Jennifer R. Growcock | Up & Coming Lawyer

Jennifer R. Growcock, 35, Shareholder, Polsinelli, Springfield

Practice areas: Commercial litigation, labor and employment
and appellate

Law school: UniversityofNebraska–Lincoln

Jennifer Growcock helped turn a heartbreaking twist in a domestic dispute into a court ruling that allowed a man to seek custody of the boy he’d raised from birth.

The case involved a man who learned, when his relationship with the child’s mother fell apart, that he wasn’t the child’s biological father. The courts initially rebuffed his efforts to seek custody, but in 2012 the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that his case could go forward.

It was a memorable and rewarding result for Growcock, though well outside her normal practice area. A more typical case for her commercial and employment practice has been her representation of the city of Branson in the years-long litigation over a development built on land the city says it owns but whose title has been disputed. A portion of the case recently settled, but Branson’s — and Growcock’s — part of the dispute is ongoing.

Growcock serves as president of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri, a position that allows her to blend her love of children with her passion for the law. She is also the parliamentarian — essentially the rules judge — of the Junior League of Springfield.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date?

Becoming a partner in an AmLaw 100 Law Firm while raising a family (a 6- and a 4-year-old!) and being actively involved in my community.

What do you do for fun?

Spend time with my husband, children and friends at Table Rock Lake – we named our lake home “Non-Billable Time”!

What simple piece of advice do you have for young lawyers? 

Engross yourself in your cases, know them better than the other side, get involved in your communities and enjoy life outside of the office.