Paul Cassat

Hey! My name is Paul Cassat and I’m a 1L from Overland Park, Kan. I went to the University of Tulsa for my undergraduate education, where I received my bachelor's degree in history and political science in May 2011.

While my political science and history majors are typical of many law students, I was far from set on attending law school until late in my college career. I have always strived to study what interests me and to simply see where those interests lead me. During the summer after my junior year, I studied abroad in Europe, and spent time in Bosnia, Croatia, and Kosovo. While there, I learned about the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and saw firsthand how the international legal system could have an incredible impact on both the highest levels of state building and on the everyday lives of each citizen. Although I had considered law school before then, I became convinced that a legal career was where my interest would take me next.

One of the primary reasons I chose KU Law is its excellent international and comparative law program. While I’m only a 1L, I can’t wait to take courses with faculty like Professor Bhala and to study abroad in one of the multiple programs KU Law offers its JD students. I also chose KU Law because of the positive student environment I witnessed when I visited. I was nervous about what my fellow law students would be like, and about how a competitive law school environment would impact students, but at KU everyone was amazingly friendly and helpful. I could tell it would be a great place not only to get a highly regarded education, but also make friends and enjoy the company of my fellow students.

That friendly and welcoming spirit I witnessed when I visited has proven to be even better than expected during my first year. I met some amazing people in just my first few days of class that I am now great friends with, and the atmosphere couldn’t be any further from the “cut-throat” law school environment I had feared at other schools. The small school environment I enjoyed during my undergraduate years is also evident at KU Law, where the small student body creates a great sense of community. Plus, not only do I get to benefit from the small school setting, but I also receive all the advantages of a large state university like KU. That means awesome recreation facilities, lots of places to eat and, of course, Jayhawk basketball games!

I am so glad that I chose KU, and can’t wait for what’s in store for me during my time at KU. There are so many opportunities here, I know that any student - whatever their interests - can have a highly rewarding and enjoyable time here. Feel free to contact with me any questions at paul.cassat@ku.edu. Rock Chalk!