2024 40 Under 40: Rachel Fortenberry

In 2022, Rachel Fortenberry, 36, launched Fortified Elder Law. After working in the offices of the Christian County prosecutor and Missouri attorney general, Fortenberry built her own client-centric firm focused on serving the middle class.

Throughout her professional life, Fortenberry says she has mentored and coached junior colleagues with a leadership style that identifies strengths and provides freedom to utilize them. She also has advised other female attorneys on launching their own firms and encouraged fellow board members to step into more advanced roles.

“Leading is oftentimes about taking a back seat and empowering your team to take on more responsibility,” Fortenberry says.

Fortenberry is a board member with the Junior League of Springfield and Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, and also serves on the planning committee for Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Best productivity hack? ChatGPT. You still need to do about 20% of the work in giving a detailed enough prompt before and heavily editing it after, but it can save you 80% of your time and energy. Just don’t use it in court.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How can you hit a target you’re not aiming for? If you’re lost in the day-to-day work without a plan, you’ll never make headway.

Favorite local food order? Golden Buffalo wings at Coyote’s with a side of ranch.