Emma Herold

Emma joined Sharp Law as an associate in September 2025, following her time at the firm as a Summer Associate in 2024. Her practice involves all aspects of the firm’s class action and complex litigation matters, from the initial research of potential actions through mediation and trial preparation. She is particularly drawn to researching novel legal theories in light of emerging legal trends and framing arguments in ways that can achieve the most favorable outcome.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Emma moved to Kansas City to complete her undergraduate degree at Rockhurst University. In May 2021, she graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology, a minor in English, and a certificate in Paralegal Studies. During her time at Rockhurst, Emma was immersed into the Kansas City legal community through internships and her involvement as a student volunteer with the Midwest Innocence Project.

These relationships and experiences influenced Emma’s decision to stay in Kansas City for law school. She earned her J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2025. While at UMKC Law, Emma was a member of UMKC Law Review and served as a research assistant to former Kansas Court of Appeals Judge Steve Leben. As Judge Leben’s research assistant, Emma assisted him with the publication of Partisan Judges, 77 Ark. L. Rev. (2024), which argues the importance of intellectual humility in the judiciary.