KU Law Blog

Hands-On Learning Q&A: Desiree Duke, Medical-Legal Partnership

Desiree Duke, 3L, is no stranger to the world of law and justice, thanks to her mother. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Duke worked as an assistant to a Legal Life Care Planner/Burn Injury Expert as part of her pre-law school work experience where her true passion for plaintiff personal injury and medical malpractice came to fruition. She then took part in the Medical-Legal Partnership to continue her work to become the best attorney and advocate for their clients.

The Medical-Legal Partnership is a collaboration between KU Law and two health systems: The University of Kansas Health System at KU Medical Center in Kansas City and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence. MLP interns work with MLP attorneys to gain experience conducting intake interviews; developing case strategies; conducting legal research; and preparing legal pleadings, briefs and memoranda of support.

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

In the spring of my 2L year, I had the opportunity to work at the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) Field Placement Program at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. My time at the MLP consisted of various work including conducting legal research, writing memoranda and drafting legal documents.

However, the majority of my work was interviewing potential clients. I spoke to between five and ten potential clients each day at the MLP and conducted thorough interviews to gain an understanding of the situation they were seeking legal help for. From there, I would draft a detailed memorandum relaying the information to my managing attorneys for review.

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

I improved my interpersonal skills and communication. You speak to an array of people from all different walks of life at the MLP and it’s important to know how to read and accurately interpret what each person is saying to form an effective response back. Not one single person’s experience is the same, not every person is as comfortable speaking to you as the next and at the end of the day, these are real people telling you real, personal issues that they need help with. Knowing this, it was important and inevitable that my interpersonal skills improved to respond to each potential client as they need me to.

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

Although the experience didn’t necessarily change the course of my desired law career, it did shift my perspective while working with clients and legal issues. For example, the MLP works with a lot of clients who are dealing with legal issues related to landlord/tenant disputes, immigration, housing, employment, name changes, gender marker corrections, etc. Understanding these areas of the law and how they affect everyday people truly broadened how I look at those I’m working with and the tools I have if potentially needed. Being the best attorney and advocate for my clients means understanding everything I can about them and their needs – even if those needs expand beyond personal injury.

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

The human connections you make every single day on the job. Speaking to potential clients every day means hearing real human stories and problems. I acknowledge the privilege in the position I held at the MLP to be the person that potential clients disclosed their troubles with, and I was truly humbled and honored.

I also made wonderful connections with the two individuals who run the Kansas City location: Lindsey Collins, managing attorney, and Brook Nasseri, staff attorney. They have such a passion for the work they do at the MLP and it was inspiring to watch that passion flourish while working beside them.

What would you say to law students considering enrolling in the medical-legal partnership?

I would encourage you to go in with an open mind, ready to learn something new every single day. I would also encourage you to get comfortable with the uncomfortable; the job can be mentally heavy and it’s important you prepare yourself for that. I stress that you are never afraid to ask questions – the only silly question is the one unasked. Lastly, I would say to truly listen to those that you are interviewing and to remember that they are human beings. Sometimes, just being an ear to empathize and grieve with can make all the difference.

– By Emma Herrman

Best Bites in Lawrence

Grab a bite at any of these classic Lawrence restaurants located on Mass Street

I can count several reasons why Lawrence is a great place to live, but the local food scene tops the list. Check out my favorite restaurants below–you’ll be hungry by the time you’re done reading!

Best Overall – Merchants

Merchants is located on the corner of 8th and Massachusetts Street, in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. Their menu features seasonal dishes and local favorites made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it’s a great place to bring your parents or to treat yourself after a particular grueling semester. If you go, you have to try their truffle goat cheese dip served with fig jam and crostini and blue tortilla chips for dipping. I get it every time I go!

Best Burger – Burger Stand

Who doesn’t love a good burger? Basically across the street from Merchants, the Burger Stand serves the best burger in town by far. My favorite burger is the Fire burger, served with fresh avocado and habanero-cactus jam. Don’t forget the side of truffle fries and garlic aioli–the Burger Stand is known for their wide variety of fries and homemade dipping sauces. They also have several options for vegetarians. There’s something here for everyone!

Best Pizza – Papa Keno’s

Papa Keno’s is just down the street from the Burger Stand at 837 Massachusetts. They boast a HUGE 13 inch pizza slice. Try one of their delicious specialty slices or build your own by choosing your toppings. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, I recommend a slice with cream cheese, onions, broccoli and pepperoncini. Trust me–it’s delicious! Papa Keno’s has a great atmosphere as well. Watch the game on one of their giant TVs or unleash your inner child by playing games in their arcade.

Best Breakfast – The Roost

If you love brunch with your besties, you have to check out The Roost. Located at 920 Massachusetts, The Roost is a local favorite. They serve a number of class breakfast dishes including french toast, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict and omelets. I’m a garlic girl though, so my personal favorite is their vegan hash served with toast and fresh avocado. (I know The Roost is my pick for “Best Breakfast,” but it also features the BEST mac and cheese in town!)

Best Lunch – Terrebonne

Finally, if you’re looking for a cozy lunch spot, be sure to visit Terrebonne. Terrebonne is a Cajun restaurant near the corner of 9th and Massachusetts. They’re known for their po’ boy sandwiches, but I love their gumbo and hush puppies. Gumbo may be my go to, but I always check their weekly specials to see if they’re serving Chicken Orleans–a yummy creamy Cajun pasta. Besides the delicious food, Terrebonne is truly unique because the walls are covered with the owner’s vintage yarn art collection!

– Rachel Henderson is a 3L KU Law Student Ambassador from Wichita, Kansas

Exploring the Emerald Island with KU Law

Study abroad opportunities with KU Law

Studying abroad is a transformative experience. Students have the opportunity to broaden their horizons while enriching their educational experience. I know my educational experience was positively impacted by my three-week stay in Ireland this past summer.

What I Did:

Trinity College at night
*Photo courtesy of Reagan Hoskin*

KU Law in Ireland is a three-week study abroad opportunity offered every other summer. Professor Melanie Daily led the group of 13 students. We spent the first two weeks studying at the University of Limerick, we spent a weekend in Galway and the last week we stayed at Trinity College in Dublin.

What I Learned in Class:

Professor Daily taught Comparative Family Law. This class focused on comparing U.S., Irish and European Union family law. Professor Friel, Head of the School of Law at the University of Limerick, Ireland, taught us about U.S. Counterterrorism in an International Context and the European Union as a Global Regulator. These classes were held throughout our stay in Ireland.

Since Ireland is a member state of the European Union, studying in Ireland provided a unique opportunity to also dive into EU law and explore the history of the EU. Professor Friel was able to provide insights into how the EU operates in the world and how the EU and the U.S. interact. The classes provided a unique perspective on the U.S. and international law, a perspective that could only be gained abroad. I enjoyed the relevance of each class and have already utilized the knowledge I gained.

The highlight of the class program was the tour of the Irish Court of Justice. Comparing the Irish courts to U.S. courts and speaking with members of the court was intriguing and informative.

Cahir Castle
*Photo courtesy of Reagan Hoskin*

What I Learned Outside of Class:

Studying in Ireland was not just about the classes, though. We had the chance to explore Ireland’s rich history. I visited several castles, churches, museums and historical buildings. Watching history come to life as I traveled through Ireland was a memorable experience. It was humbling to stand in places where the story of the place could be traced back centuries before.

The vibrant landscapes of the Emerald Island are breathtaking. The hills of the countryside rolled away from the bus window as if we were traveling through a painting. Sheep dotted the emerald green landscape like polka dots on fabric. None of the pictures I took could do it justice.

Ireland boasts a lively culture with an abundance of live music. While wandering the streets of Dublin, one will hear traditional Irish tunes pouring from the pubs or sung by street performers. Once, we were lucky enough to watch traditional Irish dancing.

Why I Would Study Abroad Again (And You Should Too!):

These various experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, added up to an enriching adventure. Observing different cultures pushes you out of your comfort zone and creates new perspectives. The time I spent in Ireland was an unforgettable journey where I grew academically, personally and professionally. I highly recommend traveling abroad while in law school.

The Irish Sea
*Photo courtesy of Reagan Hoskin*

– Reagan Hoskin is a 2L KU Law Student Ambassador from Pittsfield, Illinois

Hands-On Learning: Alexandria Vazquez, Field Placement Program

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

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

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

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