2020 40 Under 40: Nate Dunville, 35

Nate Dunville has caught the attention of The Missouri Bar. And he’s only had his Juris Doctor for five years.

Most recently, lawyers statewide voted to appoint him to the board of trustees for the Missouri Bar Foundation. Last year, the Neale and Newman LLP attorney received the Missouri Bar Tom Cochran Community Service Award, and in 2016, Dunville was chosen to participate in the bar’s Leadership Academy. The yearlong program develops young lawyer leaders.

He’s also a representative for the bar’s Young Lawyer Section Counsel in southwest Missouri.

The accolades and positions affirm Dunville’s work at the law firm, where he practices in commercial litigation, employment law and construction disputes. One day, he may be advising a business owner on the complexities of their industry and another arguing a client’s position in court.

What is your best productivity hack? I like to get up, hit the ground running and knock out as much of my to-do list as possible.

What was your professional aha moment? The decision to go to law school and become a lawyer. I was well on my way on another career path when I realized I wasn’t happy and needed to do something I could be passionate about.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There are plenty of people with great ideas that don’t follow through. Be someone who actually gets (stuff) done.