“With the creation of the J.L. Weigand Legal Education Trust, Mr. Weigand demonstrated his generosity and commitment to forever strengthening the Kansas legal community. Knowing the selflessness of Mr. Weigand, the Trustees, and the Alumni, I am truly honored and privileged to join such an elite collection of individuals. Beyond the financial support, the Trust’s benefits are immediately apparent, as the Weigand Community generously extends their welcome and support to myself and fellow Scholars.”
Nathaniel Martens
Washburn University
Weigand Scholar: 2015, 2016
Hometown:
Newton, KS
Education:
B.A., Justice Studies, Chadron State College, 2013
- Major: Criminal Justice with Law Enforcement emphasis
- Minor: Legal Studies
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude
- Platinum Eagle Award Recipient (academic, service, leadership award)
- George Watson and CSCEA Scholarships Recipient
J.D. Candidate, University of Washburn School of Law, 2016
- Top Papers: Legal Analysis Research & Writing I and II, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts II
- J. Richard Foth Award Finalist (Top Brief Legal Analysis Research and Writing II)
- Washburn Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief, Volume 55
- Small Study Group Leader
Employer:
Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch, LLC
Practice Areas:
- Corporate and Commercial Litigation
- Insurance Defense Litigation
- Personal Injury and Product Liability Litigation
- Commercial and Construction Disputes
After graduating from Newton High School in 2009, Nathaniel Martens attended Chadron State College in the Panhandle of rural Nebraska. While at Chadron State, Nathaniel participated in a range of activities. On top of playing for the Eagle football team, Nathaniel was a member of the Criminal Justice Club and was highly involved the college’s Residence Life Association. Nathaniel worked for one year as a Resident Advisor, before receiving a Senior Resident Advisor position; and eventually, serving a short stint as an Interim Resident Director.
Nathaniel earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies, majoring in Criminal Justice, with an emphasis in Law Enforcement, and minoring in Legal Studies. His 3.96 Grade Point Average earned him Suma Cum Laude honors at graduation, and his time at Chadron culminated with the receipt of the Platinum Eagle Award. The student selected award is reserved for qualified students demonstrating exemplary academic, service, and leadership qualities and is often considered the highest honor offered by Chadron State College.
While attending Chadron, Nathaniel remained committed to his home in Kansas, interning with the Department of Law for the City of Wichita before continuing his studies at the University of Washburn School of Law. Nathaniel has had a strong start to law school. He earned several Top Paper awards and was selected as a finalist for the J. Richard Foth Award (awarded to the top brief in Legal Analysis Research and Writing II). In addition to Nathaniel’s academic success, he participates in the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, the Oil, Gas, and Energy Law Society, and was a small study group leader for incoming 1Ls during Fall 2014. After serving as a junior staff writer during the 2014-2015 school year, Nathaniel was selected as Editor-in-Chief of the Washburn Law Journal. Nathaniel and the Volume 55 editorial board will publish three issues before sitting for the bar in Summer 2016.
Nathaniel summer clerked at Fleeson, Gooing, Coulson & Kitch LLC. in 2014 and 2015. In January, 2021, Nate was made partner with Fleeson Gooing.
“Having grown up in a state known for its commitment to hard work, Kansas has instilled within me the values and skills necessary to attain my goals. Combining the amiable nature of Kansans with its collegial legal practice makes Kansas not only a great place to begin a career, but an exceptional state to call home.”