T.J. Trum

Hi! My name is T.J. Trum, and I am a second-year law student from Stilwell, Kan. I have lived in Lawrence for six years, and I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a degree in political science. As an undergraduate, I was involved with the Natural Ties program, a project pairing KU students with physically and mentally handicapped individuals in Lawrence for weekly social gatherings. I currently serve as the president of Natural Ties. I also spent a semester in Washington, D.C., as a research intern at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. While all four years at KU have been memorable, nothing competes with winning a national championship in basketball and seeing the football team win the Orange Bowl. KU’s rich tradition in sports and academia is truly unlike any other university.

I decided to go to law school early in my undergraduate career. Although there is no preferred path to law school, I tried to take courses that would benefit my analytical thinking and writing. I applied to KU Law and a number of schools on the East Coast, and ultimately chose KU after visiting each of my successful options. KU Law provided a personalized application process from beginning to end. I attended the open house and admitted students day and found the faculty and student body to be very knowledgeable, supportive and friendly. In addition, Lawrence and the surrounding Kansas City metropolitan area are a great place to live. I encourage every student to get a feel for the community that they want to call home during law school.

Finally, KU Law has a strong academic program. My courses are taught by experienced professors who are dedicated to teaching and genuine in their willingness to talk with students at any time. Countless educational opportunities are also available here at KU Law. There are 11 clinical programs to become involved with and great study abroad options as well. I am involved in the Judicial Clerkship Clinic, Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy, Dean’s Fellows Mentor Program and KU Law Student Ambassadors. I chose KU because it offered everything that I wanted in a law school community.

I hope that you will visit KU Law and experience for yourself how our community feels. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions at tjtrum@ku.edu.
 
Rock chalk, Jayhawk!