Shannon L. Kennedy

Shannon L. Kennedy is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney who has devoted her legal career to representing victims of police misconduct, sexual violence, and systemic injustice. Her advocacy has shaped policy reform across New Mexico, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations like children and veterans. Shannon’s dedication to accountability has led to landmark settlements and institutional change.

Shannon earned her Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she was a Law Review contributor and member of the International Moot Court Team. She also holds a Master’s in Latin American Studies from the same university. Earlier, she studied at the City University of New York School of Law, earning top honors and participating in the UN Human Rights Project. She completed her undergraduate studies with honors at the University of Oregon.

Shannon’s landmark legal wins have driven real change across the state. In Sanchez v. Brokop, she won a $3.2 million settlement for a young sexual assault survivor, leading to mandatory, state-wide training reforms in public schools to better protect students. In a wrongful death case involving a veteran living with PTSD, Shannon secured a $7.95 million settlement and helped establish required police de-escalation training for officers responding to mental health crises.

Shannon’s class action lawsuit against the city of Albuquerque reformed how student misconduct is handled in schools. Through advocacy and litigation, Shannon influenced policy that dramatically reduced on-campus arrests and required training for School Resource Officers. These reforms have made schools safer and more equitable for students across the region.

Shannon L. Kennedy continues to lead with compassion and resolve, fighting for justice on behalf of clients who have been mistreated by institutions of power. Whether advocating for children, veterans, or marginalized individuals, she ensures that every case pursued results in compensation and lasting systemic change. Her legal strategies aim to protect future generations through reform and accountability.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, Kennedy Law Firm
• Member, New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Licensed State

• New Mexico

Education

• University of New Mexico School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• City University of New York School of Law at Queens College
• University of New Mexico School of Law
  MA in Latin American Studies
• University of Oregon
  BA in International Relations & Spanish

Awards & Badges