Name: Kendell Renee Kelly
Age: 29
Location: Chicago, Ill.
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in General Science, Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga.; Bachelor’s of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga.; Juris Doctor (J.D.), Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.
Job Title: Attorney, business consultant, entrepreneur
What She Does: Kendell is a lawyer who practices what she’s coined as “lifestyle law.” Her practice consists of a mix of intellectual property, entertainment, Internet, and business law. She considers herself an adviser to her roster of clients, which includes importers, entertainers, restaurateurs, clothing designers, and business owners. She handles everything from domain-name disputes to copyright protection to business formation and dissolution. “I counsel clients on how to better protect and grow their brands using technology and the law. Occasionally, I get to help them determine what companies they should buy or start. My practice is unconventional, and that’s the reason I had to create a new term to describe it.”
How She Got Her Gig: “I knew I wanted to be a lawyer at age 8. I knew I wanted to work in entertainment at 16. I started my first business at 11. Somewhere between those times, I became a technology junkie. But there wasn’t really an area of practice that encompassed all those things, so I created it.” Kendell went away to college at 16 into a dual-degree (science and engineering) program 700 miles from home on a full scholarship from NASA. After completing the programs, she went on to law school and received her law degree and was barred by 24. She gave up the “partner track” to begin her own private practice at 28.
Never a Dull Moment: Kendell says the only typical parts of her day are exercise and prayer. Beyond that, it’s fair game. “On a recent day I counseled clients on setting up a new accessory company called 2nd Amendment; filed a trademark application; completed website compliance documents for the upcoming Frankie Beverly tribute-album website; and wrote a proposal for a sweepstakes.” In addition, she runs her own website business, www.NalaKelly.com, an online pet boutique that carries pet clothing, accessories, products, and supplies.
Slow Down? No Way!: Though she has achieved many of her goals at an young age, Kendell has no plans of slowing down. “I have been blessed to reach goals that some strive for all their lives, but that doesn’t mean you stop,” she says. “I think I will finally feel success when I get to tell my future grandchildren stories about my life and they aren’t bored. Until that time I have to keep working, having fun, and making new experiences.”
This Job’s for You if: You are a people person and love helping them avoid and solve problems. Kendell says tenacity, ethics, and a cheerful demeanor are also important qualities for this industry. And you can’t be afraid of hard work. “Some days I look with longing at my associates slacking off at their every-two-week-paying corporate gigs,” she says. “But then I remember that I get to work on the beach (or wherever else I choose) and that nobody tells me when I have to do anything.”
