40 Under 40 Alumni Spotlight: Teresa Grantham, 2003

Then: Partner, Askinosie and Grantham LLC
Now: Owner, Grantham Fiester Law LLC

When Teresa Grantham looks back 23 years ago, she thinks about balancing parenthood with profession, raising two kids as a busy trial lawyer.

“I was kind of a new mom,” she says. “I had one little girl. Now I have two wonderful girls in their 20s. … It was a very intense, exciting time.”

Since then, Grantham, 57, recalls times when she’s worked as a solo practitioner, as she does today, and with law partners: “I’ve always had great lawyers to affiliate with … even as a solo practitioner.”

She’s proud to note that her record speaks for itself: “I get the bulk of my work from either lawyers who know my work or former clients and their families, and that means a lot.”

Grantham recalls a milestone she achieved nine years following her 40 Under 40 honor: the presidency of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

“It was such an incredible honor to lead such a prestigious organization,” Grantham says.

Advice to young professionals? While it isn’t possible to spend every hour on work you love, it’s good to strive to make sure your talents are not spent on work you hate. And never go to work on your birthday – because nothing good can come of that.