Emily J. Fretwell was born in Canton, Missouri to State Representative, Estil Fretwell, and his wife, Nina "Jo" Fretwell. After ending his career as a representative, Estil relocated his family to the Capital city to pursue a career as a lobbyist for Missouri Farm Bureau. Emily's mother completed her Masters in Education and began teaching English at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Emily and her three siblings all graduated from Jefferson City High School and were active in athletics, the arts and in their church. Following graduation, Emily obtained her Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice graduating summa cum laude from Columbia College. While in undergraduate school, she began working for a law firm in Jefferson City first as a courier and then as a receptionist. During this time, she learned what an important role lawyers play in the lives of others; as an advocate and a counselor. In 2007, Emily received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri, became licensed to practice law in Missouri and the Eastern and Western District Courts and was admitted to both the Missouri and Cole County bar associations. Also in 2007, Emily wed her high school sweetheart, Jeremy Renn. Jeremy spends his days working as a successful hair stylist at a trendy salon called The Loft. After spending some time in Columbia, they returned to Jefferson City where they currently reside with their two young children. Since beginning her legal career, Emily has gained a reputation for listening to and responding to her client's needs. As a general rule, nobody likes having to call a lawyer, and she respects and appreciates the fact that her clients are relying on her experience and knowledge to get them through some of their most trying times.