417 Business & Elder Law

Sativa Boatman

My elder law practice assists people with all phases of their life planning. With the business law and real estate law side of the firm, I help owners prepare proper documentation and make decisions necessary for the operation of their company. It is a rewarding career and I truly enjoy resolving issues for my clients. I was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated from Glendale High School in 1989. I graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in 1996 and practiced law in St. Louis for several years before returning home to Springfield in 2004.

For my early years practicing law, real estate and business law were my primary areas of focus. Providing guidance on the formation and operation of someone’s business has always been gratifying. As my estate planning practice began to grow, it became clear that many clients needed additional information concerning planning for long-term care expenses. Their needs prompted me to add elder law to my practice areas. For estate planning, I concentrate on educating my clients about how to avoid probate and properly direct their assets to their chosen beneficiaries. With nursing home planning, I inform my clients about their options to avoid spending their life savings paying for nursing home care. In cases of disability, I explain Powers of Attorney, Special Needs Trusts, and guardianships with families. When a relative dies and probate was not avoided, I guide my clients compassionately through the process.

It is important that people understand how to protect their assets whether it is in relation to their business, potential disability, long-term care, or upon death. As an attorney, my philosophy is to inform my clients about their options so they can make educated decisions about all aspects of their life planning.

EDUCATION

St. Louis University School of Law, Juris Doctorate 1996
Truman State University, B.A. 1993

BAR ADMISSIONS

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Greene County Estate Planning Council
Junior League of Springfield
Missouri Bar Association
Missouri Bar Elder Law Committee
Missouri Bar Probate & Trust Committee
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)
Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association (SMBA) Probate & Trust Committee (2012 Chair)
Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

BOARD MEMBER

Jake Adamson

I was born and raised not far from Springfield in a small town called Sarcoxie. Growing up in a small town in Southwestern Missouri taught me the importance of family. In carrying on these values, I have dedicated myself to the mission of advising local entrepreneurs and families in business and estate planning. I have found the most satisfaction in helping individuals and families to create wealth, preserve wealth, and ensure their legacy is passed on to the next generation.

After graduating from Sarcoxie High School in 2014, I moved to Springfield to obtain a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, I decided to pursue a law degree from the University of Missouri. During law school I participated in a multitude of school sanctioned activities, and even advanced in numerous competitions. In 2019, I clerked for the Honorable Judge Bough of the United States Western District Court. In 2020, I worked closely with the CFO and CEO of a small Missouri-based startup which gave me excellent insight into small business tactics and strategies.

After passing the bar exam, I began my career as a litigator. Working in litigation gave me useful insight into strategies, tactics, and court procedures. In conjunction with litigation, I also have experience in corporate law, regulatory compliance, criminal law, personal injury, and real estate law. I am excited to utilize my broad areas of knowledge to better assist business clients and their families to ensure the family legacy is carried on by the next generation.

EDUCATION

University of Missouri School of Law, Juris Doctorate 2022
Missouri State University, B.S. 2018

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Jasper County Bar Association, 2022
Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association

Co-Counsel

Rachel Fortenberry

My life’s mission is to help people. At the law office, I do that by guiding clients through difficult situations and protecting their loved ones. I was born and raised in the Springfield area, attending Logan-Rogersville High School and graduating cum laude from Missouri State University. I spent the better part of three years in Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2015 where I received the Hugo Grotius Scholarship and Frederick K. Cox International Center Fellowship.

I began my career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Christian County, where I spent three years in the courtroom. I prosecuted a large range of offenses starting with traffic tickets and misdemeanor assault, moving on to DWI and manslaughter cases, and finally to the felony property crimes caseload in my last year, which included burglary, robbery, as well as financial exploitation of the elderly.

In late 2018, I moved to civil practice in an effort to help clients more directly. Through my work in personal injury and worker’s compensation, I found that I loved being able to help my clients make sense of the oftentimes complicated and confusing legal process. This passion is what I bring to my clients when assisting them in making wills and trusts, guiding them through complex Medicaid and nursing home planning, or managing the probate process.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Brad, giving back to the community through the Junior League of Springfield, and spending time outdoors in the Ozarks.