2024 Up & Coming Awards: Jacqueline Ledezma-Ruelas

Franklin Buchanan not only graduated law school at the age of 22 but was able to secure his licensure in

For Kristen Andrews, her favorite memory as an attorney was attending her first legal conference and feeling inspired by the

Mike Benson’s advice to young lawyers is to always be learning and ask to join calls with clients as frequently

Wensdai Brooks’ advice for young lawyers is to never be afraid to ask questions.

Paul Brothers believes that, in the legal field, your credibility is your most valuable and precious asset.

Franklin Buchanan not only graduated law school at the age of 22 but was able to secure his licensure in

Lynsey Coffey says the best career advice she’s ever received is to not rush or expect immediate success.

If Sean Connelly wasn’t a lawyer, he says he’d be a professional baseball player. Even so, from a young age,

Stephen Davis said when it comes to being an attorney, nothing tops getting to deliver good news to a client.

Andrew Dockter says he was drawn to the legal world because of the often-challenging work, but says that if he

For Zach Fairlie, his biggest accomplishment this year was selling a publicly traded medical device company that was facing liquidation,

Michael Figenshau cites his biggest accomplishment of the year as when he second-chaired two jury trials in one month in

Tyler Finnegan’s mother inspired him to pursue law when she was a paralegal at Husch Blackwell and Polsinelli.

Tayler Finneran is working to combine her interest in women’s suffrage and her experience in the legal field as she

Christopher Frantze said he became an attorney just like his dad despite his father’s best efforts.

Brandon Hall advises young attorneys to “Be cautious, be curious, and find a great mentor.”

Emilee L. Hargis encourages young lawyers not to be afraid to take on challenges and to ask for opportunities that

Thomas Hiatt’s favorite memory as an attorney was winning the jury’s favor in his first jury trial, which resulted in

Jenna Homeyer’s favorite part of her job is making a difference in her clients’ lives.

Kate Jacobi’s favorite moments as an attorney has been with the friends she’s made along the way.

Jordan’s experience on his high school debate team inspired him to pursue law.

Christine Lesicko’s first brief before the U.S. Supreme Court has been a highlight of her career so far.

When Cara Lutterman facilitated her first adoption for a set of siblings, the eldest child gave her a hug during

As a child, Elizabeth McNulty’s arguments with her younger brother inspired them both to pursue law.

Greg Mennerick’s favorite part of being a transactions attorney is closing deals.

Matthew Nelke, known as a rising star at SWMW Law in St. Louis, joined the firm last year as an

Sydney Paquette strives to enjoy the lighter side of life, even on the toughest days.

J.C. Pleban has been described as the kind of lawyer who brings honor to the profession.

Rachel Price is known for her ability to leverage her deep legal knowledge to assist clients in a wide range

Zane Privette had a front row seat to the practice of law watching his father hone his craft as an

Philip Proud was promoted to partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy in 2023 in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the

Daniel Sanchez has established himself as a respected litigator with the judges of the Missouri workers’ compensation system statewide.

Kristen Sanocki is a proven litigator who consistently goes above and beyond while representing her clients in complex litigation.

Gregorio Silva considers his career in law an all-or-nothing venture.

Adam Simon is known at his firm as an excellent lawyer and a team player.

As a young associate attorney Sara Skelton has been an integral part of Langdon and Emison’s personal injury team representing

Rachel Smith experienced a full-circle moment in her career when she was taking a deposition and met a videographer who

As vice chair of Polsinelli’s private equity mergers and acquisitions practice group, Gordon Spring has positioned himself squarely in the

Keegan Tinney has been called the best of what the legal profession can be — skilled, dedicated, and committed to

As talented an attorney as Danielle Uzelac is, she points out that you don’t have to be a top-ranked lawyer

Katherine Vojas is one of few people who can brag that she’s visited all 30 MLB stadiums.

Elected this year as District 9 representative for the Missouri Bar Young Lawyers Council, Killian Walsh isn’t just a great

From a young age, Tony C. “Trey” Watkins, III was interested in the lessons of the past.

An impressive background in corporate law and accounting is only part of the story for Amanda Yoder.