Before joining GRSM, McKenna developed a strong legal foundation through her academic and practical experiences at Pepperdine University School of Law. She was actively involved in the Sudreau Global Justice Program, which took her to Uganda where she represented clients in Ugandan court and assisted in plea bargaining. McKenna also participated in an International Moot Court team in London, further refining her litigation skills and public speaking.
While at Pepperdine, McKenna published an article on human trafficking in the Los Angeles Daily Journal. She also gained extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution through Pepperdine’s Mediation Clinic, where she worked on facilitating resolutions in various disputes throughout Los Angeles County.
McKenna’s legal journey included serving as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Thomas J. Buck, providing her with valuable insight into the inner workings of the judiciary and trial and strengthening her research and writing skills.
