2017 40 Under 40 Honoree: Ashley Norgard, 35

Springfield chose Ashley Norgard when she was recruited by Husch Blackwell LLP in 2013. Formerly of Montgomery, Alabama, Norgard chose Springfield when she jumped in with both feet and immersed herself fully in the community without knowing a soul. Norgard was selected as one of 12 lawyers who serve on the nationwide Firm Associates Committee to ensure Husch Blackwell attorneys are happy, well-compensated and well-trained. Norgard also manages to find time to serve as president of the Springfield Little Theatre Associate Board, a trustee for Springfield-Greene County Library District and a legal mentor at The eFactory accelerator.

What was your first job? Gift basket maker at a gourmet popcorn factory. I haven’t eaten popcorn in 20 years.  

What was your professional “aha” moment? My moment came while the jury was deliberating in my first trial. The client said he didn’t know how I could handle the stress. At that moment I realized my job is to help shepherd people through a difficult time in their lives, explain the situation and the options and provide steady judgment.

What about your job would shock clients? Lawyers wake up in the middle of the night worrying about our clients and thinking about ways to solve their problems.

What did you learn the hard way? Everything suffers if I don’t take time to regroup and do long-range strategic planning. At least every two years, I have to take a week-long vacation somewhere with no cellphone or internet.