Jennifer Marie Kusmer

Criminal defense has been Jen's passion since she was in college. She graduated magna cum laude from Bellarmine University with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies.

Once she entered law school, Jen immediately got involved in community organizations that focused helping those affected by the criminal justice system. Through SLU’s Street Law Organization, she taught classes across St. Louis City at Confluence Academy, the Juvenile Justice Center, and the City Justice Center. These classes varied, focusing on everything from basic informing students on their basic legal rights to semester-long criminal law and criminal procedure courses. She also volunteers with Criminal Justice Ministry, a local organization that supports and empowers individuals impacted by incarceration. This volunteer work has helped Jen develop the skills needed to lead with empathy while being an effective proponent for her clients.

Throughout law school, Jen was the recipient of multiple Academic Achievement Awards, one being in Legal Research & Writing. She also competed on SLU Law’s National Trial Competition Team. For practical experience, she first interned with the State of Missouri Public Defenders in the Civil Commitment Defense Unit and then participated in SLU Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic. These experiences have given Jen opportunities to advocate at every stage of the criminal process.

Jen graduated from St. Louis University School of Law in the top 25% of her class and with a concentration in Criminal Litigation Skills. Upon graduation and admittance to the Missouri Bar, Jen has spent the last 7 years working at criminal defense firms and handles state and appellate level criminal cases, as well as expungements. Her passion for justice drives her to fiercely defend her clients.