Recent Graduate Spotlight – Nate Crosser

Making connections, seizing opportunities and staying true to his values

Recent KU Law graduate Nate Crosser, L’19, has a passion for supporting the underdog—whether that be a fresh entrepreneur or a farmed animal. As principal on the investment team at Swiss venture capital firm Blue Horizon, Nate found a way to pursue his callings simultaneously.

Nate Crosser
Nate Crosser L’19

“After law school, I was working with biotechnology startups at the KU Innovation Park but also wanted to work in animal welfare and existential risk mitigation,” Crosser said. “All those things came together for me in the field of alternative proteins.”

Alternative proteins are plant-based, cell-based, and fermentation-enabled meat, eggs, and dairy created as a satisfying, socially responsible substitute for animal agriculture.

Using his professional strengths and personal passions as a guide, Crosser accepted a job at the Good Food Institute, a sustainable food systems nongovernmental organization (NGO). He saw success in his first role in the new industry.

“I built up the knowledge base, reputation and network that got me the role at Blue Horizon,” Crosser said.

In his role at Blue Horizon, Crosser contributes to several areas of the operation.

“I work on sourcing, evaluating and negotiating venture capital investment opportunities primarily at the seed stage and primarily in animal-free agrifoodtech startups,” Crosser said. “I also support Blue Horizon’s corporate development through public speaking, creating partnerships and uncovering unique investment opportunities.”

Crosser is grateful to work in an industry that supports his passion for animal welfare and plant-based diet. He has also been inspired by the drive and entrepreneurial spirit of his clients.

“I really enjoy boosting entrepreneurs and helping get their dreams off the ground,” Crosser said.

Crosser had no idea this was where his career would take him when he entered the inaugural LEAD Program class as an 18-year-old college student. Still, his experiences at KU Law helped define his career focus and set him up for an entrepreneurial role.

“My Business and Commercial Law Certificate helped me speak and read more intelligently in the finance world,” Crosser said. “And clerking at Dentons—which I got through OCIs—doing transactional corporate work deepened my interest in doing deals.”

Crosser understood the value of growing his network and constantly making connections during his time and KU Law.

“Networking through the KU Business & Tax Law Club got me an internship at the Kauffman Foundation, a startup ecosystem-building NGO,” Crosser said.

He earned another internship through Professor Lumen Mulligan.

“My relationship with Professor Mulligan, cultivated through the LEAD program, probably got me a role with the UVF Crossroads,” Crosser said.

Professor Mulligan introduced Crosser to his former partner, Jeff Stowell, L’01, who runs the venture capital training program at UVF Crossroads.

As a recent graduate, Crosser searched for work that aligned with his skills and values, and he recommends current law students and other recent graduates do the same.

“Don’t optimize for salary or prestige–optimize for interest, fit, impact and balance,” Crosser said. “I think if you keep working hard those other things will come, and if they don’t, maybe it won’t matter so much.”

— By Sydney Halas

This post is the fifth in a series highlighting recent KU Law graduates. Check out other stories about Diana Jarek, Sowensky Lumene, Claudia Chavarria and Emma Easom.

Recent Graduate Spotlight – Emma Easom

Reading, thinking, and taking time to appreciate the weight of judicial decision

Recent KU Law graduate Emma Easom recognizes the impact those working for the judiciary possess and does not take the responsibility lightly. Easom, L’21, is clerking for Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

As a clerk, Easom spends a great deal of her time reading briefs and reviewing records—anything to deepen her understanding of a case. Before oral arguments, Chief Justice Vigil, Easom, and her co-clerk discuss the cases and the legal questions before the Court. After oral arguments, the chambers begin the opinion writing process.

“I feel really fortunate to see the crafting of a judicial opinion from the submission of the briefs to the publication of the opinion,” Easom said.

The justices, paralegals, staff attorneys, and clerks devote a lot of time to each opinion. Easom said, “It’s a really collaborative and supportive environment.”

Emma Easom
Emma Easom, L’21

KU Law prepared Easom well for her work. Her time with the KU Law Review and in Advanced Legal Research, taught by Professor Chris Steadham, prepared her for reviewing opinions, researching case law, and checking legal citations. Easom said, “I think there’s a theme that stayed with me through law school: take your time and always pay attention to detail. It will always be worth it.”

During her 1L summer field placement with the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defenders, Easom represented clients in metropolitan court. Now, Easom is grateful for the opportunity to see the advocacy process from the other side of the bench. Along with a certificate in advocacy skills, Easom received the James P. Mize Trial Advocacy Award at graduation, given to a student who shows outstanding promise as a trial advocate.

Easom’s advocacy skills were honed by KU’s Mock Trial Program, coached by Professor Alice Craig and Professor Meredith Schnug, and are transferrable to her work as a clerk. Easom said considering both sides of the case is vital to the appellate process.

“My work lends itself to full immersion in the legal issues and consideration of the consequences of the Court’s decision.”  

While writing, Easom reminds herself of the importance of going back to the basics.

“Every single word you use matters,” Easom said. “It’s really important to remember that these cases directly affect someone’s life. The language in the opinions should be accessible to everyone whether it’s a student, a reporter, or a law professor.”

Easom developed an appreciation for the importance of thinking beyond oneself while working with the Paul E. Wilson Project for Innocence & Post-Conviction Remedies at KU Law. To her, the Project was an important symbol of hope for clients with limited access to the legal system. Easom recommends the Project not only for the real-world experience but also for the chance to work with outstanding professors and a tight-knit group of students.

“Professor Cateforis, Professor Craig, and Professor Phillips were there to support me in and out of the classroom. They were genuinely interested in my growth as a woman in law and the start of my career,” Easom said. “I really loved the Project.”

Law school was not the first choice for Easom. As the daughter of two pharmacists, Easom often heard medical jargon amidst her parents’ conversations at dinner. Easom knew she wanted to solve problems like her parents and positively shape her community, but didn’t know how to incorporate her love of philosophy, reading and writing.

Her high school guidance counselor suggested Easom consider law school.

“When he suggested it, it was as if someone had opened a new world to me and gave me permission to explore my desire to effect change,” Easom said.

KU Law’s LEAD Program reaffirmed Easom’s desire to enter the legal field. With guidance from the program’s mentors—including Professor Lumen Mulligan—the KU Honors Program, and the added buzz of the Jayhawk spirit, the then high school senior was convinced KU was the right choice. She earned two undergraduate degrees, one in Spanish and another in philosophy, from KU in three years.

“You can feel the spirit of the school,” Easom said. “There’s a lot of excitement about being a Jayhawk. A lot of pride. It’s always great to hear a ‘Rock Chalk,’ especially here in New Mexico.”

Easom encourages current and future Jayhawk lawyers to be curious and get involved. Easom was the president of Women in Law, vice president of the Public Interest Law Society, a judge for KU Law Traffic Court, and an extern with the Kansas Court of Appeals. 

“Take classes that seem like something you may be interested in even if you think you’ll never practice in that field,” Easom said, “and seek out conversations with your professors. They are eager to talk with students, give you opportunities, and connect you with your passions. Your learning doesn’t stop at the end of law school—it’s just the beginning.”

–By Sydney Halas

This post is the fourth in a series highlighting recent KU Law graduates. Check out other stories about Diana Jarek, Sowensky Lumene and Claudia Chavarria.

What I learned my first semester of law school

As the spring semester is about to begin, I find myself reflecting on my first semester of law school. Grades and class ranks have been posted. I have a pretty good sense of what worked for me last semester, as well as what I need to do to improve next semester. I know many 1L law students are in a similar situation. Here are four things I learned my first semester of law school:

Rachel Henderson
Rachel Henderson, 1L Student Ambassador
  • Everyone is getting better

Doing well in law school is a skill that students develop throughout their 1L year.  Learning to read and brief cases, outlining entire courses, and preparing canned answers are some of the challenges facing 1L students. Throughout the semester, our case briefs become more concise, our outlines more useful, and we realize that canned answers are actually worth preparing. Everyone in our class is developing and improving these skills throughout the year. If you are not focused on improving your skills, the quality of work that may have helped you do well on the midterm may not be enough to do well on the final. It pays to constantly analyze your work and look for ways to improve.

  • The right study group is key

The right study group helps you deepen your understanding of the material and improve your grades. Study groups hold you accountable—no one wants to show up to a study group unprepared. Study groups show you your blind spots. You may think you understand something, but your study group helps you realize you have got something wrong. In a good study group, everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. I am lucky to have found a great study group. However, if you have not found the right group yet, it is OK to keep looking!

  • Find the outlining method that works for you

There are several approaches to outlining. It is important to find the method that works for you. Outlining is not just about producing a document that can aid you on an exam. The best outlining methods will deepen your understanding of the material as you create the outline. This past semester, I experimented with a few different styles of outlining. I found that I prefer an outlining style that is organized around issue-spotting questions and lays out the steps for analysis. It takes more time to create but has been the most helpful to me on exams.

  • A routine makes it easier to manage your time

Law school can feel all-consuming. I personally found it very difficult to balance law school with the rest of my responsibilities. I remember having a conversation with a peer where we both confessed we were way behind on laundry. At the time, I was glad to know I was not the only one struggling. Next semester, I want to do a better job making time for non-law school activities and responsibilities. I know having a routine is key to school-life balance. Toward the end of the fall semester, I fell into a routine of being at the law school from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, attending class and studying. This allowed me to take Saturdays off to focus on relaxing and spending time with my friends. (During midterms and finals, I spent Saturdays studying as well.) This routine helped me stay dedicated and focused on my schoolwork without feeling burnt out.

Next semester, I want to create routines for my non-law school activities and responsibilities. For example, I want to spend 30 minutes cleaning when I get home from school every day. I want to do grocery shopping and meal prep on Sundays. Hopefully, building routines will help me achieve school-life balance.

— By Rachel Henderson, a 1L from Wichita and a KU Law Student Ambassador

Recent Graduate Spotlight: Claudia Chavarria gives hope to young immigrants

Immigration has been a pressing issue dating back to childhood for recent graduate Claudia Chavarria, L’21. Becoming an advocate for her community, Chavarria is a staff attorney with the Released Children Unit at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES).

Chavarria primarily works on special immigrant juvenile status visas, adjustment of status cases and asylum cases. In her day-to-day tasks, she prepares applications for special immigrant juvenile cases and adjustment of status cases. A large portion of Chavarria’s time is spent communicating with clients, collaborating on items such as affidavits for asylum cases. 

Claudia Chavarria
Claudia Chavarria, L’21

“It’s important to communicate with them to collect the correct information for their applications,” Chavarria said. “It’s also a matter of continuously reviewing cases to see the best form of relief that’s available to them and constantly communicating and updating them about their cases.”

Chavarria’s upbringing in El Paso, Texas initially piqued her interest in immigration.

“Being from a border city, I would see my friends affected by the immigration changes and that is what ultimately grew my curiosity in my current area of work,” Chavarria said.

Before she arrived at KU Law, Chavarria volunteered at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children of El Paso, and the experience solidified her decision to attend law school and focus on immigration law.

“I loved seeing how I could actually change somebody’s life because that’s always something I wanted to do,” Chavarria said. “Many people think the main way you can help somebody is being a nurse or a doctor, but I just didn’t want to be close to blood or anything like that.”

Even though Chavarria’s work is not about physically saving lives, her work grants many immigrants an entirely new life in America.

“It’s incredible seeing someone gain status in the country and what they can do for themselves or their family and any future generations,” Chavarria said. “It really impacts me, and it’s why I enjoy doing this work.”

Chavarria dreamed of being a lawyer as a young girl, even if she was unsure of all the career entailed. When she started looking into law school, the decision to attend KU was an easy one.

“It was a gut feeling that KU was the right place for me,” Chavarria said. “It came back to the attention I was receiving from administration.”

Chavarria had no questions left unanswered and was even able to meet with current KU students from her hometown.

“It was just the sense of community I was receiving even before I accepted my offer to attend KU Law,” Chavarria said. “That support continued after I accepted, and I still wasn’t even in Kansas yet.”

At KU Law, courses in immigration law and asylum played an important role in preparing Chavarria for her current position.

“Asylum and Refugee really helped me because we got to go through real-life cases and analyze how the courts have been making decisions,” Chavarria said.

She was impressed and grateful for Professor David Gottlieb’s dedication to the subject matter.

“Even after the class had ended, our professor was sending us updates about this big case going on,” Chavarria said. “It was really helpful since the updates were about the area I was trying to specialize in.”

Chavarria collected more knowledge and experience during law school as a clerk at Treviño Law Office L.L.C.

Throughout law school and in her current position, Chavarria has always valued her mental health.

“I have great supervisors who prioritize my mental health above all,” Chavarria said. “They advocate for their employees and having that support system around us when things get frustrating … that’s really amazing.”

Chavarria recommends KU Law students put a special emphasis on their mental health and refrain from comparing personal progress to peers’ progress.

“You don’t have to burn yourself out or feel guilty when you’re not working 24/7,” Chavarria said. “Remember no one knows everything. It’s okay if you feel like you’re lost at times. Just find yourself again, be patient and always ask questions.”

— By Sydney Halas

This post is the third in a series highlighting recent KU Law graduates. Check out the first couple of stories about Diana Jarek and Sowensky Lumene.

First-generation team takes on textbooks

A massive portion of time in law school is spent reading, and the material does not come cheap.

The cost of textbooks can overwhelm any law student, but the high prices can be especially challenging for first-generation professional (FGP) students. First-Generation Professionals – a student organization at KU Law that is designed to connect FGP students – is headed by a duo that wanted to do more to support their community.

Having struggled to purchase textbooks themselves, FGP President Leah Hodges and FGP Vice President Joanna Alvarez decided to pave a smoother path for future KU Law FGP students. Together, they created the FGP Library.

FGP students fall into two categories – either the student’s parents did not go to law school but received a non-professional degree, or the student’s parents did not earn any type of college degree.

“I grew up in a low-income household, and I know what it’s like to struggle to afford the requirements of higher education,” said Hodges, a third-year student at KU Law.

FGP leadership team labels donated textbooks

FGP students often face cumbersome financial decisions in law school, and some students even cut back on basic necessities to continue their education.

“The average law school textbook can cost anywhere from $150-400, and law students usually take four to six classes a semester,” FGP Secretary Erin Nisly said. “Choosing to buy books over buying food or paying rent are choices FGP students can be faced with.”

Now, the first-generation community at KU Law has a new resource to help manage financial stresses.

The FGP Library offers casebooks, study aids and office supplies. Its success relies on donations from generous upper-level students and KU Law alumni. Students interested in donating to the FGP Library should contact Hodges (lhodges7@ku.edu) or Assistant Dean Leah Terranova, advisor for the First-Generation Professionals.

“The creation of this free library by our FGP student organization leadership is a wonderful example of the work these students do to support their peers’ academic and personal success,” Terranova said.

The library, located in suite 212, is right outside Terranova’s office. Each book has an FGP sticker, and students can sign them out on a Google document for the entire semester. FGP students interested in using the library should contact Hodges (lhodges7@ku.edu) to access the Google document.

The FGP leadership team is proud of the library and wants FGP students to feel comfortable using it.

“My hope is that this library provides some relief for FGPs so that the law school experience is just a tiny bit less stressful,” said Joanna Alvarez, a third-year student at KU Law and FGP vice president. “I also hope that it opens a dialogue between members, so they feel comfortable asking for help from each other if they need it.” 

There is a strong sense of togetherness and pride among the FGP leadership team. Their hope is that mentality continues to grow across the entire FGP community.

“My goal for the FGP student organization is to let first-generation students know that they belong here just as much as everyone else,” Hodges said. “I want our members to know that being first generation is not a weakness, but rather one of our most valuable strengths.” 

–By Sydney Halas

Alumni rally support for Reginald L. “Reggie” Robinson Law Scholarship

Giving Story: Reginald L. "Reggie" Robinson Law Scholarship

A group of KU Law alumni are encouraging their fellow Jayhawk lawyers to support a law scholarship established in memory of the late Reginald L. “Reggie” Robinson, L’87.

Robinson, who earned his undergraduate and law degrees at KU, passed away in September 2020. Over four decades of teaching, mentorship and leadership in the KU community, he served as a law professor, chief of staff for Chancellor Robert Hemenway, director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration, and vice chancellor for public affairs.

Reggie Robinson

The Reginald L. “Reggie” Robinson Law Scholarship was established based on Robinson’s wishes to benefit academically talented female students who express a strong interest in public service. To date, more than 225 family, friends, colleagues and KU alumni have contributed over $160,000 to the fund. Organizers hope to increase the fund to $500,000, which would provide a full-tuition scholarship for a student. Justin Lungstrum, L’00 and Emily Lungstrum kicked off the fundraising effort with a $50,000 gift.

Contributions can be made through Launch KU.

The Robinson family – Jane, Clare and Paige – expressed their gratitude to KU Law alumni and friends for supporting the scholarship fund.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from KU alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Reggie’s from across the country who have given to the Reginald L. ‘Reggie’ Robinson Scholarship. Reggie described his time at KU as ‘terrific’ and said that he ‘loved the law school experience’,” they said.

“To be able to continue his commitment to KU by supporting future KU law students through this fund is such a fitting way to honor him. Having championed women throughout his life, it was his desire to support women pursuing a law degree with an eye toward public service. This is a great way to extend his positive effect on the lives of students for years to come.”

Make a gift to the Reginald L. “Reggie” Robinson Law Scholarship

— By Margaret Hair