National law firm Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that St. Louis-based attorneys Jennifer Hoekel, Kate Ledden, and Maysa Daoud are being honored by Missouri Lawyers Media at this year’s Women’s Justice Awards.
Hoekel, a partner, will be honored in the Innovation & Technology category, which is given to individuals who advise companies, startups and entrepreneurs with legal issues regarding intellectual property, technology and other aspects of their business. Hoekel represents Fortune 500 companies and emerging innovators in a broad spectrum of intellectual property disputes. With a proven track record of success, she has served as lead trial counsel in high-stakes cases across the country, advocating for both plaintiffs and defendants in federal courts, as well as before the USPTO and ITC.
Ledden, a partner, draws on extensive knowledge of both healthcare law and the court system to represent healthcare clients in complex litigation. After law school, Ledden began her legal career with nearly 10 years in federal district courts, where she worked directly with judges on all aspects of trial preparation. She will be presented with the Litigation Practitioner Award, which is given to litigators who “have made their careers in the courtroom — criminal or civil, representing plaintiff or defense.”
Daoud, a senior associate, is being recognized with the Pro Bono Award, which is given to those who have contributed a substantial amount of effort and time on pro bono work. She focuses her practice on commercial litigation and defends clients across industries. Daoud was nominated for Husch Blackwell’s 2025 Pro Bono Impact Award.
Missouri Lawyers Media’s annual Women’s Justice Awards program celebrates women across Missouri who have demonstrated leadership, integrity, service, sacrifice, and accomplishment in improving the quality of justice and exemplifying the highest ideals of the legal profession. This year’s WJA recipients will be honored at an April 16 event at Ameristar Casino & Resort in St. Charles, Missouri.