What Do I Choose?

On the Process of Making Life Choices in Law School

Alex Nelson, 2L

The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre said that human beings are “condemned to be free.” While I suppose there are many meanings one could take from that quote, I like to think of it as describing one of the many wonderful and terrible things about life: the tension between the joy of having lots of free choices to make, and the anxiety that accompanies making those choices.

It is this tension between the joy of choice and the fear of the sheer number of choices and potential missed opportunities that I’ve really grappled with after my first year of law school. At this point in my legal journey, I’ve begun to reach the point where I can make choices about my future, which is both exciting and scary. In your first year of law school, choice is not really something you have to worry about (unless you are a summer starter, but even then, you only get to choose one class). Your whole 1L year curriculum is scripted out for you, and the focus is mostly on adapting to those classes and your new life as a law student. But the ability to make life choices comes into play at the end of your 1L year and the start of your summer. Then you have to ask yourself numerous kinds of questions: What area of law are you interested in? Where do you want to work? Where do you want to live? What internship should I get? What classes should I start taking? A whole new realm opens, full of choices to make, as you exit your first year of law school.

All the choices and opportunities can be both daunting and exciting. On the one hand, you have a chance to experiment, try new things or pursue what you’ve always thought you wanted. On the other, there are numerous worries that can accompany making choices: what if by taking this summer internship, I am closing myself off from other opportunities? What if I don’t like what I am doing or my classes next year? What if I end up in a job I don’t like? With choice comes freedom but also anxiety about those choices.

As a second-year law student, I have already made some choices about my life and legal career, but I will have many more choices to make before law school is over. I can’t say I have found the perfect way to deal with the problems of making decisions, but I can say that I have found lots of help, guidance and support around me – and that makes all the difference in the world. The Career Services Office at KU Law has been extremely helpful and supportive, and I have spent quite a bit of time talking choices over with them. I’ve talked with professors, friends and family about what choices to make, from things as large as “What kind of law do I want to practice?” to things as seemingly banal as “Should I take Administrative Law with Professor Levy next semester?”  What I realized from talking to people around me is that at the end of the day, no matter what choice is made, it will be the right one.

The tension in the freedom of choice and the anxiety of choosing is all part of our condemnation of freedom as law students. We all are fortunate and privileged to be in our positions as law students. But we also should remember that sometimes making choices about our lives and careers can be difficult, and that we can always draw on those around us for support.

– Alex Nelson is a 2L KU Law Student Ambassador from Stillwater, Minnesota

A Lawrencian’s Guide to Kansas City Coffee

Sometimes you need to take a trip away from home for a great cup of joe

KU Law student Israel Nelson
Israel Nelson, 3L

Last year, I wrote about my favorite recommendations for coffee shops in Lawrence – but did you know there are amazing ones in Kansas City? Here are my recommendations for when you need a change of scenery!

Messenger Coffee Co.

You cannot go wrong with this Kansas City staple. Not only is the coffee incredible and the Ibis Bakery treats delectable, but there is a massive amount of seating for when you need to buckle down and get some work done. (map and directions)

Oddly Correct

Come here if you’re a coffee snob and want some TRULY incredible coffee. They also make buttermilk biscuits, and even have a vegan option if you’re not a meat eater! (map and directions)

Thou Mayest

This coffee shop gets points for having two of its locations on my list. The River Quay location is phenomenal – it has a dark and rustic atmosphere with amazing coffee, study space and a cocktail bar for when you’re done studying and want to relax with friends. The Nelson-Atkins location is incredible as it’s located inside of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Who doesn’t want to study in a world-renowned art museum? (And, when you need a study break, you can check out the exhibits!) River Quay: (map and directions) Nelson-Atkins: (map and directions)

HITIDES

Last on my list, but certainly not least, is the Hawaiian-themed coffee shop, HITIDES! With unique coffee options, a hot chocolate bar and pastries sourced from KCMO favorites like Meshuggah Bagels and Mr. D’s donuts – you cannot go wrong with this coffee shop!  (map and directions)

While this isn’t anywhere close to an exhaustive list of coffee shops in Kansas City, these are great places to start. Happy exploring!

– Israel Nelson is a 3L KU Law Student Ambassador from Gastonia, North Carolina

Law scholarship honors memory of former professor Barkley Clark

Giving Story - Professor Barkley Clark Memorial Fund

A new scholarship fund at the University of Kansas School of Law will support future students while honoring the memory of a former professor. The scholarship honors the late Barkley Clark who served as a chaired professor of law from 1969 to 1985.

His wife Barbara established the Professor Barkley Clark Memorial Fund with a financial gift to KU Endowment. The fund will continue his legacy at KU Law by providing a scholarship for a deserving student each year.

“As a tribute to his teaching and how much he loved his students, I thought this would be the most meaningful to Barkley,” said Barbara. “As an endowed fund, it can continue into the future.”

Barkley Clark
Barkley Clark

At age 29, Barkley was recruited to join the faculty at the University of Kansas School of Law by Dean Martin Dickinson in 1969. In addition to teaching, he also served as associate dean under Dickinson. As a dedicated professor and mentor to his students, he was honored with numerous “best teacher” awards over the years.

An interest in public policy and local government led Barkley to run for and be elected as mayor of the City of Lawrence. In fact, he served two terms as mayor and spent 10 years on the Lawrence City Commission. These “hands on” experiences were particularly useful when teaching the law of local government, arguing before the Kansas Supreme Court on local government issues and assisting the Kansas legislature on various aspects of local government law, including governmental immunity.

During his nearly six-decade career, Barkley became a national authority on the Uniform Commercial Code. Two of his best-known law treatises remain standards in their field after more than four decades. Throughout his career, he devoted himself to educating clients, legislators, law students and fellow lawyers in commercial law. The American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers honored Barkley Clark in 2012 with its William Proxmire Lifetime Achievement Award.

Make a gift to the Professor Barkley Clark Memorial Fund.

-By Julie Francisco

Law’s New Voices

Meet the new editors-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review and the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy

With the new school year just around the corner, the Kansas Law Review and Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy are already at work preparing for their new volumes of legal discourse. At the head of these publications are Review’s Editor-In-Chief Karen Campbell and Journal’s Editor-In-Chief Emma Mays.

Third-year law students Campbell and Mays learned about their selections as head of KU Law’s publications in the spring and began preparing for the upcoming year by setting goals, reviewing write-on submissions, contacting new staff editors and selecting and editing the articles for the first issues of the year.

“We actually have almost all our articles for our entire volume, which is really exciting,” said Campbell. “Emma can probably agree with me that it’s difficult to track down authors, but it’s been really meaningful, and I’ve learned a lot through the process.”

Last year, Campbell and Mays served their respective publications as staff editors and are no strangers to the process of teching and spading, which means checking citations for all the articles in the first issue of their volumes.

“It means a lot that KU Law provides us an outlet to add to legal scholarship. It feels really important to me and I’m glad to be a part of it,” said Mays.

Collaboration & Friendly Competition

Goals look a little different this year as building construction on the third through fifth floors – where the publication offices are located – has continued throughout the summer and into the start of the school year.

“We’ve reconfigured the Law Review office to include a study space,” said Campbell. “I’m hoping it can be a collaborative space that people who are not on Review can come in, hang out and chat.”

Both editors hope to bring a similar stability on top of other opportunities for growth as previous editors-in-chief. Sometimes this includes less glamourous goals including proper documentation and a retention policy.

“We have a lot of documented institutionalized knowledge on how the issues get made, but not much in how the transition of the board is supposed to go,” said Mays. “We hope to leave it in much better shape at the end of the year.”

However, being involved in the publications isn’t just pushing papers and making edits. Both editors plan on continuing long celebrated traditions including a bowling tournament that the Review has dominated for three years.

“We recruited strictly on bowling this year,” joked Mays. “There was no writing requirement to get on the Journal. Just bowling.”

Finally, the editors are looking for ways to better support their staff and the other students at KU Law by ensuring students of all backgrounds are aware of their possibilities with Review or Journal and incorporating resume builders for students already involved.

“When you’re a staff editor you only get one credit hour for your work and you do a lot more than one credit hour worth of work,” said Campbell. “It’s important to me to create more opportunities like awards or specializations so that people have a resume builder on top of the credit hour we receive for our involvement.”

Karen Campbell

Editor-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review

Karen Campbell

Campbell is originally from Lawrence, Kansas. She received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Kansas. During her undergrad, Campbell studied abroad several times traveling to Costa Rica, Italy, Great Britain, Vietnam, Morocco and Bolivia. After her graduation, Campbell moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as an aide in the Marshal’s Office of the Supreme Court. After three years, she decided to return to Lawrence and to KU to complete her law degree.

Campbell’s blood has always run crimson and blue, but she’s also had a history with the Kansas Law Review long before she became a 1L.

“My dad went to KU Law and was on the Law Review,” Campbell said. “I was born during the winter of his third year. He used to bring me in my baby carrier up to the Law Review office while he was going to class.”

Since joining the Law Review, Campbell has enjoyed seeing the support and growth of her fellow Review staff.

“I barely knew most of the Law Review when we started last year and now, they’re some of my best friends,” she said. “During election season last year, multiple people wrote recommendation letters for other staff, even if they were running for the same position. It ended up being such an awesome team building support system. Everyone recognized each other’s strengths in a way that we’ve never really talked about before.”

After her graduation in 2025, Campbell plans to join Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, Chtd. in Kansas City, Missouri.

Emma Mays

Editor-in-chief of the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy

Emma Mays

Mays is originally from Hastings, Nebraska, a small-town west of Lincoln. She received her undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Nebraska and decided to follow her public policy interests to Kansas where she started law school.

“I’m excited and super honored to have the opportunity to lead the Journal,” said Mays. “We have a great team, and I was inspired by the work that the board did last year.”

 This isn’t the first time both publications have had two women serving as editors-in-chief, but Mays is excited to see more women in leadership especially as enrollment trends continue to shift in women’s favor.

“Almost all of our board are women,” said Mays. “It wouldn’t matter to me either way, but it feels nice that the publication boards are reflecting the trend of more women going to law school.”

Mays looks forward to celebrating her staff’s successes – as well as the successes of Review and the other students at KU Law – as the work on their volume continues.

“You put so much work and time into your article and it’s so fun to see the Law Review members and my fellow Journal members get excited to have their article published,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, so it’s fun when it pays off.”

Mays plans to join Husch Blackwell as a commercial litigation associate after her graduation in 2025.

– By Emma Herrman

Returning Visiting Scholar: Dr. Bakht Munir

Visiting scholar Dr. Bakht Munir returns to KU Law from Lahore, Pakistan, for the fall 2024 semester through the end of January 2025.

Munir is a faculty member at the University of the Punjab. He teaches courses in Constitutional Law, Legal Constitutional History, Legal Research Methodology, and Islamic Law of Finance at various public and private universities. He previously visited KU Law during the fall 2017 semester and returned to conduct postdoctoral research on “Judicial Autonomy with the Glimpses of Self-Realization of Judicial Restraint: A Critical Analysis in Context of Pakistan.”

Bakht Munir

Why did you choose to return to KU Law?

I chose to return to KU Law because of the unparalleled academic experience I had during my previous time here. Studying under the supervision of Professor Richard E. Levy, who is an authority in constitutional law, provided me with a solid foundation for my Ph.D. research. The supportive and collaborative environment at KU Law, as well as the excellence of the faculty and staff, made my decision to return an easy one. I am confident that being back at KU Law will further enhance my academic and professional growth.

The Wheat Law Library, coupled with the free online databases, is rich with resources relevant to the area of my interest. I can utilize these resources without adapting to a new work environment. Strong support from the local community is also a significant factor in choosing KU Law again.

Professor Levy was very supportive during my last visit as a research exchange scholar, so I have requested him again for the Postdoc Research Project. He has shown willingness for potential collaborative research projects which speaks volumes about his unconditional support. Positive working relationships with him, Dean Stephen Mazza, Professor Raj Bhala, Crystal Mai, and other professors and staff alike have enabled me to work in a conducive environment. Moreover, KU offers specific career development resources for postdocs such as workshops, networking events, and opportunities for teaching and mentoring that would help advance my academic and professional profile.

What are your goals for your time at KU Law? What do you plan to do after your time here?

My primary goal is to deepen my research in constitutional law and build on the work I have already accomplished. After my time at KU, I plan to continue my academic career with aspirations to teach and contribute to legal scholarship at an international level.

I am committed to completing the postdoc research project and availing myself of further research opportunities. I came to KU Law to explore U.S. constitutional governance and establish ties with the legal fraternity. I look forward to a long-term working relationship and wish to bridge the U.S. scholars with the Asian legal regime. I want to focus my research on the comparative legal developments between the U.S. and Pakistan. Collaborative work could help produce quality scholarships which could be interesting for both countries.

Further, I am focusing on integrating law with technology through artificial intelligence for which I have started collaborating with a physicist here in Lawrence and have authored a research paper that is expected to be published soon.

How has our academic and research environment at KU Law changed since your last time here? Have there been any changes compared to your home institution?

The environment at KU Law has evolved positively since my last visit. There have been significant advancements in research support and a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, which align perfectly with my research interests.

Compared to my home institution, KU Law offers a more collaborative atmosphere, which is conducive to innovative legal research. The access to the resources and encouragement of academic exploration is something I greatly appreciate.

What are you excited to return to in Lawrence? Have you discovered anything new in our community?

I am excited about reconnecting with the vibrant academic community and the cultural richness that the city offers. The welcoming nature of the community residents and the diverse experiences available here make it a special place.

I have also discovered new developments in the city as well as on campus, including extended cultural venues and community initiatives that reflect the city’s growth and dynamism. I love the vibrant atmosphere. The town offers a dynamic cultural scene supplemented by events, lectures, workshops, and community activities. Community centers like the Islamic Centre are a perfect place for socialization and networking. I can easily meet and have productive discussions with the local community and have their support and assistance in different matters.

The community system of Lawrence is fascinating. Lawrence offers several outdoor activities such as hiking and driving to nearby lakes and parks. I love the Kansas River and Clinton Lake, which are both good places for boating and fishing. In addition to cultural and artistic scenes, Lawrence offers an affordable living standard compared to other big cities and towns. Being a university town, Lawrence has a highly educated population. Living in a diverse educated society can help broaden my thinking and may open new avenues for my professional pursuits.

What advice would you offer to scholars who want to return to an institution they’ve previously studied at?

My advice would be to approach the opportunity and a willingness to engage with both the familiar and the new. Reconnecting with mentors and peers can provide invaluable insights and opportunities for growth. Additionally, returning with a fresh perspective can allow you to appreciate the advancements and changes within the institution, making your experience richer and more fulfilling.

The University of Kansas is home to a very divergent culture because it has students, faculty, and staff from different communities which makes it easier to develop connections, explore opportunities, and advocate for your values. One should leave an impact when returning to the same institution. I would encourage the scholars who intend to return to mingle with the local community, engage in fruitful discussions with other faculty members, learn new skills, be actively involved in local events, and be positive ambassadors of their own culture without deviating from their academic pursuits.

Fund established honoring alum’s support of the Project for Innocence

The Paul E. Wilson Project for Innocence & Post-Conviction Remedies – previously known as The Defender Project – was founded at KU Law almost 60 years ago. Hundreds of students have participated in the program over the years and have won more than 70 direct appeals since its rebranding in 2008.

The program has received support from many, including Robert Loyd, LLB’62, who passed away in October 2021. Loyd supported the project financially and mentored many students who are still practicing today. To honor Loyd’s contributions, his daughter, Theresa Leaming, has established the Robert W. Loyd Memorial Fund, a new fund for KU Law students.

“My father was a man with a great sense of justice,” said Leaming. “I knew the Project was near and dear to his heart and I wanted to keep his sense of generosity and justice going.”

Raised in Ottawa, Kansas, Loyd originally came to KU to study math, but his career goals changed after he attended a political science course and fell in love with the subject. After his graduation in 1958, he continued his studies at KU Law earning an LLB, a Bachelor of Laws, in 1962.

Loyd began his law career in Commerce Bank’s Trust Department, focusing on trust and probate business law and family law. He remained a dedicated supporter of KU Law and its Project for Innocence.

This fund is designed to support students involved in Project for Innocence and help cover the costs of the clinic to ensure KU Law students have the opportunity to fully litigate their cases.

“I wanted to establish the fund to help the students finish what they start,” said Leaming. “I hope that students will be able to deepen their sense of justice and get hooked on this kind of law.”

Make a gift to the Robert W. Loyd Memorial Award Fund.

– By Emma Herrman