2022 Up & Coming Awards: Angela Kennedy, 32

Senior Associate, Armstrong Teasdale, St. Louis

Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation, Trademark Litigation, Copyright Litigation

Law School:  University of Missouri

Angela Kennedy was in a Ph.D. program studying ancient civilizations, focusing on ancient legal texts with plans to become a professor. One of her scholarly papers had just been accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal when she decided to follow a different path.

“I realized I wanted to do more than publish papers in journals — I wanted my research and writing to have a more immediate impact on and connection to the broader community,” she writes. “I shifted my focus from ancient legal texts to law school and found exactly what I had been missing.”

In her career, she has realized her goal of having opportunities to engage in her community and make a difference in people’s lives. She also found a career that gives her flexibility to pursue other interests.

“I am interested in so many different things, from civil justice and government to a range of industries,” she writes. “The legal profession has allowed me this and more.”

What advice do you have for young lawyers?

Try to give new opportunities a chance but take time to reflect on what you are enjoying in your practice. Is it the partner? Is it your fellow associate? Is it the work? Is it the client? Be intentional about how you continue your practice based on your answers to these questions.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

My husband and I live near downtown St. Louis and have three kids, a dog, six beehives and four chickens.