Attorney Jennifer Growcock is fond of the saying, “Quiet competence beats noisy bluster every time.”
Growcock became convinced of the merits of that statement by a law partner who, with those words, complemented her handling of a case against an overbearing and argumentative opposing counsel in the courtroom. The comment stuck, and whether in civil trials, Junior League meetings or at home caring for her two children under the age of 3, Growcock applies the adage.
“It is not the noise you make that matters, it’s who listens to it,” she says.
That’s not to say Growcock is one to sit back and let things come to her. “The best course to the top is achieved by digging in and getting involved, by listening well and following through, being positive, optimistic, future-focused, fair-minded and imaginative,” she says.
The native of a small Iowa farming community, Growcock completed her juris doctor in the top 20 percent of her class at the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2004. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English, while completing a double minor in political science and psychology, at the University of Iowa.
The 32-year-old has held two trial attorney posts at Top 100 law firms Husch Blackwell LLP and Polsinelli Shughart PC, which she joined in September 2010 concentrating in business and construction litigation as well as loan enforcement, real estate and employment litigation.
A member of the Junior League of Springfield since 2005, Growcock has served on the board of directors, nominating committee and as public affairs chairwoman, a position that enabled her to help lobby in Jefferson City for monetary support for Isabel’s House crisis nursery and the continuation of tax credits for charitable donors.
Growcock says her experience with Junior League has been invaluable.
“From the people I have met to the projects that we have accomplished … my desire to assist abused and neglected children in southwest Missouri has evolved,” she says. “My leadership (with Junior League) has given me an opportunity to serve with many other civic organizations that the league partners with and pledges to assist each year.”
This year, Growcock starts a three-year term as board member for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri.
“In this position, I am able to combine my two passions: children and law,” she says. “Southern Missouri has the state’s highest childhood abuse and neglect rates, and working with other volunteers, we are able to help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of young children by giving them a voice in the legal system.
“To me, true leadership means getting involved and being hands-on.”
Click here for full coverage of the 2011 40 Under 40.[[In-content Ad]]
