2021 40 Under 40 Yearbook: Randell Wallace

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Then: Managing Member, Lathrop Gage
Now: Partner, Kutak Rock LLP

Randell Wallace, 60, was sailing along leading Lathrop Gage’s local office – until opportunity knocked with another multistate law firm. In 2018, Wallace’s 20th year with Lathrop, Kutak Rock had interest in entering the Springfield market.

He and five other Lathrop partners left the firm to open Kutak’s 18th office.

“We think Kutak is going to be a great fit in Springfield,” Wallace said on Kutak’s opening day.

Through his leadership, along with other partners, Kutak is the area’s eighth-largest law firm, with 12 local attorneys, per SBJ’s 2020 list research.

Over his years practicing law, Wallace has negotiated land, zoning and/or finance deals for Mercy Hospital Joplin, College Station and Ozarks Technical Community College. Wallace also was named SBJ’s 2017 Legacy Adviser.

He says retirement’s not yet on the horizon: “Since I just finished the busiest year of my entire career, I would wager that it is not likely in the near future.”

Best advice to young professionals? Devote your first five years to immersing yourself in your chosen field and working and learning as much as you can from as many mentors as you can. You will never get another chance to truly develop your proficiency in your profession as during that time, and if you miss it, you will never be known as one of the best in your field.