Haakan Thorsgard and Alexander Hook just missed working together at the BBER. Alexander was a BBER student from 2017 to 2019 and Haakan from 2020 to 2021. The two never met at UMD but stumbled onto a chance connection at the University of Iowa College of Law. We reached out to them to ask about their law school experience and future plans and to reflect on their time at the BBER. Here’s what they had to say.
What was your first thought when you realized that there was another former Bulldog (and BBER alum) in your program?
Thorsgard: When I first saw Alexander, his Duluth Pack backpack was a quick indicator that he probably went to school in Duluth. It took all of two minutes to discover our very similar academic journeys. From there, it was easy to connect over our shared love for Bulldogs hockey, the North Shore, the BBER, Spotted Cow, and anything else Duluth.
Hook: I was excited to meet Haakan when I found out another UMD and BBER alum was in the class. I was excited to see, but not surprised, how quickly we became friends. Although we had never met at UMD, our similar experiences of major, extracurriculars, job, and experiences meant we immediately had a lot in common.
How was year one of law school, and what are you most excited about for your second year?
Thorsgard: Year one of law school was very different from undergrad. The Socratic method and having all your grades based on a single final exam made school more stressful because you didn't have comprehension checks throughout the semester. But, because you go to a single building with other law students, you build a tight community very quickly with lots of people who support you.
Hook: I really enjoyed my first year. There was a lot of initial adjustment and learning the ropes during the first semester, but everyone seems to have settled in now. There is a common saying “first year you are scared to death, second year you are worked to death, and third year you are bored to death.” This second year is going to be very busy, but I am excited to take on new responsibilities. In addition to coursework, I am doing journal writing (student writer for the Journal of Corporation Law) and an appellate advocacy class. I am going to write my journal note on the FTC and the recent desire to crack down on junk fees and drip pricing, looking at the legal and economic implications of regulating this behavior, which I am very excited for.
How did your experience at the BBER prepare you for your current program?
Thorsgard: Working as an undergraduate research assistant with the BBER gave me a lot of exposure to what it looks like to manage school and work, as well as understanding that any topic can be fun to learn about. Working at the BBER was also hugely beneficial in being able to connect concepts to real world situations. This was a skill that was easily shifted to law with my work as a legal research assistant.
Hook: The best thing that the BBER provided (from a law school prospective) was the ability to get experience writing/editing reports. Law school at the end of the day is all about writing. Economic and legal writing are quite similar even though that is not apparently obvious. They both follow the logical flow of stating your idea, providing evidence (either legal or mathematical/theoretical), coming to a conclusion, and providing advice on how to move forward.
What are your plans after law school?
Thorsgard: Thorsgard & Hook has a nice ring to it. I could even get behind Hook & Thorsgard, but that's yet to be seen.
Hook: I plan to stay in the Midwest and likely work as a clerk or in business law or litigation. Iowa sends students across the Midwest to great positions, and as my wife is currently in the grad school application process, the flexibility to work all over the region will be very valuable.
What do you miss most about Duluth?
Thorsgard: Hockey (of course), trips to the North Shore, the Anchor, and LSBE classrooms that have windows. I do not miss the icy hills in wintertime but did miss the snow last winter.
Hook: So much! A brief but incomplete list would include Bulldogs hockey, hiking trails, cold fall days on Lake Superior, the food, the weather, the North Shore, and men’s league soccer. I would love to move back someday.
Who’s the better hockey player?
Thorsgard: I am from Minnesota, and Alexander is from Fargo, so I cannot concede that title willingly.
Hook: I’d be willing to concede the hockey award to Haakan if he concedes the golfing award to me!