“I feel honored and grateful to be the recipient of a Weigand scholarship. It is very humbling to receive such an award. The generosity and vision of J.L. Weigand, Jr. will allow me to serve the people of Kansas through work in the field of law.”


Jeremy Koop

Washburn University
Weigand Scholar: 2008

Hometown:
Newton, KS

See Jeremy’s Video

Education:
B. A., Psychology (emphasis on history)
Lake Forest, 2004

  • Graduated cum laude 
  • Received distinction status for senior thesis entitled, “The Psychological Impact of Living on Death Row.” 
  • Academic All-Conference Award recipient
  • Co-Captain of the Lake Forest Swim Team

J.D., Washburn University School of Law, 2010

Employer:
Koop Law Firm

Practice Areas:

  • Criminal Defense

Professional Associations:

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Wichita Bar Association
  • Kansas Bar Association

Jeremy entered law school with a unique perspective of the law system. As he interviewed inmates who were on Illinois’ death row for a number of years, he developed an understanding of the consequential impact that the legal system has on people’s lives.

Following academic and athletic success at Lake Forest, Jeremy participated in the Americorp volunteer program, serving as a full-time legal assistant at the Legal Action Center in Seattle, Washington.

Jeremy hopes to serve Kansans with his education. “Ultimately, my goal as an attorney and my reason for going into the legal profession is to be an advocate for people with average or low incomes.” John T. O’Brien, Staff Attorney at the Legal Action Center in Seattle agrees that Jeremy will be an excellent lawyer. “Jeremy’s knowledge of history, political science and culture are remarkable for a person of his age. He is a very brave and strong-willed person. I know he will bring that level of focus and discipline to his studies.”

Following law school, Jeremy served as Public Defender with Saline County, followed by several years as a prosecutor in the Violent Crimes Unit at the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

In 2021, Jeremy launched Koop Law Firm in Wichita, Kansas, specializing as a criminal defense attorney.


“I spent a number of years outside Kansas attending college and participating in the Americorp program. After living in two other states, I have come to appreciate the culture and people of Kansas in a new way.”