Kendra Stevens – EverCommerce

Kendra Stevens joined EverCommerce, assuming a crucial role in building the company’s legal framework during a period of significant growth and transformation. EverCommerce is a leading service commerce platform that provides vertically tailored, integrated software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions that help more than 690,000 global service-based businesses in the Home, Health and Wellness industries accelerate growth, streamline operations, and increase retention.

Kendra Stevens | EverCommerce | Associate General Counsel

The company’s growth strategy was heavily acquisition-driven, requiring seamless integration of new businesses and meticulous legal oversight. As Associate General Counsel, Stevens has played a key role in shaping the company’s operational and legal strategies, helping EverCommerce navigate its complex and evolving landscape.

“Joining EverCommerce in its early stages allowed me to help build the legal foundation that supports our rapid growth. I aim to ensure that every legal decision drive efficiency and aligns with our broader vision of empowering businesses across diverse industries,” Stevens says.

Balancing legal and operational goals

Since her arrival, Stevens has supported the critical post-acquisition phase. She describes the integration process as where the real work begins, emphasizing the importance of aligning acquired businesses with EverCommerce’s broader objectives. Her pragmatic approach focuses on building strong relationships, understanding stakeholders’ perspectives, and fostering trust to ensure smooth transitions.

Stevens has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to streamline the legal department’s operations. She has implemented workflow management systems and actively explores AI tools for contract analysis and system integration. These innovations have reduced administrative burdens, enhanced the team’s efficiency, and allowed a stronger focus on high-value projects. Stevens views these advancements as essential to supporting EverCommerce’s rapid scaling and maintaining its competitive edge.

“The real work starts after an acquisition. It’s about making sure everything aligns with our bigger goals. We focus on building strong relationships and using technology to make our processes more efficient as we grow,” Stevens says.

Building a cohesive legal team

During Stevens’ tenure, the legal team expanded to six members, including four attorneys and two members of the legal operations team. She prioritized building a cohesive team that navigates EverCommerce’s diverse portfolio. The team handles various responsibilities, from negotiating complex customer and vendor agreements to ensuring compliance with regulatory and privacy policies across multiple jurisdictions.

Stevens takes a thoughtful approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of recruitment and retention in building a high-performing team. She advocates for patience in the hiring process and values the alignment of skills, experience, and team dynamics over expediency. Her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment has been key to the legal team’s success.

Stevens’ leadership style is marked by flexibility and adaptability. In the unpredictable world of in-house counsel work, she has embraced the challenges of navigating new regulatory landscapes, resolving disputes, and addressing unexpected developments. Stevens finds satisfaction in the tangible impact of her work, from implementing processes that drive efficiency to providing strategic guidance that supports EverCommerce’s growth.

As EverCommerce continues to scale and evolve, Stevens remains a driving force behind its operational and legal excellence. Her ability to integrate cutting-edge technology, foster collaboration, and manage complex projects ensures that the legal team remains a strategic partner in the company’s success. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and leadership, Stevens exemplifies the vital role of legal counsel in a fast-paced business environment.

A unique journey to in-house success

Stevens’ journey reflects a family legacy and her commitment to forging her own path. Inspired by her great-grandfather and grandfather, both lawyers and alumni of the University of Denver, Stevens grew up respecting the legal profession. Law skipped a generation, and pursuing it took a modern twist.

Originally dreaming of a career as a ballerina, Stevens transitioned to sales before finding her calling in law. While working full-time at CT Corporation, she attended the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law as an evening division student. This dual experience allowed her to blend academia with real-world insights, solidifying her decision to pursue an in-house legal career instead of the traditional law firm route. Starting in-house immediately after law school, Stevens embraced the opportunity to innovate, defying conventional expectations of what a lawyer should be.

Since joining EverCommerce in 2019, Stevens has demonstrated her ability to navigate complex legal challenges while mentoring law students to consider nontraditional paths. She credits her diverse background with shaping her innovative approach to leadership in the legal field.

Outside of work, Stevens enjoys watching winter sports with her husband in Denver. They are avid fans of the Denver Broncos and the University of Denver Pioneers men’s hockey team. Alongside their Malamute, the family fully embraces the Colorado winters, their favorite time of year.

“My journey has been shaped by my family’s legacy and my own unique experiences. Embracing nontraditional paths has allowed me to approach challenges with fresh perspectives, and I’m proud to help others see that there’s no one right way to build a career in law,” Stevens says.