Spencer Cady

Shareholder and attorney, Nyemaster Goode PC

Age: 38

Education: Drake University, B.A. in business administration, marketing and business law; Drake University Law School, J.D. with high honors

Wife: Reilly Cady 

Children: Corah (8), Cameryn (6)

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I am a shareholder and trial attorney at Nyemaster Goode, and currently serve as the chair of the firm’s litigation department.  

I am active in the community, serving on multiple boards and committees, including committees that provide legal assistance and community service to those in need. I am the current chair of the Plymouth Church Foundation, which manages over $9 million in assets and awards competitive and strategic grants that directly service the organization’s ministries, projects and programs in the community.  

I also serve on the board of Man Up Iowa and am the founder and chair of the Cady Learning Center Foundation.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

Serving others, whether through my role as a husband and father, in my profession as an advocate for clients, through community service on boards and committees, or by coaching local youth activities.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

Success can be realized when hard work and progress lead to new opportunities.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

Rural communities across Iowa are seeing a decrease in access to critical professional services, including legal representation for low-income and vulnerable Iowans. There are a number of rural counties in Iowa that have fewer than five lawyers. Efforts need to be made to recruit and retain new lawyers to rural communities in need.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

At a young age, I observed how the lawyers and judges in my hometown of Fort Dodge not only provided legal services in the community, but were also great stewards of the community through serving multiple roles in local government, churches and schools. This inspired me to join a profession that would allow me to have a broad impact on my community.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I’m hopeful we can continue to recruit and retain young talent from larger markets to establish their professional careers in Iowa. Iowa has so much to offer for young professionals. Not only does Iowa offer lower costs of living and a good work-life balance, but it presents a wealth of opportunities for young, talented professionals to gain invaluable professional experience far sooner than they could obtain in larger markets.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young professional?

Do not be afraid to seek out mentorship and advice from members and leaders in your profession who you respect and admire, and be cognizant of and have the self-confidence to step up to new opportunities as they arise, even if they come at unexpected times.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

I take time out of every day to be active, whether it is by running, biking, lifting weights or playing basketball. Staying active keeps me focused and centered in my professional and personal life.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

Public transportation should continue to be a key issue for successful regional development.  Our communities cannot flourish without affordable and reliable public transportation that reaches all areas of the metro.

What's one fun fact about you?

I met my wife when we were in the womb.

Hobbies:

Attending Drake athletic events; spending time with my Labrador retriever; and utilizing the local bike trails with my family and friends.

What is one word that best describes you?

Dependable.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

Manhattan Deli.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

I had a hole-in-one on the wrong hole.

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

Trying new foods at the Iowa State Fair.