“I am honored to be selected as a J.L. Weigand Scholar. The Weigand Trust offers far more than financial support; it connects scholars to a community of outstanding legal professionals committed to serving Kansas. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to honoring J.L.’s legacy by giving back to the state I am proud to call home.”
Austin Rea
University of Kansas
Weigand Scholar: 2027
Hometown
Topeka, KS
Education
B.B.A., Economics and History
Wichita State, 2024
- magma cum laude
J.D. Candidate, University of Kansas School of Law, Anticipated May 2027
- CALI Award, Criminal Law
- Payne & Jones Award, Best Oral Advocate
- Best Brief Award
Austin Rea joined the Weigand Trust in 2026 after being selected in the spring of his 2L year at the University of Kansas School of Law. A Kansas native, he was born in Hays and raised in Topeka. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in Economics and History from Wichita State University, where he graduated magna cum laude. During his time at Wichita State, Austin served as President of Phi Delta Theta, was a member of the executive board of the Student Ambassador Society, and was recognized as a Clay Barton Scholar.
During his undergraduate studies, Austin completed an internship with Koch Minerals & Trading, where he worked as a credit analyst. Austin has also continued to be involved in the policy debate community, volunteering as a coach and judge for Washburn Rural High School and Wichita Collegiate.
In law school, Austin has distinguished himself academically and in advocacy, earning a CALI Award in Criminal Law and the Payne & Jones Award for Best Oral Advocate. He was also a finalist in the University of Kansas School of Law’s in-house moot court competition, where he received a Best Brief Award. Following his 1L year, Austin completed an internship with the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. This summer, Austin will work as a summer associate at Foulston Siefkin LLP in Wichita. Following graduation, he will serve as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Toby Crouse. Austin looks forward to using his legal training and leadership experience to serve the people of Kansas.
“Kansas is the only home I have ever known, and it is the place that has shaped who I am. I am eager to put my legal education to work serving the people and communities that have given me so much.”