Her Story
About Rachel
I graduated from law school at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas in 2022, after completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas. Since then, I've been practicing as an attorney with a focus on civil litigation and employment law, particularly employment litigation. My work varies greatly from day to day - some days I'm in the office writing briefs, motions, and emails to opposing counsel and clients, while other days I'm on what I call 'field trips' to courthouses. I get to explore Kansas extensively, traveling to the courthouse here in Kansas City or driving to rural towns throughout the state for hearings, depositions, and investigations. I recently joined a new law firm, Hennessy & Roach, which I co-founded with one of my best friends from law school. We're a younger office, but we're growing really fast in the region and working hard to establish our name. I'm a member of both the Kansas Bar Association and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. Originally from Colorado, I try to get outside as much as possible, enjoying Pilates, walks, and hiking when I can find it in Kansas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to my family, especially my mom, who is also an attorney. My education has been crucial, and of course hard work and determination have played a major role in getting me where I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from my mom, who's also an attorney. She has always said that failure isn't failure - failure is just your next step. That's been really important for me to remember, especially early on in my career as an attorney.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to know that you belong in the room. When you walk into the room and you look around, know that you're just as valuable, and what you have to say, and your knowledge is just as important and just as correct as everybody else is in that room. And that's why you're there.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the challenges I see are kind of unique to younger attorneys, because I've only been practicing for four years. Finding good mentors can be a challenge - finding other attorneys who are more experienced and who are willing to really invest in helping you. Because when you come out of law school, you definitely don't know how to be a lawyer. So finding a work environment that's actually truly supportive and has good mentorship is really important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is definitely number one in my professional life. In my personal life, family is most important. Honesty, which kind of goes along with integrity, is also a core value for me in both areas of my life.
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