Hands-On Learning: Alexandria Vazquez, Field Placement Program

Alexandria Vazquez, 2L

Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Alexandria Vazquez, 2L, previously worked as an orthopedic surgery coordinator. She cites the field placement program as helping to shape her understanding of criminal law, legal research and the nuance of working alongside attorneys which she uses firsthand in her current role as an intern at the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office.

Students involved in the Field Placement Program are provided an opportunity to perform legal work under the supervision of a practicing attorney at approved governmental agencies, as well as nonprofit legal services organizations and nonprofit public national and international organizations. Past placements have included the United Nations, JAG Corps, the ACLU of Kansas and many more.

Vazquez shared her experience with the Field Placement Program at KU Law for a Q&A.

 Can you describe where you worked and what kind of work you did while in the program?

I started my internship this past summer at the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office. I still work with attorneys to prosecute crimes – anything from theft, drug possession and capital murder. I read many police reports and worked with prosecutors to determine appropriate charges. I have assisted with preparing trial binders which includes reviewing evidence, creating a witness list and organizing documents per the attorney’s preference.

Were there any specific skills that you developed or improved through this program?

I certainly have improved my legal research skills and my ability to speak with attorneys. I personally find legal research especially intimidating because my findings can have a direct impact on the outcome of the case. The attorneys I worked with were especially receptive to any questions or concerns I had and gave me plenty of feedback.

How do you think this experience will impact the rest of your time in law school?

This experience has allowed me to see criminal law, criminal procedure and evidence in practice. I was able to connect concepts I learned in class to real-world cases. This experience will further help me in law school because I can use what I learned as an intern and apply that to future classes.

What has been your favorite part of working in your field placement?

My favorite part of this internship has been getting to know the attorneys on a personal and professional level. There is a wide range of personalities and backgrounds which makes going to work fun.

What would you say to law students considering enrolling in the field placement program?

I would recommend a field placement! Even if it is a field you do not plan on ultimately going into, it is still advantageous to expose yourself to a legal environment other than law school. The attorneys were in our position at one point and understand the ups and downs of law school. They can act as mentors and make the whole law school experience better.

-By Emma Herrman

Feeding Minds and Building Community

Lunch hour at KU Law

Ryan Love, 3L

Law schools are often seen as havens of quiet study and rigorous research, where students devote long hours buried in books and legal texts. While this stereotype certainly holds true for many parts of the day, there’s a vibrant and bustling side to law school during one specific time: the lunch hour. Thanks to a combination of club meetings, guest speakers and administrative support meetings, Green Hall pulses with activity. 

The diverse range of student organizations open their meetings to all who are interested. Students from various clubs gather to share their passions. Whether it’s the Energy and Environmental Law Society, the Military & Veterans Society, Women in Law or OUTLaws & Allies, KU Law organizations provide a platform for students to engage with like-minded peers, plan events, and work on projects that align with their career aspirations. 

Another standout feature of KU Law’s lunchtime activities is the regular series of guest presentations. Recently, KU Law had the privilege of hosting bestselling author Kara Tan Bhala,  who spoke about her book “Ethics in Finance: Case Studies from a Woman’s Life on Wall Street.” And the KU Law student-led Traffic Court held a demonstration argument featuring esteemed defense attorney and professor Adam Sokoloff against the renowned Stephen McAllister. This epic battle among legal titans left hardly any standing room in the court. 

1Ls eat pizza during their Orientation Week in August.

Fear not, KU Law students never forget the true essence of the lunch hour. There always seems to be a snack, if not a meal, available. Forgotten your lunch? No worries! There’s a strong chance a delicious slice of ‘za is waiting for you in the Commons. Even better, you might stumble upon a sandwich and leftover cookies from an amazing Career Services Office event. Dean Blakeman always selects the finest cuisine for her events, ensuring employers are only hungry to hire our wonderful students. 

While law schools are indeed centers of serious study and contemplation, they are also places of dynamic interaction and engagement. At KU Law, the lunch hour exemplifies this vitality, with club meetings, guest speakers and administrative support meetings converging to create a lively atmosphere. This midday rush not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students, faculty and legal professionals. As the doors swing open and the hallways buzz with conversation, it becomes clear Green Hall is more than just a building—it’s a thriving community of legal thought and action.

– Ryan Love is a 3L KU Law Student Ambassador from El Paso, Texas

CASA and Compassion

Student empowers change through pro bono work

Elm Beck, 3L

Whether you’re helping a college student contest their parking ticket or spending time with a child in the child welfare system, there is no question that pro bono work is all about making a positive impact on your community. At KU Law, students have the unique opportunity to engage in work that goes beyond the classroom and into the lives of people experiencing challenging life situations. Elm Beck, 3L, is one of those students and cites their work with Douglas County CASA, Inc. as one of the most fulfilling opportunities they’ve had a chance to undertake.

“I’m really passionate about the rights of kids in foster care,” said Beck. “Both of my parents were adopted and this gives me a personal connection with making sure kids in the system are being treated fairly and being taken care of.”

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate and is designed to connect children of all ages in the child welfare system with a safe, present and stable adult who can get to know them on a personal level and advocate for their best interests. The CASA volunteer will make at least bi-annual reports to the court that discuss everything from what’s going on in the child’s life to what the child needs to have a safe and healthy childhood. Many CASA volunteers are retired people who tend to have more time on their hands to do the intensive work required of a CASA volunteer. Beck wanted to do their part to offer a new viewpoint.

“I thought about who that tends to leave out in terms of having advocates who are culturally competent for certain younger communities,” said Beck. “I was really hopeful that I could get connected with a higher needs case and be able to help advocate for that child through that more unique lens as a Gen-Z person myself. I got really lucky and was matched with a child that I connect very well with. Supporting that connection has been one of the most rewarding parts about the experience.”

Beck hails from Kansas City and spent a large majority of their undergraduate career at KU looking for community activism and volunteer opportunities on campus. By the time they came to KU Law in 2021, Beck had already served as the president of the ACLU of KU and was eager to continue their acts of service within Green Hall and without.

“I knew that I wanted to do some kind of advocacy in the world,” said Beck. “When I was entering college, I realized that becoming a lawyer might be a way that I can harness advocacy. I felt that law school was a way I could get a bit more power behind what I was doing.”

Beck’s involvement in the CASA program is a time commitment, estimated about three hours a week, but a worthy one. Beck was required to attend about 35 hours of training to prepare for the program before being officially sworn in and appointed on the case by a judge.

“The time commitment is something to consider if you’re willing to take it on,” said Beck, “but for me, that paled in comparison to the importance of the work I was doing. I love getting to know my CASA child and hearing the opinions the child has about their life. I’m able to make more in-depth observations and understandings about what is in the child’s best interest.”

Through pro bono work, future lawyers like Beck can bridge the gap and provide legal support to underserved and marginalized communities. It is important that current and future lawyers realize the importance that their pro bono work serves.

“There is definitely a lot of room where we can make good work in the world,” said Beck. “Pro bono work is a great way that lawyers commit to doing something bigger than what they do just within their career. I think that is extremely important and is something the legal profession should continue to put an emphasis on now and in the future.”

Douglas County CASA, Inc. requires at least a one-year commitment from all their CASA volunteers, but Beck intends to stay with their CASA child until the child ages out of the system. As for future pro bono opportunities, Beck keeps an open mind and has some advice for anyone at KU Law interested in getting involved.

“Go talk to Professor Schnug because she had many opportunities and CASA was just the one I chose,” said Beck. “She talked me through at least four or five pro bono opportunities that you can do through KU Law. She knows a lot of resources out there to get involved.”

And for anyone in the law field, Beck stresses the importance of empathy and humility. “Always remember to be culturally competent and humble,” Beck said. “Being a lawyer is not the only thing that gives you credentials in the world. You need to be humble enough to understand that you’re not coming in to do pro bono work as some kind of savior. You are coming in to provide a service that you are capable of providing and learn from your client as well.”

–By Emma Herrman

Leading the Legal Discourse

Meet the leaders of KU Law’s student publications

Third-year law students Collin Studer and Jackie Jeschke.
Third-year law students Collin Studer and Jackie Jeschke.

Though the school year has only just begun, third-year law students Jackie Jeschke and Collin Studer have been hard at work this summer in preparation for their new roles as editors-in-chief of the law school’s two student-edited publications. Studer leads the University of Kansas Law Review, and Jeschke heads up the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy.

Beginning in the spring when Jeschke and Studer learned about their selections as editors-in-chief, they have been 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.

“I don’t know that a lot of folks realize the amount of work and responsibility that goes into this position,” said Jeschke. “For the previous board to have appointed me as editor-in-chief was a huge compliment.”

Jeschke and Studer are no strangers to the process of editing and distributing their respective publications as both were student editors before being selected as leaders of the Journal and Review.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to influence the trend and the direction of legal scholarship,” said Studer.

The goals you set and the relationships you build

In their roles as editor-in-chief, both Jeschke and Studer are focusing on growing and maintaining the connections the publications have made between each other and the alumni who were once editors themselves.

“We’re coming into our third decade,” said Jeschke. “Our 30th anniversary happened right at the start of COVID, and I’ve talked with Dean Mazza about having a bigger banquet this year, inviting back alumni, reminding people why we started the Journal 33 years ago.”

Studer’s publication, the Kansas Law Review, was founded 72 years ago, but his goals are the same.

“I would really like to see Law Review tap into its 72-year-old tradition and connect with our alumni,” said Studer. “It would be great to bring together the previous ‘generations’ of Law Review at our next annual banquet.”

However, Jeschke and Studer want to continue to connect closer to home as well between the Review and Journal staff. This tradition has already been set in place prior to their leadership with tournaments in kickball and bowling but is something both editors would like to continue to grow.

“It’s not just the work you do, it’s the relationships you build,” said Studer.

Both publications use these tournaments as friendly competition, but even friendly matches can spur some healthy drama.

“I know that the Journal won both tournaments last year and I think the bowling win was pretty upsetting,” said Jeschke with a laugh. “It was pretty neck and neck there. But it’s just fun. In the past, I feel like there’s been this unnecessary competition between the two publications – and maybe that’s normal – but I know that Collin, Brooke [Law Review managing editor], Stephanie [Law Journal managing editor] and I have talked about how to really come together as the publications for the law school.”

Jackie Jeschke

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

Jackie Jeschke

Jeschke was born and raised here in Lawrence, Kansas, and received her undergraduate degree in Biology from KU and her master’s in healthcare administration from KU Med. Though her initial career goals included working on the clinical side of healthcare, Jeschke realized she was more interested in the administration and public policy side of things. After grad school, Jeschke spent five years working as a healthcare consultant focused on strategy and transactional-related projects before starting law school.

Now a mom of an 18-month-old daughter, Jeschke is proud of the journey she’s taken and shares her experience as a way to prove that law school can be for anyone and everyone.

“I am an example of a mom who can do law school, be involved in these organizations, be in leadership positions and pursue a big law career path,” said Jeschke. “Hopefully I can set an example that law school isn’t just one size fits all and only traditional paths.”

Jeschke spent the summer before her 3L year as a summer associate at Polsinelli and plans to join their staff full-time after her graduation in 2024.

Collin Studer

Collin Studer

Editor-in-chief of the Kansas Law Review

Studer is originally from Wathena, Kansas, close to the Missouri border. He received his undergraduate degree in History and Music from Baker University before moving to Washington D.C. where he worked at the Supreme Court as the aide to Chief Justice Roberts. Though law school wasn’t in his original career plan, Studer cites his time working with SCOTUS as what helped him make the decision to return to school and to return to Kansas as a KU Law student.

“After I spent time there and saw what lawyers do – albeit in a very specialized practice – I thought a legal career would be very rewarding and luckily that’s been true,” said Studer.

In his time since returning to Kansas and being a KU Law student, Studer has nothing but fond memories of his fellow students, his former teachers and the community of Lawrence.

“I knew that the professors took a lot of pride in mentoring students and helping them achieve their goals,” said Studer. “That’s true for every professor I have had, especially Professor McAllister and Professor Mulligan, now the law school dean at UMKC.”

Following his graduation in 2024, Studer plans to clerk for Judge Timothy Tymkovich on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

–By Emma Herrman

Graduate Profile: Kristen Andrews, L’23

Former student-athlete joins law firm known for NCAA compensation support

Kristen Andrews

As a former student-athlete and recent sports dietitian, Kristen Andrews knows how to handle the trials of professional athletics. After her graduation in May, she joined Kennyhertz Perry, a prominent law firm in Kansas City.

“Kennyhertz Perry has a sports law practice group that has been at the forefront of the changes with respect to student-athlete compensation in the NCAA,” said Andrews. “In particular, student-athlete compensation for the use of their name, image and likeness. I hope to contribute to that practice group once I join the firm.”

Before attending law school, Andrews was a registered dietitian who worked with various sports teams in the Los Angeles area, including the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the U.S. Soccer team. While Andrews enjoyed working with these teams, she realized other career paths aligned better with her skills and interests.

“I started thinking about what I was good at and what I would like to spend my time doing,” said Andrews. “There are so many different types of things you can do in this field and I’m open to all of them.”

Andrews sees her position at Kennyhertz Perry as a valuable opportunity to contribute to the sports law practice group and further expand her knowledge and expertise.

“I was lucky enough to find an opportunity at Kennyhertz Perry and jumped at the chance to join them,” said Andrews. “I’m really excited about the opportunities there in the sports law space.”

During her time at Green Hall, Andrews served as a staff and articles editor for the Kansas Law Review journal and held the position of president of the Sports Law Society. These experiences, particularly in the Law Review, helped expand Andrews’ connections within her class.

“I worked closely with classmates I may not have had the opportunity to work closely with,” said Andrews. “Some of my best law school friends are people that I spent time combing through articles with on Law Review. I really look back and cherish that.”

Along with the connections she made with students, Andrews cites some professors who helped her along the way during the last three years.

“I had a lot of incredible professors,” said Andrews. “One that stands out is Professor Amii Castle. She is so knowledgeable and orientated towards teaching you things that will be practical when you get out into the real world.”

When it came to choosing a law school, there was no question that KU Law was going to be Andrews’ choice. A former Kansas City native, Andrews relocated home from California to become a Jayhawk Lawyer. At KU Law, she was quick to note the sense of community and collaboration that professors and classmates alike create.

“KU offers a nice learning environment where professors push you and classmates push you, but when you need assistance, both are there and willing to help you,” said Andrews.

For law school students, Andrews advises carefully considering their options, including where they want to practice and the networking opportunities.

“Where you want to work should influence what law school you’re looking for,” said Andrews. “On top of that, the law school environment matters a lot to how well you’re doing in school, and not every law school has the same environment.”

-By Emma Herrman

Visiting Scholar: Dr. Richard Lang

Five questions with Dr. Richard Lang, visiting scholar from the United Kingdom

Visiting scholar Dr. Richard Lang, from Wales, United Kingdom joins the University of Kansas School of Law for the summer 2023 semester.

Dr. Lang is a senior lecturer in law at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales. He currently serves as program director for BA (Hons) Business Law and Management and as a Module Leader for Administration Law & Human Rights, Applied Skills in Advocacy, Commercial Law & EU Law, among other courses. During his time in Lawrence, Lang plans to work on a monograph entitled “Are human rights too complex?” and continue his research and discussions on Brexit and other consequences.

Why did you choose to come to KU Law? How did you learn about our program and establish contact?

I had been following with great interest the research work of your professor of international trade, Raj Bhala, and particularly a piece he wrote in the Manchester Journal of International Economic Law about Brexit (the departure of the UK from the European Union), which is a special interest of mine. So, I contacted Raj and was delighted when he agreed to contribute to my series for Routledge, ‘Legal Perspectives on Brexit,’ which has now transmogrified into the ‘Routledge Handbook of Brexit and the Law.’ In the course of our conversations, he kindly invited me, through your Dean [Mazza], to spend three months at Green Hall over the summer. I hope my institution will also be able to welcome Raj to Cardiff at some point. Everyone else is also welcome to come, and, for that matter, to contribute to the Handbook.

What are your professional goals for your time at KU Law? What will be your next career steps after your time here?

I’m working on a monograph for Springer called (provisionally) ‘Are human rights too complex? Addressing Liberalism’s pluralism problem.’ The peace and quiet of the building (for the moment!) and your amazing libraries are both helping hugely in this process. While here I would like to speak to your Legal Aid office about the many highly commendable initiatives which your students are involved in.

Our law program in Cardiff is relatively new. So we’re only just considering branching out into this kind of experiential/clinical provision. Still, I think that we would be able to learn a lot from the giant strides which U.S. law schools have made in this area over the last decade – I think it’s fair to say you’ve really led the way on this.

Once I go home, I’ll be busy teaching and leading my program, the BA Business Law and Management, so I’m most appreciative of the chance to get some research done while in Kansas.

How does the academic and research environment at KU Law differ from your home institution?

There are a lot of differences. One of the main ones is that your law school is so much bigger than ours. This also means that you have more professors than us, which means you can cover more legal specialisms. You also have greater connections with your alumni, although that is something we’re working on.

Turning to the universities as a whole, I’d say one similarity was the focus on sport, which is rarer in the U.K. Our Cynoced campus hosts the National Indoor Athletics Centre and has produced a number of notable coaches from various sports.

What are your favorite things about Lawrence? What about your home do you miss the most?

I like that the people are so friendly! I like the downtown area which has a very cosmopolitan feel. I like that it’s quiet, peaceful, and small too, which means you can walk more-or-less anywhere you need to go. I guess I miss the slightly more predictable weather patterns.

What advice would you offer to other scholars who may want to do research abroad?

First and foremost, I would encourage them to do so. Having a change of scenery is a very good impetus to imagination and creativity, and travel brings with it lots of broadened horizons and new perspectives which influence how you look at your work. You can always learn something new, sometimes in the most unexpected places.