Meet #MOLawyers: Quinn P. Benson
Vol. 79, No. 5 / Sept. - Oct. 2023
As a child, Quinn Benson watched his father practice law; now, the two work side-by-side at The Benson Law Firm in Kirksville. In March, Benson, a Leadership Academy alumni, was first elected to the Young Lawyers’ Section Council, representing District 2. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Benson was admitted to the bar in 2020.
You’re currently on YLS council. Why is participating in the section important to you?
YLS is the public service arm of the bar for new and recently admitted Missouri lawyers. I've been thrilled to serve our communities in much needed ways. Not only am I passionate about giving back to the communities that support us and have supported us throughout our lives, but it's been an honor to do so alongside such great and kind-hearted Missouri lawyers.
What are some of the unique aspects of practicing in Kirksville?
Although there are plenty of aspects I love about rural practice, the familiarity with those I work with and for is what is the most special to me. Growing up in Kirksville, everyone knew everyone. Today, I appear in court in front of and beside lawyers whom I grew up aspiring to be like. In that same courtroom, I advocate for some of those same faces that I grew up running into, whether it be former teachers or coaches.
What do you like most about practicing in a small/family firm?
Growing up, I watched my father, Jay Benson, work endlessly to help his clients get justice in their darkest days. As early as middle school, I remember skipping class to watch him argue his case to a jury. His desire to advocate for his clients and their broken hearts ignited a spark in me from an early age. As a result, I knew as a kid that I not only wanted to do what my dad did, but I wanted to do it with him. Today, I feel so fortunate to be right down the hallway fighting the fight I watched from such an early age with the man I watched do it. I would be remiss not mentioning the several others that work so hard to help keep business running, including the third lawyer in our firm, Polly Petree-Hampton, who continues to make me a better lawyer every day, and our incredible staff, Jody, Wanda, and Megan.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time at Arrowhead Stadium, Faurot Field, or on the golf course. Beyond my love for Missouri sports and golf, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my girlfriend, Lucy Leonard, with our two golden retrievers, Riley and Frankie, and with the rest of my family, including my parents and my sister and brother-in-law, Lara and Carter Templeton, who are attorneys in the DC area.
Do you have any resolutions for the new year?
My resolution for 2024 is to be more patient.