​Mike Nepple receives F. William McCalpin Pro Bono Award ​​

On August 27, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri presented the 2021 F. William McCalpin Pro Bono Award to Thompson Coburn partner Mike Nepple as part of LSEM’s annual For the Common Good Awards. This year’s event was held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis.

The award is in recognition of service and lifetime support of the LSEM mission to provide equal justice and access to legal services for those who otherwise would not have access to the judicial process. It is named for F. William McCalpin, a former St. Louis attorney, recognized nationally for his exceptionally distinguished service to the cause of American jurisprudence.

Mike's dedication and contributions to support LSEM's mission make him an exceptional recipient of the award. He started volunteering his time to LSEM in 2007 helping people that were facing evictions and rent and possession actions. He's now one of the coordinators of the Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP) connecting lawyers and associates with those in need. Mike said, "It's something that I like doing. I get enjoyment out of helping people that come to us from legal services. You know you are helping someone." 

For more than three decades, Thompson Coburn has worked with LSEM to connect our attorneys with pro bono cases impacting our communities and those who live in them. The VLP program is not only a benefit for those receiving services but also for the volunteers. Mike said "It's a win for the young associates. They get an opportunity to go in court, they get to meet clients, and work with clients. It's just a win for all of us."

Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property litigation, including patent, media, advertising, copyright, trade secret, privacy and data breach actions. Mike regularly represents clients in U.S. district and state courts across the country. He is one of the founders of Thompson Coburn's In Focus photo copyright blog.

Video interviews with all the honorees are available on LSEM’s YouTube channel.