Our Team: Louise Leduc Kennedy
Overview
Louise Leduc Kennedy is not your average business law attorney — she’s a tech-savvy legal strategist with a passion for innovation and a knack for making complex legal issues refreshingly approachable. As the founder of West Hill Technology Counsel, Louise partners with technology companies to tackle everything from software commercialization and cloud computing to artificial intelligence (AI), data privacy and security, and online business transactions.
With over two decades of experience, Louise has guided clients ranging from early-stage startups to Fortune 100 enterprises through mergers and acquisitions, open-source software strategies, and the legal challenges of developing and deploying cutting-edge technologies. Her practice is particularly focused on helping companies navigate the evolving legal and ethical landscape of AI — addressing issues such as data governance, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Louise founded West Hill to deliver high-caliber legal counsel tailored to the fast-paced, innovation-driven needs of tech companies. Her approach combines rigorous legal insight with a deep understanding of the technology ecosystem, making her a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and executives shaping the future of digital business.
Under her leadership, West Hill redefines what a modern law firm can be — integrating work, family, and community into its definition of success, while offering flexible, forward-thinking legal services that align with the values and velocity of today’s tech leaders.
Past Experience
Before launching West Hill, Louise spent 9 years as in-house counsel at IBM Corporation. During this time she supported the Global Sales and Distribution Group, IBM Business Consulting Services as well as the Lotus brand within IBM Software Group. Her responsibilities included the structure and negotiation of complex e-marketplace offerings as well as supply-chain management and e-procurement software alliances.
At Lotus, Louise served as brand counsel for Lotus Notes, including Lotus Live Engage, IBM’s debut Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enterprise collaboration offering. She provided general legal guidance and support for all aspects of product development, licensing, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and strategic relationships including complex deals with AOL, Yahoo! and Google.
Education
Louise earned her B.A. in Economics from Smith College and her J.D., with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she was an associate editor of the Connecticut Law Review.
Admissions
Ms. Kennedy is admitted to practice in the courts of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.
Recognition and Awards
Louise Kennedy is a recognized leader in the legal and business communities, especially as an advocate for women in business and technology. Her professional achievements and commitment to innovation have earned both personal and firm-wide recognition:
- 2024 WBE Star – Honored by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) for exemplary business leadership and business excellence
- Top Women of Law (2022) –Named by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for outstanding contributions to the legal profession
- Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program – Selected to participate in the prestigious National Cohort 5, focused on accelerating growth for high-potential entrepreneurs.
- Board of Directors, Enterprise Center Foundation – Actively contributing to the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurship in the region.
West Hill Technology Counsel has also received significant recognition for its impact and leadership:
- Empowering Women Awards list (2023) – Recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for fostering the advancement of women in the legal profession.
- Best Women Led Law Firms (2025 and 2026) – Honored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for leadership and innovation in a competitive legal landscape
- Best Lawyers Best Law Firms® rankings – Since 2022, West Hill has been named to the metropolitan ranking list in Boston Tier 2 – Litigation and Intellectual Property
- US News – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms
These honors reflect Louise’s commitment to delivering high-impact legal counsel to technology-driven businesses, while also advancing equity and leadership in the legal industry.
Professional and Community Involvement
Since 2021, Louise has been on the Board of Directors of the Enterprise Center Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that supports the initiatives of the Enterprise Center at Salem State University, a key entrepreneurial hub on the North Shore of Boston.
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Email Address: lkennedy@westhill.law
Direct Dial: 978.274.7037
