Marquis Who's Who Honors Kenda Tomes McClain for Expertise in the Field of Law
Press Release April 8, 2026
Kenda Tomes McClain recognized as a senior partner in structured finance
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KANSAS CITY, MO, April 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kenda Tomes McClain has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mrs. Tomes McClain has established herself as a leading authority in corporate finance and structured finance transactions, earning recognition for her expertise and innovative approach to complex legal matters. As a senior partner leading the structured finance practice since 2008, she has played a pivotal role in advising clients, structuring deals, reviewing offering materials and definitive agreements, supervising teams, and escalating significant issues for resolution.

In her current role, Mrs. Tomes McClain is responsible for collaborating with colleagues to determine optimal approaches to addressing challenges, advising clients on transaction structure, developments and risks, and negotiating with counterparties to balance demands against client risk tolerance. She is also known for finding alternative solutions that protect her clients' interests while facilitating successful outcomes.

Mrs. Tomes McClain's tenure is marked by her leadership as attorney, partner and chair of the structured finance practice group. Mrs. Tomes McClain's practice involves complex tax and securities law questions and disclosure. She has guided clients through multi-billion-dollar transactions and represented clients across diverse industries. She was at the forefront of negotiating the oversight structure and adjustments needed to address investor concerns in connection with new issuance asset backed securitization deals following the Great Recession. Mrs. Tomes McClain has continued to develop and grow the firm's involvement in this industry not only in the new issuance world (expanding past CMBS to SFR and Whole Business asset backed deals), but also on the creditor's right side representing special servicers in loan workouts, liquidations and foreclosures. Among her most notable achievements is her dedication to mentoring young attorneys, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the continued excellence of the legal profession.

Prior to moving to Kansas City, Missouri, Mrs. Tomes McClain served as an associate at Dentons from 1993 to 1996. In this capacity, she honed her skills in corporate finance, laying the groundwork for her future leadership roles. Her early career began as a law clerk for Judge James at the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago from 1992 to 1993, where she gained invaluable experience navigating complex bankruptcy proceedings.

Beyond her firm, Mrs. Tomes McClain's professional influence includes active participation in industry organizations. In 2018 she spoke at the American College of Real Estate Lawyers annual meeting regarding CMBS new issuance transactions and in 2019 was invited to join the College. She served as secretary of the Capital Markets team in 2021, Vice President of Capital Markets in 2022, and on the program committee in 2023. Mrs. Tomes McClain has been an active member of the CRE Finance and served as the co-chair of the Special Servicer Transfer Task Force in 2014 and as the chair of the Rating Agency Task Force in 2013. Additionally, she is a member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and served as a contributor at the Distressed Debt Summit in 2012. Notably, Mrs. Tomes was named in 2019 by Ingram's Business Magazine as one of the Most Influential and Accomplished Women Lawyers in the Greater Kanas City Area.

Mrs. Tomes McClain's academic foundation includes a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago, Illinois, and a bachelor's degree in general studies with a focus in accounting from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition to her education, Mrs. Tomes McClain credits her success to hard work and genuine care for others, qualities that have shaped her approach to both client service and team leadership. She is known for treating every concern with seriousness and empathy, reflecting a deep commitment to respect and integrity.

A pragmatic problem solver, Mrs. Tomes McClain is known for approaching complex legal and operational challenges with determination and strategic focus. She consistently identifies effective solutions and, when needed, draws on the strengths of others to achieve optimal outcomes. Her leadership reflects a commitment to persistence, collaboration and resourcefulness.

Mrs. Tomes McClain's dedication to justice is evident through years of pro bono service, during which time she has assisted individuals and families facing complex legal challenges. She is currently helping a longtime immigrant seek a pardon, recognizing his transformation and contributions to the community. Regularly handling expungement matters, she provides second chances by helping people rehabilitate their records, a reflection of her belief in justice, redemption and the transformative power of law.

Born in Alma, Mrs. Tomes McClain values faith, family and community above all else. She treasures fellowship within her church, finds joy in caring for her parents and grandchildren and cherishes time spent with loved ones. Active civic involvement is central to her life; she spends considerable time listening to residents' concerns as part of her mayoral campaign in Kansas City, a campaign rooted not in tradition but in a commitment to lead with empathy, courage and accountability.

In addition, Mrs. Tomes McClain enjoys volunteering with local church initiatives, swimming, biking and caring for her pets. Her resilience and compassion are evident both at home and within the broader community as she balances family responsibilities with public service aspirations, embodying strength as a leader devoted to making a meaningful difference in every sphere of life.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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