William Vance

Will grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri, where he attended school for most of his childhood. From an early age, he displayed a strong sense of right and wrong and a passion for debate—much to the amusement (and occasional frustration) of his family. At sixteen, his grandfather gave him the advice that would shape his future: “Find something you love and find a way to make a living at it.” Motivated by his love of argument and advocacy, Will turned his attention to the law.

He moved to Springfield, Missouri, to attend Missouri State University, where he pursued a degree in Criminology. During his studies, he researched and drafted policy proposals on topics ranging from the treatment of pre-trial detainees to systemic injustices in the criminal justice system. These experiences highlighted significant gaps in the legal system and strengthened his resolve to pursue a career in law. In his senior year, Will secured an internship at a local prosecutor’s office, where he discovered that many individuals facing charges were fundamentally good people who had made a one-time mistake and deserved a second chance. He graduated magna cum laude from Missouri State and spent the following year working 60+ hour weeks in the service industry to save for law school.

In 2022, Will enrolled at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law, where he became a member of the UMKC Law Review and joined the Post-Conviction Remedies Clinic. There, he conducted field investigations, drafted legal briefs, and submitted petitions to appellate courts at both the state and federal levels, contributing to efforts to secure the release of wrongfully convicted individuals, including cases considered for the United States Supreme Court.

Will began working with Benjamin Law Firm in 2023 as a clerk, gaining hands-on experience and earning his Rule 13 “student” certification while still in law school. He graduated with his J.D. in 2025 and is committed to using his skills to achieve the best legal outcomes for his clients, helping them earn well-deserved second, third, or even fourth chances in life.

Will currently lives in Kansas City with his Labrador-Heeler mix, Dude. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, reading fantasy, cheering on the Chiefs, and homebrewing mead and wine.