About Me
Name
Ross Franke
Prior Education
University of Auckland (LLB (Hons) and BA, 2019)
Before Ann Arbor
I lived in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa / Auckland, New Zealand.
Before My LLM Year
I worked as a litigator at Te Tari Whakatau Take Tika Tangata / The Office of Human Rights Proceedings, representing vulnerable people who had experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, and racial harassment by government entities, companies, and private citizens.
My Time at Michigan Law
Why I Chose Michigan Law
Michigan Law is an exceptional school whose faculty are global leaders in human rights and international law. As a result, it was the perfect place to deepen my understanding of the domestic and geopolitical forces that impede the realization of rights—and possible tactics to overcome them.
In addition, I was drawn to the LLM cohort’s small size as I wanted to build meaningful relationships with professors and fellow master’s students.
My Favorite Class
Comparative Human Rights Law with Professor McCrudden.
What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law
How plugged-in the school is. I’d expected strong academics, but the reach into international bodies, regional and apex courts, and public interest organisations is on another level, opening doors to experiential learning both during and after the LLM.
What the “Michigan Difference” Means to Me
Kindness and generosity. From before I applied and throughout my time here, I’ve felt supported: by alumni; by the Center for International and Comparative Law (CICL); by JDs; and by SJDs, many of whom are former LLMs. Their insights and encouragement helped me settle in and feel a sense of belonging, despite being more than 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometers) from home.
My Favorite Memory from my LLM Year
Competing in Mr. Wolverine (the Latinx Law Students Association’s annual masc-presenting beauty pageant)!
The Most Difficult Thing About the LLM Year
Being so far from my family. Oh, and converting Fahrenheit to Celsius.
The Best Things About Ann Arbor
College sports! The atmosphere is electric, like nothing I’d experienced before. Go (and I say this with my chest) Blue!
Extracurricular Activities
Michigan Journal of International Law, International Law Society, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at Michigan Law
Fun Stuff
When I’m Not Studying
I’m FaceTiming my cat, Bernie, and getting FOMO watching clips of my brother-in-law’s drag shows (@necromantique).
My Favorite Way to De-stress
Going for a stroll, making a cup of tea, and chatting with my flatmates.
Favorite TV Show
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Favorite Musical Artist
Like picking your favourite child (so I’ve heard): Frank Ocean, SZA, and The Beths—a fantastic band from my city, check them out!
Favorite Beverage
English breakfast tea with a dash of milk.
Favorite Food From Home
Steak, cheese, and jalapeño pie (shout out to Oxford Bakery in Tīrau).
Favorite Food in the United States
Takis (“fuego” flavour, of course). And the jerk chicken pasta at Jamaican Jerk Pit.
Favorite Person at the Kirkland & Ellis Cafe
Logan, the rare kind of American who knows what a “flat white” is.