2023 Up & Coming Awards: Kaitlynn M. Donnelly, 35

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kansas City

Practice Area: Criminal Law – Crimes Against Children

Law School: University of Toledo College of Law

Kaitlyn Donnelly says she never planned on becoming a trial attorney, but after nine years, she can’t imagine doing anything different. She is an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

“I wanted a career that allowed me to make a positive impact on my community,” she says.

She works hard every day to accomplish that mission.

Her top career accomplishment so far has gone a long way toward keeping young girls safe in Platte County.

“I secured a guilty verdict on a predatory sex offender where he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole,” she says. “Knowing that he won’t ever have the opportunity to prey on another young girl is the most rewarding feeling.”

Donnelly’s professional role in protecting children has recently become personal. She recently gave birth to a daughter.

What advice do you have for young lawyers?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes mistakes make for the best learning experiences.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what profession would you have chosen?

I might have been a history professor.

What is the best career advice you have received?

I learned early on that as a young attorney starting my career, I should be the first one in the office and the last one out at the end of the day.

What is your favorite thing to do away from work?

Recently, I’ve been spending time with my newborn daughter. I’ve been an avid runner most of my life, and I’m very much looking forward to getting back into that.

What has been your favorite moment as an attorney?

Trying a case this past March while pregnant with my daughter. I can’t wait to tell her about it when she’s older.