Caroline Gurney and Tyler
Manson met on the first day of law school orientation and began dating the
following semester.
“Our ‘first date’ was when
my car ran out of gas as I was driving home from class one day,” Manson said.
“I decided to call Caroline, partially because I knew she had just gotten out
of class, but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t because I had a crush on
her. After that and a few more dates, we were inseparable.”
The couple’s blossoming
relationship was of special note, as Gurney’s parents also met as KU Law
students. They went on to marry, have four kids, and forge two successful legal
careers between them.
“I think I remind Caroline’s
dad of himself when he was young,” Manson said. “His car was falling apart, he
was always late to class, and he was dating a girl who was way out of his
league.”
Gurney and Manson relied on
each other and their classmates to handle the stress and long hours of law
school. Both balanced their studies with part-time legal work, and Manson
served on the Kansas Journal of Law & Public Policy for two years. They got
through by keeping a consistent schedule, making down time with friends a
priority and staying focused on the end goal.
As for the future? Gurney
will join Orrick and Erskine LLP, an Overland Park firm specializing in eminent
domain and condemnation, while Manson will work for Warner Robinson LLC in
Kansas City, Missouri, a firm that focuses on corporate tax credits.
“My mom and dad have set a
wonderful example of how two people can do good work in the Kansas City legal
community and be outstanding parents at the same time,” Gurney said. “I look to
them for guidance on work-life balance.”
“As long as we can continue
to respect and support each other’s career and personal goals, we’ll be OK,” Manson
said. “We make a great team.”Labels: 3L, employment, family, law firm, Law Review, student experience, work-life balance