2019 40 Under 40: Lori Rook, 38

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Lori Rook, owner of Ozarks Elder Law, considers 2018 a year of transition and growth for the 6-year-old firm. It added its sixth office at year’s end in Marshfield, preceded by the August departure of former partner Jessica Kruse after she was elected as Christian County Associate Circuit judge.

Rook served as campaign manager for Kruse. It’s one of many services she’s provided to others in her 13-year career as an attorney, which includes pro bono counseling and preparation of estate documents for people through Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

She’s also currently in Leadership Springfield and serves on the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce board.

What is your proudest moment? Graduating law school with a 6-month-old.

What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? I am focusing on the legal needs of our elderly population. So many are homebound, confused, alone and overlooked. Many are even victims of financial and physical abuse.

How many times do you hit the snooze button? None. I have three kiddos to get ready and out the door!

Have you ever met a celebrity? Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice.

What app gets you through the day? GroupMe. My kids are involved in so many sports and activities and this helps me stay in the loop with teammates and coaches.