Josh Williamson

Hello. My name is Josh Williamson, and I am a 3L here at the University of Kansas School of Law. I attended KU as an undergraduate and graduated from the School of Business with degrees in both business administration and accounting. I really enjoyed my undergraduate experience at KU and took advantage of all of the activities the Lawrence area and the university had to offer. Among other things, I was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, president of Beta Gamma Sigma business honors society, finance chair of the Homecoming Steering Committee, a member of Order of Omega Greek Honors society, and active in KU intramural sports. Although I have lived throughout the United States, I call Lawrence home. 

After graduation in May of 2006, I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do. My choices were either to get a graduate degree or join the workforce. Neither of these sounded very attractive a month after graduation, so I decided to take some time to think and gain perspective into what I wanted in a career. I headed down to the Cayman Islands for a change of scenery. I took a job as a SCUBA instructor on Grand Cayman, which allowed me to pursue my interest in diving while at the same time meeting people from around the world. I really enjoyed the experience. After 18 months abroad and a lot of soul searching and research, I decided that I wanted to pursue a law degree.

Upon returning to Kansas, I initially wanted to attend law school out of state. I thought a change of scene for my graduate studies would be beneficial. However, I had such a wonderful undergraduate experience at KU that I decided to take a tour of Green Hall, which houses KU’s law school. I was immediately impressed with the welcoming and supportive academic environment. Although I had toured numerous other schools, I had not yet encountered a school where everyone from 1Ls to faculty seemed so genuinely welcoming. Throughout my tour, information, resources and introductions were offered. Ultimately, despite my urge to attend law school outside of Kansas, the lasting impression of my visit to the law school at KU was too much to turn down.

Since starting law school as a summer starter in May of 2008, I have not looked back. My first impressions proved to be true, and I continue to be amazed by the friendly atmosphere here at Green Hall. Although academics come first, social gatherings with other students are always enjoyable, whether it be in study groups, after class or at KU sporting events. With the abundance of clinical programs, clubs, speakers and other activities available through the University of Kansas School of Law, my graduate experience has exceeded my expectations.

I am currently a member of both the International and Business Law societies. I was also a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board during the 2008-2009 school year, in addition to being a Student Ambassador. This past summer, I participated in an internship through the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.  I plan on studying in London during the spring 2010 semester through one of the KU Law’s study abroad programs.

I would encourage you to visit KU and take a tour of Green Hall. Come meet the faculty and student body. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at joshwilliamson@ku.edu with any questions that you may have. I wish you the best of luck in your law school search, and I look forward to hearing from you.