PRACTICING LAW IS A MINISTRY
By Kendra Spearman
Kendra Spearman is an attorney, minister and entrepreneur. From the courtroom to the classroom, she uniquely blends faith and law in service. Kendra is the owner and founder of Spearman Law LLC, a civil rights law firm, and founder of Junior Advocacy, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that offers juvenile criminal defense and legal education.
Kendra brings passion to every endeavor with the belief that her work in the fight against injustice is ministry. She works diligently on behalf of disadvantaged populations, in particular those impacted by mass incarceration and racial disparities.
Kendra was born and raised in Memphis, poor, and in a single parent home. Determined not to let her circumstances define her, education became her lifeline. Kendra absorbed herself in academics and the Arts, and as a result, received a full academic and music scholarship for her undergraduate education to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). Kendra graduated Summa Cum Laude from UAPB with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and went on to the DePaul University School of Public Service, earning a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Management.
Kendra earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. She holds a certificate in Public Interest Law as well as a certificate in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. During her time at Chicago-Kent, Kendra competed on the award-winning Mock Trial Team that ranked #3 in U.S. News and World Report. The team was crowned as the National Ethics Competition Champions in 2015.
Kendra’s experience at Chicago-Kent has come full circle as she currently serves as a Trial Advocacy Instructor for the College of Law Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars Program. Through this summer intensive, she mentors first-generation college students who aspire to attend law school, to prepare them for the admissions process.
Previously, Kendra spearheaded the Court Advocacy Apprenticeship Program at Lawndale Christian Legal Center and served as a mentor and tutor for Chicago Public School students at Ebenezer Community Outreach.
Kendra gives back by speaking at churches and schools about her life experiences, career journey, and entrepreneurship. She holds a position as youth minister at Mount Ebenezer Baptist Church. Kendra is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Recently, Kendra graduated with a second master’s degree in Christian Ministry from Northern Seminary. She lives by the motto: “to whom much is given, much is required.” Kendra is committed to being an example of service and hopes to leave a legacy that will reverberate with generations to come.
