Jerome Kennedy was born and raised in Carbonear and graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1981 with a bachelor of arts (honours). He attended the University of New Brunswick Law School and graduated in 1984 with an LLB and was admitted to the Newfoundland Bar in 1985. He began practising criminal law full time in 1989.

During his career Mr. Kennedy practised at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Prior to his election and subsequent appointment as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Kennedy practised with the criminal law firm Simmonds Kennedy in St John's.

On October 31, 2008, Mr. Kennedy was appointed Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Secretariat and Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

On October 7, 2009, he was appointed Minister of Health and Community Services.

He currently lives in St. John’s with his wife and their two children.