily what it is to be a complete lawyer and excellent people. The lesson then is how we can chart a path to not just be experts in our areas, but the type of lawyer that brings respect to our profession.”

How has Leadership Academy helped you in your legal career?

“As a lawyer who practices in courtrooms from St. Joseph to New Madrid, from Republic to Pike County, knowing other lawyers in the area, in the courtroom, and sometimes even friends who are leaders in the legal community, makes a big difference. There are lawyers who would tell you that gaining professional connections will always be of assistance, and of course that’s true. But the reality is it’s the personal relationships that you develop over your career that hold all the value. The Leadership Academy helped me form so many that are dear to me today.”

How has Leadership Academy helped you get more involved in the legal profession?

“I had no idea that the bar association would not only be helpful and supportive, but also a foundation to decades of involvement in my profession. What started off as a single article in the Journal of The Missouri Bar led to a number of speaking engagements, participation in the Leadership Academy (which I see as a lifelong commitment), leadership positions on bar committees, and bringing products like Fastcase to lawyers in Missouri.

“For me, being involved in making presentations at the 2025 Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar, which I’ll be doing again in September, is a valuable opportunity to combine work and play where I see friends, share information, and receive ideas. Hopefully when we return home, we’re all better lawyers for the experience.”

What was your favorite moment of being in Leadership Academy?

“In retrospect, some of my favorite moments are being able to go back and talk with some Leadership Academy classes! The lawyers are energetic, funny, and so smart. We have had formal and informal meals and kept in touch over the years. It does (go) back to my experience in the Leadership Academy, where in one of the first classes (of) young lawyers from around the state, sometimes with nothing in common, became fast friends.”

If a lawyer was hesitant to participate in Leadership Academy, what would you say to encourage them to join?

“As a young lawyer, I was deeply committed to working and demonstrating my ability as a lawyer. Some lawyers see conflicts between the hours we spend in the office working on cases or legal matters and those we spend developing ourselves in or through our profession. I am so happy that I took a chance on me and engaged in service to the public through the Leadership Academy. I have worked in and outside of The Missouri Bar to lift up not only our value in the various communities we serve as lawyers, but also to leave a legacy of service through the bar.

“When I applied for Leadership Academy, one of the questions was, ‘Do you have your full support from your employer?’ I didn’t ask my employer because I thought to myself that if I’m working somewhere that doesn’t value public service, would not afford me a few minutes here and there to participate in the Leadership Academy for the benefit of our profession and maybe even me, then I needed to work someplace else. Jobs are easy to come by; lives are harder to build.

“I’d rather be a part of building something great than a cog in the wheel, and the Leadership Academy opened up so many doors and opportunities. I’m eternally grateful and suggest that you take a chance on you too.”

Editor’s note: These answers have been edited for clarity and conciseness. Learn more about Leadership Academy at MoBar.org/LeadershipAcademy.