2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Judson Poppen

He practiced in environmental law at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP in Kansas City before moving to Springfield. Poppen earned his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2001 and his bachelor’s of arts degree in business administration from the University of Northern Iowa in 1998.

Now, he practices in the areas of general civil litigation with an emphasis in commercial litigation, family and real estate law, and personal injury litigation.

Poppen says his parents inspired him and made it easy to succeed. “My dad has practiced law for more than 30 years and my mom teaches,” he adds. “They are hard-working people, and they instilled good values in me.”

Poppen mentors others by volunteering extra time to work with new attorneys at Neale & Newman. He provides resource information, hands-on instruction and guidance to help new attorneys succeed.

“I firmly believe that my efforts increase their chances to succeed in the profession, which then transfers over to the overall success of the organization and, more importantly, the organization’s clients,” Poppen says.

He also spends time outside of work mentoring children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. He has served on the organization’s board since 2005, was elected to serve on the executive committee as secretary and recently became vice president. Poppen is also a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s The Network.

Poppen says success is about actively pursuing opportunities, adding “the more people you meet, the more opportunities you get.”

Besides his professional and community involvement, Poppen has a new experience at home. He and his wife welcomed twin daughters to their family on Feb. 25. In the coming year, he hopes to successfully balance spending time with his family, expanding his practice and increasing his involvement in community organizations.

Double Play

Birth date: Sept. 27, 1975

Family: My parents and in-laws all live in the Springfield area, but I was raised in Iowa, while my wife, Kirsten, was raised in California. Springfield is a great fit for all of us. Kirsten recently gave birth to our twins, Clara and Lydia. That keeps us hopping.

Philosophy to live/work by: Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. I believe it is important for me to enjoy each day, whether it be in my personal or professional life. I try not to worry about the future, because if you make the most out of the present, the future will take care of itself.

In a fantasy world, which professional sport would you play? If I could get paid to do it, I think I would be a professional surfer. I could handle hanging out on a beach all day in exotic locations. In addition, I love the warm weather. I am, however, a little afraid of the sharks.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.