Lawyers traded legal briefs for guitar riffs at Lawlapalooza, a relaxed fundraiser where courtroom officials and students jammed to raise money and make connections.
The idea for Lawlapalooza originated during faculty advisor and event founder Kelsey Truxal’s time in law school at the University of Louisville. There, she attended a law-community “battle of the bands” event, also called Lawlapalooza. The event brought together students and attorneys in a more relaxed setting. Inspired by that experience, Truxal later transformed the concept into an undergraduate version at WKU designed to fundraise, network and humanize attorneys.
“We wanted students to see attorneys as real people and to create internships and mentorships that open doors,” Truxal said.
Now in its third year, the gathering has nearly tripled its fundraising totals compared to earlier events. It has also drawn consistent community sponsorship, a sign that Lawlapalooza is evolving into a much-anticipated local tradition.
“This year’s turnout shows firms and residents are invested in building a bridge between practicing lawyers and students,” said William Williford, a sponsoring attorney and WKU alumnus.
The event centers on a lawyer-and-student battle-of-the-bands that raises funds for pre-law and mock trials programs while lawyers perform songs like Scott Goff, who is a staff attorney at the Department of Public Advocacy, and has been practicing law for 17 years.
“I just remember looking up and seeing Scott Goff,” Truxal said. “He had these, like, really funky, groovy sunglasses on. And it cracked me up…and I was like, this is exactly what I’m looking for. This is exactly what Lawlapalooza is.”
Pulling off the event required about three months of planning from the Pre-Law Students Association and the mock trial team, with key support from office associate Karen Hume, budget coordinator for political science and society, culture, crime and justice studies and Scott Lasley who helped secure White Squirrel Brewery as the event venue.
“Having partners like Karen Hume and community venues already on board makes scaling the event feasible,” Truxal said.
Truxal said success isn’t measured by funds alone. She also looks at attendance numbers, social media engagement, and the stories studies share afterward about feeling energized and more connected to potential employers.
“When students tell us they met someone who could help them land an internship, that’s the real return on our investment,” said Teresa Kirby, assistant professor and first-year event collaborator.
Looking ahead, Truxal hopes to broaden the event’s scope. Her vision includes a full battle-of-the-bands format with formal judging, a trophy, and the possibility of channeling proceeds into charitable causes or student scholarships as fundraising grows.
“The best part was seeing my professor up on stage and realizing the legal community can also be fun and approachable,” said Sam Ragan, a senior double majoring in communication studies and political science.
