Each spring, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado gets the opportunity to celebrate alongside scholars and collegians as they graduate and look ahead towards their futures. Our scholars preparing to head off to college, and our collegians interviewing for jobs as they begin their careers. Sometimes, including 2024, we also celebrate the graduation season with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado Alumni who have continued their academic path beyond a standard 2-4 year college degree.
This spring, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado alum and Board Member, Kenneth Stable, graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. We asked Kenneth to tell us about what motivated him to attend law school, share advice for any current scholars or collegians considering a similar path, and to let us know what’s next in his professional journey!
What motivated you to go to law school and what does it mean to have achieved this goal?
I went to law school to increase my knowledge and expand my skill set. I have an interest in both public and private sectors, and I knew that a legal education would be valuable for both. I found myself in my career knowing that there was more I could do—there was another level beyond where I was, and I needed the education to get there. Law school had been on my mind for years, but the deciding moment came when I was sitting in a courtroom, watching others go before a judge who grew up in a similar world as me. They were completely unequipped to handle it, and their appointed attorneys weren’t helping them understand their cases. I realized we need more lawyers who grew up like me, or at the very least, we need to ensure that people have a basic legal education to navigate systems that have life-altering effects. Then I thought to myself, “Why not me? Why can’t I do it?” I had been thinking about it for some time, and it was time to put that into action. I grabbed LSAT study material and started the journey of getting into law school.
I also know there are other men and women who doubt that such goals are achievable or think it’s too late to pursue them. It’s easy to say you’re not good enough for law school, medical school, or any other advanced degree or career change. But the reality is, it’s not beyond you or anyone else. It’s okay if you start and realize it’s not for you, but never knowing because you didn’t try is something entirely different. Lastly, I plan to start a family, and I want to provide my family with a model for success and overcoming adversity. My biggest motivation has always been to break the cycle of poverty in my family.
What advice do you have for current Boys Hope Girls Hope Scholars and Collegians who have an interest in law?
Reach out to me or others who have gone and ask questions. There are a lot of misconceptions about what law school is like and the practice of law. A lot of people think being loud and argumentative is what makes a good lawyer, and we can thank Hollywood for that misconception. What really matters is your attention to detail and your ability to piece together facts to tell a compelling story, whether you’re advocating for or against something. Reading and writing form the bulk of any lawyer’s career. Oral argument, while important, is minimal for most lawyers and even that begins with reading and writing. If you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, focus on developing your ability to read, write, and tell a story with what you learn.
I am always an advocate for reading because it is the only way I was able to advance while we were in continuous transit during my childhood, but in law, being a voracious reader will become a necessity. If you can learn to work with numbers, you will be even more valuable. Laws and contracts govern and are intertwined with everything around you. For example, when you see that long list of terms before you download a game or application, or when you sign documents at your doctor’s office, or even your receipt at a store—those exist for a reason. They protect people or entities in case of legal action, granting or restricting rights. Understanding this allows you to navigate the world more effectively.
What will your work look like at St. Louis Trust & Family Office?
I work with ultra-high-net-worth multi-generational families in various areas of wealth management, including family entity administration, cash flow management, family giving, estate and tax planning, and investment management. My legal education enhances my ability to serve these clients, particularly in areas like estate and tax planning, where understanding complex legal frameworks is crucial. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to help families build and preserve their wealth across generations while also contributing to their legacy. It aligns with my broader goal of using my skills to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.