When Andy Kasnetz’s son Zack Kasnetz, ’16, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, in 2023, he and his family knew they wanted to use the tragedy to support a place that served as a launching point for their son: his alma mater Mizzou Law.
“This became a really important starting point for him as an adult, both personally and professionally,” Andy said. “So, in that regard, it has a really special place in our lives.”
Zack Kasnetz’s journey to law school wasn’t always linear, Andy explained. After growing up in St. Louis and attending school at the University of Maryland, he returned to St. Louis for a couple of years before starting law school. Zack knew he wanted to go to law school but needed some time to prepare himself.
Though Andy said Zack likely took some inspiration from his own legal career, his son eventually found his own place in the field.
“Zack faced his share of challenges, and law school was the beginning of a decade of growth, success, and happiness” he said. “(Mizzou Law) was a big step out into the world and making that happen.”
While a student in Hulston Hall, Zack served as a teaching assistant for Professor Ben Trachtenberg’s evidence class and was a member of the Missouri Law Review, including publishing a piece in the journal.
“Even compared to other highly-engaged students, Zack exhibited genuine excitement about—and knowledge of—the law that made him a true pleasure to have in class,” Trachtenberg said. “In addition to reading the assigned material, Zack conducted independent research to deepen his understanding. When I needed a student to discuss a particularly difficult concept, I knew I could call on Zack with confidence.”
After graduating with his law degree, Zack Kasnetz moved back to St. Louis, where he worked at notable firms including Growe Eisen, Tucker Ellis and Litchfield Cavo. He specialized in complex litigation.
Zack and his brother Alex began their legal careers just one year apart, which brought the lawyers of the family even closer together.“We were always close, but it certainly gave us an additional area of common interest to talk about,” Andy said.
Andy has for the last four years served as an adjunct professor at Mizzou Law, teaching courses in Arbitration and Pretrial Litigation. In his first year of teaching, Zack was one of his guest speakers.
Following Zack’s passing, the Kasnetz family set up a scholarship to honor his memory by supporting the education of law students with financial need for those who have had to overcome adversity. The family donated a significant portion of the scholarship themselves and assisted in fundraising the rest.
“It’s loyalty to the university, a place that was important to him,” Andy said. “It’s to give to somebody … everybody has their own path, but not to the smoothest sailor.”
Two full tuition scholarships have already been awarded with more planned for the future.
Original source can be found here.