Student Ambassadors

Future Plans: I have accepted a Labor and Employment Associate position with Dinsmore & Shohl in their Charleston, WV office. 

Why WVU Law: I chose WVU because West Virginia is home and I knew I wanted to practice here after graduation.

Kennedy McKinney, 2L

Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida

Undergraduate School & Degree: Florida Atlantic University, B.A. in Multimedia Journalism, Minor in Business Law 

Law School Extracurriculars: Moot Court, Lugar Trial Association, Black Law Students Association, Peer Academic Counselor, BARBRI Bar Prep Student Representative, Volunteer for the Office of the General Counsel at WVU

Legal Jobs:  Summer Associate at Jackson Kelly (2024), Summer Associate at Tucker Arensberg (2025) 

Future Plans: Civil Defense or Immigration Attorney 

Why WVU Law: I chose WVU Law because of its strong sense of community and commitment to student success. The school provides a supportive environment with approachable faculty, diverse opportunities for practical experience, and a reputation for producing well-rounded, practice-ready lawyers. As someone passionate about making a meaningful impact, WVU Law stood out as a place where I could grow academically, professionally, and personally while contributing to the community around me.

Hometown: Weston, West Virginia 

Undergraduate School & Degree: West Virginia University, B.S. in Economics

Law School Extracurriculars: VP of the West Virginia Energy Association

Legal Jobs:  Summer Associate at Steptoe and Johnson, PLLC

Future Plans: Civil Litigation Attorney

Why WVU Law?  I chose to come to WVU Law to enhance myself with the ability to serve those around me and be a part of making a difference in people’s lives.

Hometown: Beaufort, North Carolina

Undergraduate School & Degree: North Carolina State University, B.S. in Sport Management

Cummings & Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC. – 2L Summer Clerk

WVU College of Law Veterans Advocacy Legal Clinic – Student Attorney

Future Plans: My future plans align with my past experience. I am drawn toward Criminal Law and North Carolina. While I am still seeking a permanent opportunity, I know I will find my place. I have a passion for law and the criminal justice system. Also, after spending the past year in the Veteran’s Advocacy Legal Clinic, I know my future will include advocating for veterans.

Why WVU Law? I have always dreamed of attending law school, and WVU has allowed me to pursue that dream. While I was admitted to several programs across the country, my interview with the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management, Maggie Slater, convinced me to choose WVU. Dean Slater's description of the culture at the College of Law assured me I would feel right at home in West Virginia. I come from a small town in North Carolina where the community is incredibly close-knit, and we work together to support one another. No matter where you go, someone knows your name and asks about your family. When applying to schools, seeing those same values reflected in the faculty, staff, and student body was crucial. After speaking with Dean Slater and hearing about the small class sizes and the students' sense of community, I was convinced WVU was where I wanted to be.  Now, in my third year, I can wholeheartedly confirm that WVU is the place for me. I’ve made lifelong friends, learned invaluable lessons, and had countless opportunities to experience real-world applications of the concepts we learn in the classroom. The College of Law prepares you for the future through conceptual learning and practical experiences, which I have learned is unique. Friends who attend different law schools around the country tell me they are often lost in the shuffle of massive class sizes and have to fight for opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Looking back, coming to WVU was the best choice I could’ve made.