When Annie Keeney began considering law school, she knew she wanted a career centered on helping others. It was a lesson first sparked by reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson in high school and one that continued to grow throughout her undergraduate years.
Raised in the Webster Groves area of St. Louis, Keeney attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she earned a degree in marketing with a minor in philosophy and law. Along the way, she immersed herself in campus life through Greek organizations, club field hockey, and fundraising for the university, while courses in legal philosophy and guest lectures from practicing attorneys reinforced her desire to pursue a legal career.
Today, Keeney is entering her second year at Saint Louis University School of Law, where she is beginning a concentration in health law. While her interests continue to evolve, one goal has remained constant.
“I’ve always wanted to use my law degree in a way that’s beneficial to the St. Louis community and helpful to people who have been wrongfully injured,” she said.
That mission made SWMW Law a natural fit.
Keeney’s connection to the firm’s work is also deeply personal. Her grandfather owns a construction company, and several members of her family have worked in the construction industry throughout their lives. Although she knew very little about asbestos litigation before joining the firm, she immediately recognized that many of SWMW Law’s clients shared backgrounds similar to those of her own family.
“I knew the work I would be doing would feel connected to my family and meaningful because so many of our clients have similar experiences,” she said. “That made me want to be part of it.”
Throughout the summer, Keeney rotated through several practice areas, tackling projects that strengthened both her legal research skills and her understanding of asbestos litigation. In the Asbestos Bankruptcy Department, she researched Indiana’s discovery rule and statute of limitations, drafted affidavits, reviewed military and employment records, and assisted with claim preparation. During her Discovery & Trial rotation, she researched evidentiary issues, including self-authenticating evidence, and investigated historical information to challenge defendants’ claims. Her Litigation Case Development rotation introduced her to reviewing deposition transcripts, organizing client records, identifying asbestos-containing products at specific jobsites, and preparing additional affidavits.
Each assignment, she says, reinforced the importance of the work being done for clients.
“I’ve loved being able to contribute in meaningful ways,” Keeney said. “Knowing that the work I complete can help move a client’s case forward has been incredibly fulfilling.”
One of the most valuable parts of the internship has been the opportunity to learn directly from experienced attorneys. Whether researching complex legal issues, observing depositions, or receiving detailed feedback on her assignments, Keeney says every experience helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the practice of law.
“The feedback I’ve received has been invaluable,” she said. “It’s been exciting to take what I learned during my first year of law school and apply it to real cases involving real people.”
Although she has not yet represented clients directly, Keeney gained valuable insight by sitting in on client calls, depositions, and the firm’s June trial. Seeing firsthand how attorneys interact with clients and advocate on their behalf strengthened her interest in plaintiff litigation.
“When I started law school, all I really knew was that I wanted to help people who needed it,” she said. “My time at SWMW has helped clarify what I want my career to look like, and it’s confirmed my interest in civil plaintiff work.”
Outside of the office, Keeney enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to music, meeting new people, and being with family and friends. She especially enjoys returning home to visit her family’s dog, Maverick.
As she looks ahead to the rest of law school, Keeney hopes her journey with SWMW Law is far from over.
“I hope to continue learning here during the school year or next summer,” she said. “This experience has been incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned.”