Opening her own law practice in the town where she grew up ranks high among Allison Greenwadeís professional accomplishments, and itís a goal she set since graduating law school in 2005. She finds satisfaction in being able to provide the significant amount of leadership required.
"I had the opportunity to work with a large law firm and had some wonderful experiences doing so, but I have always wanted to own my own business," she says. "My father is a local business owner, as were my grandfather and great-grandfathers. It is a privilege to follow in their footsteps."
Opening her own firm in 2010 in Willard also has given Greenwade the flexibility she needs to devote generous amounts of time to community service, another goal she set her sights on when she decided to pursue a law degree. And receiving the Pro Bono Publico Award from Missouri Bar Association in 2013 is her proudest professional and community accomplishment to date.
"We received the award after providing many hours of pro bono work for indigent and impoverished clients in the Springfield area," she says. ìI am proud to give back to my community in this fashion."
Greenwade also serves as a panel attorney for Legal Services of Southern Missouri taking Judicare and pro bono cases, as opportunities to reach out to the public to assist a battered woman in gaining legal protection from her abuser or fighting for a parent or relative to gain custodial rights of a child. She also hopes that in fighting for the rights of pro bono clients she will inspire and motivate other attorneys to give of themselves in this manner.
"I believe that it is through such service that we, as attorneys and individuals truly find ourselves," she says. "I have found when I do my best, I can also inspire my clients to stand up for themselves and their children.
"If I can provide encouragement to, as well as impart a sense of justice, for just one person, I count myself lucky."
As a board member and current president of Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation, Greenwade raises money to fund special projects dedicated to children in her hometown. Over the past year, WCCF provided $12,000 in scholarships for Willard graduating seniors, as well as medical and dental care to children in desperate need of those services and financial support to local organizations that provide character-building activities for at-risk youth.
In addition, she was recently asked to speak at the Future Business Leaders of America Career Day at an area school, answering students’ questions about her law practice.
“It was thrilling to see that they had such an interest in the legal field, and I was humbled at having had the chance to possibly influence their career paths,” she says. “Speaking to those students was not only rewarding, but it helped me remember why I love what I do.”[[In-content Ad]]
