About Me
Name
Alex Louter
Prior Education
University of KwaZulu-Natal (LLB, 2024).
Before Ann Arbor
I lived in Durban, South Africa. My neighbourhood borders the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve which meant that zebra, buck, and vervet monkeys were common sightings.
Before My LLM Year
After high school, I spent a year in the Netherlands working as an au pair. During the course of my bachelor of laws, I moved to eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), continuing to study remotely while I worked as a volunteer at a home for girls who had survived human trafficking. This fuelled my desire to fight for justice and work to alleviate the scourge of human trafficking across Southern Africa and beyond.
Upon completion of my LLB, I began articles of clerkship at a corporate commercial law firm.
My Time at Michigan Law
Why I Chose Michigan Law
Michigan Law has strong ties with the South African judiciary, with numerous externship programs and clerkships. Michigan Law has professors from practice who are highly regarded in my field of interest. Additionally, the Law School has a very welcoming community with amazing support from faculty and staff and great cohorts of students.
What Makes Michigan Law Special
The accessibility of esteemed professors who welcome students in the lecture halls, office hours, and in their homes during mini-seminars. The students here also make the Law School special. They are incredibly inspiring in the dedication they have to their studies, and they create a warm, collegial environment.
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
I was surprised by the weather. We were greeted with very hot weather in early fall and then very cold winters. The snow seemed to keep coming, which, as my friend says, made it feel like we were living in a snowglobe. It has been great experiencing such diverse seasons, and we are now enjoying spring with beautiful tulips and daffodils all around campus.
What the “Michigan Difference” Means to Me
To me, the “Michigan Difference” is all about the people. Ann Arbor is such a friendly community.
The Most Difficult Thing About the LLM Year
The most difficult thing is to not get caught up in the stress of lengthy readings and exams. Take one day at a time, and remember to have fun!
Biggest Hesitation About the LLM Year
My biggest hesitation was moving to a new town and not knowing anybody there, but this turned out to be the most exciting part!
Favorite Study Spot
I love trying new study spots—from a cubicle in the international students’ office to Ondo Cafe, to the Michigan Christian Study Center, the Law School’s Reading Room and the Ross Business School. My favourite is having a picnic in the Law Quad and studying outdoors in the fall or spring!
The Best Things About Ann Arbor
The squirrels!
Extracurricular Activities
Christian Legal Society, Michigan Texas Club, International Law Society, Business Law Association, Michigan Law Pro Bono Program, and LAWBreaks.
Fun Stuff
When I’m Not Studying
I love being outdoors: playing pickleball with friends, kayaking in the Huron River, hiking to the Arboretum, and sledding in the winter season.
My Favorite Way to De-stress
I love going to the gym and shooting hoops. Also, going for a walk with friends to grab ice cream is a great way to take some time off! On Wednesday evenings, I enjoyed worship nights with friends from church.
Favorite Musical Artist
Lately, I’ve been listening to Phil Wickham, Tauren Wells, and Jamie MacDonald after going to their Song of the Saints concert in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Favorite Beverage
Anything fruity! Passion fruit, pineapple, strawberry, and watermelon are some of my favorite flavors.
Favorite Food From Home
A lekker braai.
Favorite Food in the United States
The fun ice cream flavors!
Favorite Item at the Kirkland & Ellis Cafe
Decaf caramel iced latte.