Kathleen Kessler

Kathleen Kessler was a trailblazing trial lawyer and an exceptional advocate for justice. She graduated from Emory Law School in 1972 as one of the 13 women in a class of 129 students. In an era when female trial lawyers were still rare in Georgia, Kathleen fearlessly pursued her career, leaving an indelible mark on the legal profession.

Tragically, Kessler’s life was cut short in the ValuJet Airlines crash on May 11, 1996. She was aboard the ill-fated flight while returning to Atlanta after attending her daughter’s graduation from the University of Miami. The crash claimed the lives of all 110 passengers and crewmembers on board.

Kessler was widely recognized for her unwavering determination, outspoken nature, and her dedication to representing the underrepresented. She fearlessly championed unpopular causes, always striving to uphold her ideals and principles. Her impact extended beyond her clients, as she played an active role in the legal community, serving as the chair of the General Practice and Trial Law Section of the Georgia State Bar at the time of her passing.

In memory of Kathleen Kessler, the Miami law firm of Colson, Hicks, Eidson, Matthews & Mendoza and Richard P. Kessler Jr. of Atlanta, along with his daughter Grace Kessler, established the Kathleen Kessler Scholarship Endowment at Emory University in 1998. The ensures that Kathleen’s legacy continues to support aspiring trial lawyers and has benefited numerous Emory Law students, providing them with opportunities to follow in Kessler’s footsteps. Additionally, the trial techniques program at Emory Law was renamed The Kessler-Eidson Program for Trial Techniques in honor of Kathleen and her close friend, Mike Eidson, who played a pivotal role in establishing the scholarship.