2024 40 Under 40: Dakota Paris

A listening ear, an empathetic heart and a sharp mind – that’s what guides Dakota Paris as an attorney. Now 31, he began his professional career holding offenders to account working in the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and today represents clients facing charges as a criminal defense attorney with Douglas, Haun and Heidemann PC.

“Whether clients, colleagues, friends or strangers, people want to simply be heard, and know you care about them,” he says.

In early 2023, he was named to the Criminal Justice Act Panel of Attorneys, from which the federal courts appoint counsel to represent poor criminal defendants in high-level, complex criminal proceedings. He says his selection is the accomplishment he’s most proud of. He also gives his time as a special public defender.

In all endeavors, Paris says he’s grounded in maintaining integrity: “Integrity truly is the bedrock of the legal profession.”

Your proudest moment? Seeing my daughter, Alma Ivy, for the first time.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “You’ll hear no lawyer jokes because I do not consider being a lawyer a joke. Our trust is more sacred than that of any other profession. Unless we honor our profession by what we say and do, we cannot expect anyone else to do so.” —Judge J. Ron Carrier, quoting James W. Newberry. 

Favorite local drink order? Nothing beats a Cadillac margarita at Coyote’s Nixa Grille.