“I am honored to receive such a prestigious scholarship, and I appreciate the opportunities this generous scholarship affords me.”
Joletta Friesen
Washburn University
Weigand Scholar: 2006
Hometown:
McPherson, KS
Education:
B.A., History and Spanish
Bethel College, 2002
- Graduated summa cum laude
J.D., Washburn University School of Law, 2006
- Editor-in-Chief, Washburn Law Journal
- GNIP-GNOP Award
Employer:
Social Security Administration
Publications:
- How Similar is Similar?: Confusing the Similarity Standard for the Admission of Prior Crimes Evidence Under the Plan Exception in Child Molestation Cases [State v. Jones, 85 P.3d 1226 (Kan.2004)], Washburn Law Journal
Academic excellence is a common theme in Joletta’s biography. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from Bethel College, and finished in the top five percent of her class at Washburn.
At Washburn, she achieved several Top Paper awards in her courses, and received the GNIP-GNOP award for best comment. Her comment, “How Similar is Similar?: Confusing the Similarity Standard for the Admission of Prior Crimes Evidence Under the Plan Exception in Child Molestation Cases” [State v. Jones, 85 P.3d 1226 (Kan.2004)], was published in the Washburn Law Journal. Joletta was a staff member of the Washburn Law Journal in 04-05, and the Editor-in-Chief in 05-06.
Prior to attending law school, Joletta volunteered at Casa de Proyecto Libertad, a legal aid clinic in Texas that provides legal assistance related to immigration, domestic violence, and children’s issues.
Joletta had summer internships for Bremyer and Wise, L.L.C. in McPherson (1999), Bryan Cave LLP (2005) in Kansas City, MO and Foulston Siefkin LLP (2004, 2005) in Wichita. Her post graduate employment has included Bryan Cave, LLP in Kansas City, and a clerkship for Judge Laughrey, and Rouse Hendricks German May. She is currently employed by the Social Security Administration.
“After studying in different cultures and environments, I have come to appreciate Kansas and the importance of living and working in my own community. I aspire to become a lawyer with the same work ethic and integrity that I learned while working on my Kansas family farm.”