KU Law graduate reflects on his transformative trip to Istanbul during law school

When Alex Hagerott, L’25, reflects on his time at the KU Law, one experience stands out above the rest: a trip to Istanbul, Turkey, for American Law Week.

Led by Dean Stephen Mazza and Professor Stephen Ware, the Istanbul program offers students a chance to explore Turkish law and culture in partnership with Bahçeşehir University. For Hagerott, the trip was more than just academic; it was a transformative experience that deepened his appreciation for the global dimensions of legal education and the power of human connection.

“Everyone we came across was so kind and generous, whether affiliated with Bahçeşehir University or not,” he said. “The country is beautiful and incredibly rich in history.”

During the summer 2024 trip, Hagerott was joined by two other KU Law students: second-year student Allen Colombo and Michael Rebein, L’25. The three gave thoughtful presentations on U.S. legal education and demonstrated a KU Law Contracts class, complete with Socratic questioning from Professor Ware.

“In the best spirit of an international exchange, Alex and the other KU Law students cheerfully engaged with everyone they met in the amazing, cosmopolitan city of Istanbul,” Ware said. “They participated in meetings with judges and university leaders and learned from Turkish law students and faculty, not only in the scheduled programs but also over coffee outside by the beautiful waterfront and in evening meals.”

The trip also reinforced what Hagerott had come to value most about KU Law: the strength of its faculty-student relationships. Traveling and learning alongside professors and classmates provided a unique opportunity to build those connections in a meaningful, memorable setting.

“Connecting with faculty has contributed a lot to my appreciation of KU Law, and the Istanbul trip was an amazing opportunity for that,” he said.

Originally from Wichita and a graduate of Wichita State University with a degree in economics, Hagerott chose KU Law for its affordability, proximity to family and welcoming community, qualities that were evident from his first visit during Admitted Students Weekend.

During law school, he actively pursued opportunities to build practical skills through KU’s in-house Mock Trial and Moot Court Competitions and an internship with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court via the Field Placement Program. He also found time to join the Moody Bluebooks, KU Law’s rock band, performing at Pub Night and embracing law school’s lighter side.

“I had a great time performing with the Moody Bluebooks at Pub Night during 2L and 3L years,” he said. “I think deepening connections with faculty is one of the best things a student can do to get the most out of their educational experience. Plus, rock bands are a ton of fun.”

Hagerott credits KU Law’s focus on real-world experience and practitioner engagement with preparing him for the next step in his career: commissioning into the Navy JAG Corps.

“It’s my understanding that the JAG Corps provides a very diverse experience for starting attorneys in that new officers will work in legal aid, military justice, administrative law and more during their initial commitment period,” he said. “I think that working in a variety of capacities will help me establish a flexible skillset while serving our country and making a tangible impact on peoples’ lives.”

Looking ahead, Hagerott is eager to use the skills he’s developed, both in the classroom and across the world, to make a tangible impact.

“I think that as a career, the practice of law will provide an amazing opportunity to continue learning about the world and improving different hard and soft skills,” he said. “That said, I am excited to start putting the skills I have been working on to use!”

-By Casey Bacot