Jessica Rooks is the founder and managing attorney of The Rooks Law Firm, LLC, a thriving Elder Law and Estate Planning practice headquartered in Kirksville, Missouri. Since founding the firm in 2012, Jessica has dedicated her career to helping Missouri families navigate estate planning, long-term care planning, asset protection, guardianships, and elder law matters. Her mission has always been to ensure that individuals and families in rural communities have access to the same high-quality legal representation available in larger metropolitan areas.
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with honors from Truman State University before attending the University of Missouri School of Law, where she graduated in the top 15% of her class. During law school, she contributed to efforts that helped shape Missouri guardianship reform legislation, laying the foundation for a career focused on protecting vulnerable individuals and families.
Upon graduation, Jessica chose an unconventional path by opening her own law firm focused exclusively on Elder Law and Estate Planning. What began as a solo practice has grown into a respected statewide firm serving clients throughout Missouri while remaining firmly rooted in Kirksville. While Jessica remains the firm's sole attorney, she has built an exceptional team of dedicated paralegals and professional staff who help support clients and ensure the highest level of service. Under her leadership, the firm has expanded substantially, more than doubling its client base in recent years while maintaining its commitment to compassionate, client-centered legal representation.
Jessica's professional accomplishments have earned recognition across Missouri. She was profiled in Missouri Lawyers Media and named an "Up and Coming" attorney by Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2018. In 2025, she received the prestigious Missouri National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) Member of the Year Award, recognizing her leadership, service, and commitment to advancing elder law throughout the state. That same year, The Rooks Law Firm was honored as Best Law Firm in Kirksville in the Best of Kirksville awards, as voted by readers of the Kirksville Daily Express. Jessica was also named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her vision, leadership, and success in building one of Northeast Missouri's leading elder law and estate planning firms.
A respected advocate for seniors and vulnerable adults, Jessica is frequently invited to educate both the public and fellow professionals on estate planning, long-term care planning, and elder law issues. She has presented numerous seminars and workshops throughout Missouri and was invited to appear on a podcast dedicated to raising awareness about elder abuse and available support resources. During the discussion, she emphasized the importance of proactive estate planning in preventing financial exploitation and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Jessica is an active leader within Missouri's elder law community through her longstanding involvement with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She is passionate about mentoring attorneys and expanding access to elder law services throughout the state, recognizing the growing need for qualified legal professionals serving Missouri's aging population.
In continuing her dedication to serving vulnerable populations, Jessica was appointed to the Missouri Family Trust Board of Trustees, which operates under the Missouri Department of Mental Health. The Missouri Family Trust provides financial resource protection and support for individuals with disabilities. Through this appointment, Jessica continues her commitment to improving the quality of life for Missouri families and individuals facing unique challenges.
Beyond her legal practice, Jessica is deeply invested in her community. She has served on the boards of her local Chamber of Commerce, HUD organizations, and YMCA and has worked extensively with charitable organizations throughout Northeast Missouri. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the Kirksville Young Professionals Top 5 Under 40 for her professional achievements and community leadership.
Outside the office, Jessica's greatest joy is her family. She and her husband, Aaron, met during college and chose to build their lives in the community they both love. Together they are raising their two sons, Ryan and Dylan, and their daughter, Libby. The Rooks family attends La Plata Christian Church and values active involvement in both their church and local community. When not serving clients, Jessica enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and creating memories with her family.
Through her legal practice, community leadership, statewide service, and commitment to education, Jessica remains dedicated to helping Missouri families protect what matters most and plan confidently for the future.