Charting a Nontraditional Path
Alumni Profile: Jordan Reinhardt, L’20
For Jordan Reinhardt, a 2020 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law, the path to a legal education and beyond was both familial and exploratory. Originally from Kansas City, Reinhardt’s decision to attend KU Law was influenced by her mother, Cheryl, a KU Law graduate from the Class of 1992. Yet, Reinhardt’s trajectory diverged from the traditional legal path, leading her to a dynamic career in the tech industry.
Reinhardt’s journey to law school began during her junior year at Kansas State University. With options ranging from graduate school to entering the workforce, she ultimately chose KU Law, drawn by its proximity to her family home and its strong reputation. Initially, she envisioned a future in public policy and was intrigued by KU Law’s 6th Semester in D.C. program. However, as her law school experience unfolded, Reinhardt’s interests shifted.
Between her first and second year, she worked with the Medical-Legal Partnership Field Placement Program at KU Med, gaining exposure to public interest law. She also participated in the Judicial Field Placement Program as a legal intern for Judge Daniel Crabtree.
“That experience alone was worth my tuition,” Reinhardt said.
These opportunities helped her realize that her passion lay not in traditional litigation, but in roles that leveraged her creativity and business acumen.
A pivotal moment came when a friend encouraged Reinhardt to connect with the CFO of Pepper, a Kansas City-based startup specializing in software solutions for smart devices. That conversation led to a summer internship, where Reinhardt explored various aspects of the business, including product management and marketing. The experience proved transformative, paving the way for her current role as a product manager at Pepper.
“What I do on a daily basis is act as the catalyst for any work that software development teams do,” she said.
From setting priorities for developers to serving as a liaison between the business and technology sides of the company, Reinhardt’s role is dynamic and multifaceted.
“The skills I learned in law school—researching, writing, analyzing complex issues—are incredibly valuable. I’m constantly learning, which is something I loved about law school.”
At Pepper, Reinhardt’s work involves designing and launching new features for smart devices, often under tight deadlines. She cites a major client project in 2021 as a career highlight. Despite an ambitious timeline of nine months to complete what was originally estimated as a 15-month endeavor, the team delivered.
“I’m proud of that accomplishment and the collaboration it required,” she said.
While she occasionally handles legal tasks—such as guiding trademark applications—her primary focus remains on product management.
For law students interested in tech, Reinhardt emphasizes the importance of curiosity and humility. She also encourages students to network boldly.
“Show up authentically and be confident in what you bring to the table, even if it’s not technical expertise,” she said. “Cold call people, introduce yourself, and ask for conversations. You never know where it might lead.”
Reinhardt credits her KU Law experience for teaching her how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
“Regardless of who I’m working with, I rely on a formula for analyzing issues and tailoring solutions to my audience—a skill honed during law school,” she said.
As a nontraditional lawyer thriving in a tech environment, Reinhardt has learned to embrace her unique path.
“I was self-conscious about not taking the traditional route,” she admits. “But I’m proud of trusting my instincts and committing to a career that aligns with my personality and goals.”
She underscores the importance of maintaining relationships with classmates and colleagues.
“The relationships you build in law school are just as valuable as the education. Don’t be afraid to stay in contact and make that a priority.”
Her story serves as an inspiring example of how to forge a fulfilling and unconventional career path for those willing to think outside the box.
This article appeared in print in the 2024 KU Law Magazine.