Graduate returns to elder law firm after completing law school

Growing up in Arkansas, Jude Lane didn’t always picture himself as a Jayhawk, but now, after three years at KU Law, he says he’s proud to consider himself a Lawhawk.

Lane came to the University of Kansas School of Law after earning undergraduate degrees in Spanish and English as a Second Language from Evangel University. He chose KU Law for its reputation, affordability and strong ties to the Kansas City legal community.

At KU Law, Lane immersed himself in student organizations and service opportunities. He served as president of the Non-Traditional Law Students Association and vice president of First Generation Professionals. He also volunteered for two years with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and participated in Traffic Court.

Of all his extracurricular experiences, leading the Non-Traditional Law Students Association had the greatest impact.

“I believe this organization provides a necessary space for nontraditional students,” he said. “Getting to lead was a fulfilling challenge, and my experience as a club leader will make me a better lawyer and community leader.”

Lane credits several professors and courses with shaping his legal education, including Professor Sarah Deer’s Feminist Jurisprudence course, Dean Stephen Mazza’s tax classes and Professor Tom Lasly’sElder Law Field Placement.

One of Lane’s favorite law school memories reflects the resilience he developed during his time in Green Hall. After receiving what he claims to be his most disappointing grade during the spring semester of his 1L year, he later earned his most impressive grade from the same professor during the spring of his 2L year. Outside the classroom, he also remembers attending the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival during the summer after his 1L year and seeing Cage the Elephant and Red Hot Chili Peppers perform back-to-back.

Lane says KU Law sharpened his ability to think critically and identify legal issues from multiple angles.

“KU Law does a fantastic job of preparing students for the attorney’s primary client concern — issue spotting,” he said. “I left every semester feeling like my critical thinking had leveled up. No matter which field you choose to practice, effectively identifying a broad range of client issues is key to doing any of the rest of the job well.”

After graduation, Lane will return to Shepherd Elder Law Group, where he previously worked as a paralegal for three years before coming to KU Law. As an attorney, he will advise clients on estate planning, with a particular focus on special-needs planning, Medicaid applications, and government benefits.

His passion for elder law and special needs planning is deeply personal. Before law school, Lane worked in direct care for children and adults with disabilities, an experience that continues to motivate his legal career.

“I truly love what I get to do. I had previously worked in direct care for children and adults with special needs. Now I get to serve that same community, but with training and knowledge to accomplish lasting life improvement for people,” Lane said. “I get to help protect family farms, represent veterans and help plan the future for my young, disabled neighbors. Not sure how it gets much better.”

Looking ahead, Lane is excited by the opportunities a legal career can provide.

 “Lawyers are trained thinkers who integrate their trade into so many facets of life,” he said. “Pair that with the mental strength one earns from surviving a rigorous law program, and we can do anything.”

As he reflects on his time at KU Law, Lane says he’s grateful for the people who helped him along the way.

“I was not a Jayhawk prior to starting law school, but I’m very grateful to be a Lawhawk,” he said. “A thousand thank yous to everyone in Green Hall.”

-By Casey Bacot