Kaden Stenger

By Matthew Akers

Kaden Stenger initially dreamt of leaving West Virginia but found that his deep, generational roots in the Mountain State would eventually lead him back home.

Born and raised in Martinsburg, WV, Stenger graduated from Martinsburg High School, where he was a two-time football state champion. As he went on to college, leaving West Virginia to see new things became a reality.

Soon after graduating with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts in economics and a minor in legal studies and history from the University of Pennsylvania, Stenger returned to Martinsburg High School to teach trigonometry and coach the Bulldog football team. He credits this return to Martinsburg for what eventually led him not only to remain in West Virginia but to attend law school.

“I would not trade that year for anything because it firmly established my passions for service and building my community as crucial parts of my life rather than mere aspirations,” he says. “This led me to law school because I believed I could leave a broader impact as an attorney in my pursuit of those passions.”

At West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law, Stenger found many unique advantages. He credits his peers and professors at the college for the positive competition. With their help, Stenger realized there can be fun in building others up during mutual struggles to improve.

During his time at WVU College of Law, Stenger collected multiple honors and awards. He was a recipient of the Order of the Barristers and a Lugar Cup winner, where he argued in front of Senior U.S. District Judge Irene Keeley. He was also a senior editor with West Virginia Law Review and student fellow with the Law and Development Institute, and he received an award for community service.

Stenger held three leadership positions during his time at WVU College of Law. He was vice president of the Lugar Trial Association, law school representative for the West Virginia State Bar Young Lawyer Board and a college of law senator to the WVU Student Government Association.

Along with his multiple leadership roles, Stenger is a lifelong member of Scouting America. Staying involved during law school by serving as an associate section adviser in the Order of the Arrow and a national event adviser kept him grounded and reminded him of the important things in life. He was also a chapter adviser in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Stenger credits countless mentors for his success in law school, as well as his faith. “Above all, the best lesson I learned from every one of my mentors is to put my faith in Jesus Christ, because in all hard things He is strengthening me,” he says.

Having graduated from WVU College of Law this spring, Stenger already has big plans. In August, he will begin his legal career with a federal clerkship for the U.S. Northern District of West Virginia in Martinsburg.

Stenger feels amply prepared for this exciting role, having worked during the summers of 2024 and 2025 as well as his last semester of law school at the law offices of Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC.

Stenger has no plans of leaving West Virginia any time soon.

“Without the people of West Virginia that chose to pour into me and gave me endless opportunities to succeed, I would not be where I am today,” he says. “There is no doubt in my mind that this state and its people have put me in a better position than I could have ever dreamed of. I pray that over my lifetime I can return the favor.”

Between his multiple obligations to his profession and volunteer pursuits, Stenger also enjoys spending time with his wife, Makenzie, cheering on WVU sports; and continuing his search for the great American dive bar. He also aspires to hike the entire Appalachian Trail.

“There is an amazing world out there,” he says. “None of it beats being a Mountaineer.