2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Shannon Grisham, 39

Pratt & Grisham LLC partner Shannon Grisham says her proudest moment is each time she aids a family in completing an adoption. Not only is adoption a significant part of her practice, but it also makes up the fabric of every aspect of her life – her son is adopted from Ethiopia. Grisham served as chair of the Missouri Bar’s second largest continuing legal education conference and will reprise her role for this year’s Family Law Conference. She’s active in the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, as well, and on the advisory council of I Pour Life, which enabled her to travel to Ethiopia to serve those in poverty and meet a child she supports monthly.

What was your first job? When I was 16 years old I had my first job working at a lamp store in Memphis, Tennessee.

What is your theme song? I connect different songs with various seasons in my life. One that always makes me smile is “Uptown Girl,” by Billy Joel. I was an ice skater from the age of 6 until 13.  Ice skating was my life. I have wonderful memories of music from that season of life.

What did you learn the hard way? Learning when to speak and when to be quiet.

What was your professional “aha” moment? When I graduated from law school and started my first job as an attorney. I was no longer in school after years of education and temporary jobs waiting to finish school.

What’s your most treasured possession? The Bible my parents gave me when I graduated from high school.