2008 40 Under 40 Honoree: Kristi Fulnecky

Fulnecky, who grew up in Springfield and graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia, had planned on medical school, but an internship in Washington, D.C., got her interested in politics. Fulnecky worked in the Beltway for a few years, where she met her husband, who’s from the East Coast.

She started law school at American University in Washington, D.C., before attending to Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, Ind., because her husband’s medical residency was in Indianapolis.

Fulnecky enjoys her solo practice through Fulnecky Law LLC.

“I don’t have a secretary or anything. I think people like to call their attorney directly,” she says.

Passing the Missouri bar exam last year after balancing four months of studying with the needs of her family is one of Fulnecky’s proudest professional accomplishments.

“It was an unforgettable moment when my husband and children joined me in the Missouri Supreme Court for the swearing-in ceremony,” she says.

Fulnecky is licensed to practice in Washington, D.C., where she worked in Native American law and casino gaming law. As a registered member of the Comanche tribe of Oklahoma, Fulnecky plans to get involved in that legal arena again. Someday, she wants to establish a scholarship fund for the legal education of a fellow tribe member.

Fulnecky is the youngest member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s board of directors, and she’s the chairperson and co-founder of Crescendo, the Young Patrons of the Symphony.

She’s served on St. John’s Clinic Culture Club board of directors planning events for physicians and their spouses to help recruitment and retention. This year, Fulnecky also served as sponsorship chairwoman for American Heart Association’s Heart Ball, raising more than $170,000.

The Fulneckys appreciate the Ozarks as a great place to raise children – without hours spent in long commutes. “We actually spend a lot of time together … as a family,” said Fulnecky, who plans on a few more children – maybe even a boy.

Double Play

Birth date: Jan. 26, 1973

Family: My husband, Eric, is a physician at St. John’s Hospital, specializing in infectious disease. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary this year, and we have three girls: Veronica, 4; Samantha, 3; and Abigail, 2.

Philosophy to live/work by: Preparation is the key to success. I learn everything possible about the project or case I’m working on or the deal I am making. Being prepared and thorough helps maximize my chances of success and minimize any surprises.

In a fantasy world, what professional sport would you play? I would play professional football – for the shoe endorsements.

Information accurate at the time of the honor.