Tyler Coe
Equity member attorney
Whitfield & Eddy Law PLC
Age: 32
Mentor: Kay Oskvig, member attorney, Whitfield & Eddy Law PLC
Why he’s a Forty: Tyler’s approach to family law makes it less intimidating to his clients and the community through his public speaking and social media presence with #DSMdivorcelawyer. Tyler’s service to Please Pass the Love includes his leadership as president and being an ambassador for mental wellness among youths and educators. Tyler’s commitment to the legal profession shines with his recruitment, mentorship and retention of Iowa attorneys. Attorneys across Iowa often call him for his thoughts on divorce cases. Business owners call him to connect them with the right attorneys. Tyler builds community by being present. When called, he serves.
What are your goals in your role at your company?
As a new equity partner, I go to work building the metro’s strongest divorce and family law practice group serving Iowa’s families. Still, being seven years out of law school, I am committed to developing our next generation of lawyers with close work with associate attorneys and law clerks.
What are your goals for your community involvement?
I speak and write about mental health issues regarding youth and attorneys. It is extremely encouraging educating and sharing experiences with others to help lift them up. I provide free continuing legal education credit throughout 2021 on these topics. For attorneys, mental health directly connects with our ethical obligations.
What's your biggest passion, and why?
Wellness comes first. “How are you?” is a serious question I ask everyone because that inquiry is frequently absent in our world. Sometimes that is the only question I ask, but the one that matters most. My passions include reading, walking and giving my dog, Lyla, the life she deserves.
What is it that drives you?
I am the first in my immediate family to graduate from high school and to attend and graduate from college and graduate school. While I recognize the privileges I do have, I grew up like many without great privilege. I know the value of betting on myself again, again and again.
What are your future aspirations?
I understand the need for diversity, equity and inclusion. I see this intersection in my law practice and choose to advocate for change for my friends, clients, colleagues and community. Not only is this a just endeavor, but it ensures clients have access to all life experiences when making decisions.
Three hobbies: When you find @tylercoeiowa on Instagram, you see all about my love for dogs, amazing artwork and a vital life in downtown Des Moines. Oddly enough, they all interconnect and help me meet new people and pets and discover all our community offers.
Fun Fact: I successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on my parents’ Beagle, Abby, when she was choking on a sucker my younger siblings gave her. I am still a sucker for dogs!
ONE word: Diligent.
What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community?
Kum & Go CEO Tanner Krause demonstrates the business community must commit to mental wellness and diversity, equity, inclusion. His personal story and company decisions illustrate results and impact. While Tanner does not know me, his actions inspire me daily.
Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you?
I humbly recognize others look to me for life-changing advice. I do not take this charge lightly and understand I have a duty to guide those with whom I come in contact.