2022 40 Under 40: Benjamin Shantz

As an associate at Spencer Fane LLP, attorney Benjamin Shantz realizes that people are often not happy to see him, since seeing him usually means they are dealing with a major problem, often a livelihood-threatening one. But he’s trained for those circumstances.

Shantz, 30, offers guidance to clients in the middle of a legal issue or to prevent lawsuits. He recognizes it’s an opportunity to make a difference in his clients’ futures.

As the longest-tenured associate in the local Spencer Fane branch, Shantz helps colleagues to clearly communicate with their clients and each other.

Outside of the office, Shantz has served on The Network’s Leadership Council, was appointed by the governor to the Missouri Boards and Commissions Task Force and is actively involved in the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

First job? Movie theater cleaner.

Best celebrity meeting story? I met Matthew McConaughey at game four of the NBA Eastern Conference finals in Cleveland. He was grabbing popcorn and just said “Alright, alright” as we shook hands.

Favorite book? “Dune” by Frank Herbert.

Favorite local order? Amazin Asian’s cashew chicken.