Kendra M. Alt

Rooted in small-town West Virginia values, Kendra Alt represents clients with integrity and compassion, fighting for their rights in the courtroom, at the Capitol, and in their communities.

Kendra’s diverse background has shaped her strengths in oral advocacy, legislative strategy, and policy drafting, where she brings both practical experience and creative problem-solving to her practice at Bowles Rice. She has successfully drafted, lobbied, and helped pass legislation on behalf of businesses, organizations, and interest groups, including measures to increase the jurisdictional limits of magistrate courts, permit fairness hearings for business mergers and acquisitions, and reorganize government boards to ensure her clients’ voices are represented. Kendra continues to guide clients through every stage of the legislative process, from initial concept to enactment.

An accomplished litigator, Kendra has successfully tried multiple bench trials in magistrate courts across West Virginia and has appeared in numerous circuit courts throughout the state. She regularly defends clients in a wide variety of matters, including criminal misdemeanors, protective orders, and civil litigation. In addition, as a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel, Kendra defends clients facing federal criminal charges in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Kendra’s practice also extends to representing local economic development authorities and municipalities, where she serves as right of way counsel on large water and sewer projects. In this role, she helps connect residents to vital public resources by negotiating easement agreements, resolving disputes, and avoiding unnecessary litigation — by meeting rural landowners where they are and building trust with her clients.

Before joining Bowles Rice, Kendra served as a Judith A. Herndon Fellow and Legislative Assistant to the West Virginia House of Delegates, where she learned the intricacies of bill drafting and legislative procedure. During law school at the West Virginia University College of Law, Kendra spent both summers as a clerk at Bowles Rice and completed a full-time externship with the Honorable Michael Aloi, United States Magistrate for the Southern District of West Virginia. A first-generation college graduate and one of the youngest in her law school class, Kendra’s drive and determination continue to define her professional success.

As a proud native of Leivasy, Nicholas County, West Virginia, Kendra’s small-town community spirit allows her to connect and relate to clients, judges, and adversaries alike.  She approaches every matter with compassion and conviction, always striving to achieve the best possible resolution for her clients — fighting for their rights as if they were her own. 

Recipient of CALI Awards (recognition for achieving the highest grade in a particular subject) at the West Virginia University School of Law:

• Water Law
• Civil Procedure 2
• Bill Drafting & Legislative Process
• Interviewing, Counseling, and Negotiations