When Stump became the firm’s president in 2018, she succeeded one of her mentors, Ken Brostron, who had served in the position for more than 30 years. She’s worked diligently to preserve the firm’s legacy while evolving its structure. Under her guidance, Lashly & Baer has revised its board and governance model, and it’s implemented a new strategic plan to guide future growth. She hopes the next generation of local leaders will commit to strengthening the region through thoughtful community engagement. “Being a leader extends beyond the walls of your business,” Stump says, “and it helps support the community where you, your business, and your employees live and work.”
2026 QUESTIONNAIRE
What advice would you give to the next generation of St. Louis entrepreneurs or leaders? Commit yourself to the City of St. Louis and the region by actively supporting the community. Being a leader extends beyond the walls of your business, and it helps support the community where you, your business, and your employees live and work.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck or uninspired? I remind myself it’s not about me; it’s about doing something for others. Refocusing on service always helps me get back on track and moving in the right direction.
What’s a local organization, nonprofit, or initiative that more people should know about—and why? All of our public libraries. They are so much more than a source of books; they are true community hubs. They provide programs, resources, and services in spaces where people feel welcome and supported.
2025 QUESTIONNAIRE
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? Our employees. There are a lot of great lawyers out there, but we have been intentional about attracting and retaining great lawyers who are also great people. We apply the same principles with our support and administrative co-workers. When our attorneys and staff have chosen to spend their entire careers with our firm, we believe the only reason is the culture and community we have built. Our firm has been around for 112 years and we are continuing to build on our founding principles and carry into the future with a great group of people.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? The bad reputation that lawyers receive. Our attorneys genuinely care about our clients and our communities.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? When I took over as president of the firm, my predecessor had been in that position for over 30 years. I wanted to preserve what was created, but also change things to fit the style of our firm leaders and allow the leaders to continue to grow their legal practices while being involved in the operations of the firm. We revised our board and leadership structure and implemented a strategic plan, which we continually assess to align with our firm’s values and prioritize serving our clients.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? Often it is the firm’s executive vice president Stuart Vogelsmeier. We have known each other since law school, have both spent our entire careers at the firm and work together in managing the firm.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? Two of my predecessors at the firm: John Fox Arnold and Ken Brostron. Both were involved in the leadership of the firm. They had distinct styles, yet always collaborated effectively for the benefit of the firm. In addition, they both were, and are, exceptional attorneys.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? You will make mistakes. It is how you handle them afterward that is important.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Louis (Deaconess Hospital)
What was your childhood aspiration? To be a teacher.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was an after-school gymnastics teacher at an elementary school. I learned that working with children is hard!
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? B.S. Business Administration from the University of Kansas, Juris Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? I probably would be in education. I do have the privilege of working with educators in representing school districts. It is such a hard job and I have such admiration for what they do.
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? There are so many good restaurants in all areas of St. Louis! My son lives by Lorenzo’s Trattoria on the Hill and he always joins us, so it’s my favorite. Salmon with tortellini.
What’s your hobby/passion? El Centro Orphanage in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. It is a home to about 25 girls ranging in age. I have supported them and visited for 10 years. They are special people.
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I am a fourth-generation Kansas University Jayhawk, married a Jayhawk, and my four sons are all Jayhawks.
