Jessica R. Langley awarded for community service
In honor of her dedication to helping the community, Jessica R. Langley will receive this year’s Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Tom Cochran Community Service Award.
The Tom Cochran Community Service Award recognizes a member of The Missouri Bar whose community service and professionalism have enhanced their Missouri community. The award is named after Thomas D. Cochran, whose commitment and contributions to the practice of law and his community inspired generations of lawyers.
Langley earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona Summit Law School in 2014. After graduating, she returned to her hometown of Kansas City and began her career as a judicial law clerk in Jackson County. She is a certified mediator, Guardian ad Litem, court appointed special advocate, and a big sister volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Langley said she is proud to be recognized for her support of both legal and community-based organizations.
“Giving back in meaningful ways — whether through mentorship, legal advocacy, civil engagement, or community development — is a core part of who I am, and I’m honored to be acknowledged for that commitment,” Langley said.
Driven by her belief that strong communities start with strong families, she has dedicated her volunteer work to serving families and children in her community.
“I feel called to support and uplift the children in my community. Whether that’s through my legal work, my volunteer efforts, or simply showing up when it matters most, I know the impact that I can make in helping others,” she said. “Knowing I can play even a small part in helping a child feel safe, heard, and/or valued is what keeps me going.”
Langley is most proud of her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has been involved for nearly a decade and said the impact it has had on her life is immeasurable, as what started as a volunteer opportunity turned into a meaningful relationship.
“Watching my little grow, overcome challenges, and become their own person has been an incredible privilege,” she said. “It’s a reminder that consistently showing up can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. What I didn’t expect was just how much it would change mine, too.”
To Langley, receiving this award felt like a reflection of her mother’s legacy. Growing up, she watched her mom be heavily involved in the community and saw how she touched the lives of many.
She encourages other lawyers to “suit up and show up.”
“Putting real sweat equity back into your community, whether through pro bono work, mentorship, or investing your time, doesn’t just make you a better lawyer, it makes your community stronger,” she said.
Langley will receive her award Sept. 17 in Branson during the Annual Meeting of The Missouri Bar and Missouri Judicial Conference.
Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Bar Foundation, and other entities. Read about other 2025 award winners here.