Tracy Spradlin, 30

Practice areas: Criminal and traffic defense

Law school: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Zealous. Tireless. Brave. Compassionate. A lot of words are used to describe Tracy Spradlin and all of them are precisely what you’d expect in a top-notch criminal defense attorney.

They are also the qualities required to found a law office right out of school and double its clientele each year. Recognized with the Young Lawyers Section’s President’s Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Spradlin is used to honors noting her boundless energy and drive.

One mentor commented on her “mind-blowingly ambitious list of accomplishments” noting “I think she may have mentored me more than I mentored her.”

Spradlin is also unafraid to take on the causes of those who need her help the most. This year, KC Counselor has named her a “Pro Bono Champion” and she has been active with Legal Aid of Western Missouri’s Volunteer Attorney Project.

What has been your favorite moment as an attorney?

I wouldn’t say it’s a specific moment, as much as my favorite part of my job. It’s those emails and notes you get every once in a while, after you wrap up a case for a client and they let you know how much you meant to them.

What is the best career advice you have received?

You’re going to fail at something, at some point. And that’s OK. It’s what you do afterwards that matters.

Anything else you want people to know about you?

I once told a joke to Morgan Freeman and he didn’t laugh. Heartbreaking.