MLW Up and Coming Lawyers Explain Their Passion for the Law

Missouri Lawyers Weekly (MLW) has published feature stories on Shook attorneys Brent Dwerlkotte, Jenn Hatcher and Paul Vogel selected for the 2023 Up and Coming Awards. 

Each attorney gave an interview to MLW and discussed their background, hobbies and inspiration.

Dwerlkotte was named partner at Shook in 2020. As a litigator, he has been involved in nearly 30 jury trials. His practice focuses on environmental litigation and also includes a broad range of products and industries cases, including healthcare, consumer products, and railroads.

When asked why he became an attorney, Dwerlkotte said, “My uncle was a very good trial attorney. I used to — and still do — love listening to his war stories about trials and lawyers he has tried cases against. He inspired me to get involved in the legal profession.”

Hatcher is an associate at Shook with a background in education. She now practices class action and complex litigation, particularly in the areas of privacy and cybersecurity law. During her time as a teacher, Hatcher decided to go to law school. “My best advice for young lawyers is to give yourself grace and time to figure things out,” said Hatcher. “You don’t have to have your career planned out on day one. Or even in year one. Or two, or three. Your practice can, and should, evolve with time.”

Vogel, an associate at Shook, focuses his practice on IP transactions particularly patent prosecutions. However, he also works on pro bono litigation matters for Shook. “My firm has been incredibly supportive, allowing me the time and resources to commit to this important case,” said Vogel in his MLW interview. “I’ve partnered with two other organizations and have had the privilege of working with the best co-counsel and lead trial counsel I could imagine.”

Up and Coming in an honor given to attorneys who have achieved significant accomplishments and are deemed exceptional in their careers. Each honoree is also under the age of 40, or has been practicing for less than 10 years.