up the culture of the investment world. Then he leveraged his law degree, after finding that many venture capital firms didn’t have internal legal knowledge. With a combination of business and legal acumen, Stowell turned up a new opportunity. Last year, Royal Street Corporation approached him about serving in a consulting role, and after Stowell impressed, they offered him a full-time position. “We will be investing in other businesses, and we will be co-investing with a number of other folks who are doing deals for different businesses, whether in the venture capital or private equity world,” he said. “We’re also trying to be a little more entrepreneurial in order to spin off some new ideas or start up some new companies from within.” Now Stowell has the enviable task of mulling through endless “cool” ideas from small startups and determining which are likely to be successful. Once he’s made that determination, he’ll approach entrepreneurs about funding, in the name of diversifying Royal Street’s investment portfolio. Although his current job is glamorous, Stowell said his biggest accomplishment came with his previous company, Community Systems Group. “One thing I’m particularly proud of is that my first small business pretty much defies every small business statistic out there,” he said. “We’ve been through three recessions and been, generally speaking, profitable during that time.” Most law students will settle into firms or corporations upon graduation and spend their working years in the legal profession. For those who are looking for something different, hard work and a high degree of self-initiative are required, but a law degree can be a stepping stone to any number of rewarding careers. Just ask Jeff Stowell. “If you want that career path, the careers are there, but you have to make that path for yourself,” he said. “If you’re committed to that path, it’s well within any law student’s grasp to step outside of law school and have a great career coming out of the gates.” n
Top donors recognized for loyal support The law school honored recipients of the James Woods Green Medallion at a dinner on May 14 at The Oread in Lawrence. The medallion, named in honor of the law school’s first dean, recognizes those whose cumulative contributions to the school exceed $25,000. This year’s honorees are pictured below with their medallions. Peter Strand, L’79, and Sheila Strand were unable to attend the ceremony.
John Conderman, L’69, & Patricia Conderman
(accepted by Andrew Ramirez, L’81)
Lathrop & Gage LLP
Dara Trum Miles, L’87, & Robin Miles, L’86
Peter Strand, L’79, & Sheila Strand
Photos by Steve Puppe
KU LAW MAGAZINE 27