About John K
John K Kennedy earned his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2009. He completed his legal education in a program known for its emphasis on practical skills and courtroom training. Those formative years provided him a steady grounding in procedure, evidence and written advocacy.
After law school he built a practice that crosses state and federal lines. He holds admission to practice in Illinois and is admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. That combination means he can handle matters that begin in Illinois courts and, when necessary, press appeals at the federal appellate level.
Colleagues describe him as methodical. He approaches cases by parsing the record thoroughly and by focusing on the legal questions that will matter on appeal. He keeps files organized and prioritizes clear, concise briefing. Courtroom appearances and appellate filings form distinct parts of his calendar. Each demands different skills, and he treats them as such.
Since 2012 he has been a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. That membership keeps him connected to a network of practitioners in the state and exposes him to continuing legal education and professional programs. He has benefited from that community engagement, which helps lawyers stay current on evolving case law and trial practice techniques.
His work involves written advocacy and oral argument. He spends time drafting pleadings, motions and appellate briefs. He also prepares witnesses and conducts hearings when matters move to trial or to the appellate level. He pays attention to procedure and to the strategic choices that affect how a case will be framed before a judge or panel of judges.
Outside of court filings and hearings, he manages client communication and case logistics. He aims to keep clients informed about procedural milestones and the likely next steps in a case’s path. He also monitors appellate schedules and briefing deadlines to ensure filings meet court requirements.
In his practice he balances the demands of state litigation with the particular rules of federal appellate work. He draws on his Chicago-Kent legal training and his ongoing professional involvement to handle both kinds of matters. He currently practices in Illinois and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
