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Kurtis Badger

A man stands in a suit jacket, shirt and tie in front of a bookcase and smiles

Kurtis Badger

CHE Law 2014

1. Tell us about yourself
My name is Kurtis B. Badger, Esq., an attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. I attended Anglia Ruskin University in 2012, where I studied for my LLB. Unfortunately, due to a family emergency, I was forced to cut my time at ARU short and transfer back to the States. I moved to New York and attended SUNY Stony Brook University, where I graduated with a degree in Political Science. However, my love of the law, that had been awoken at ARU, continued, and I applied to US law schools. I was admitted to the University of Virginia School of Law, a top-ten law school, where I graduated with my Juris Doctor degree. Following graduation, I entered the frenetic world of corporate law, but after a few years, left to found my own firm, Badger Law Group. As for my personal life, I am happily married and have two beautiful children.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
One of my fondest memories of Anglia Ruskin University was the multicultural atmosphere on campus. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds broadened my horizons and enriched my educational experience. In addition, I was able to play on the American Football team, the Anglia Ruskin Phantoms. After graduating high school, I never thought I’d be able to play American football formally again, but Anglia Ruskin had a team and were seeking walk-ons. With my prior experience, I was able to once again, play on a team, for a school I loved. 

3. What has been your favourite job?
Founding and leading Badger Law Group has been my favourite job. It's incredibly rewarding to build and shape my own law firm, helping clients with their legal needs.

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Transformative.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
My time at ARU provided a solid foundation in legal studies and critical thinking skills. It prepared me for the rigorous legal education that followed at the University of Virginia School of Law.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
I loved the comprehensive and challenging nature of the LLB programme at ARU. It helped me develop a love for, and an understanding of the legal field. In addition, the LLB programme gave me a jump on learning to read case law – which can be daunting.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Embrace opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. Networking and building relationships are just as important as academic achievements. I didn’t begin my studies at ARU until I was 28 years old, but I was friends with people ages 18-65. Many of those friendships are ongoing and are some of my most cherished.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
I wish I had known the importance of work-life balance during my studies. It's crucial to manage stress and prioritize well-being. 

Also – and this is far less important, but could have helped me if I’d done it earlier – if people are being loud or obnoxious in the library while you’re trying to study, don’t be afraid to approach them and ask them to quiet down. 

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
My biggest influence is a friend and mentor who encouraged me to step out on my own. He is a colleague in the same field, and guided me through the early stages of my career, inspiring me to pursue my own path.

10. What advice would you give your younger self?
Stay confident, and always keep learning. Your time in school will seem daunting at first, but you’ll look back and it will be blip. Enjoy it.

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
During my time at ARU, my wife and I filmed an episode of an American TV show, called House Hunters International. Our episode centred around our move from New York to Britain and our search for an apartment that worked for both of us. The episode is titled House Hunters International: Commuting Conundrum in London, and part of the episode was shot on campus at ARU!

12. What’s next?
Continuing to grow and expand Badger Law Group while maintaining a healthy work-life balance and spending quality time with my family. I’m looking forward to returning to ARU sometime soon – this time with my family in tow, to show them where I got my educational start.