From KU Law to Global Leader
Alumni Profile: Nate Muyskens, L’95
A prominent figure in the legal world, Nate Muyskens, L’95, has forged an impressive career trajectory that exemplifies the excellence and versatility instilled by his alma mater. Tracing his journey from Lawrence to the global stage of white-collar law, Muyskens shared insights on the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
Originally from New York City, Muyskens found his way to KU Law following his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia. Familial ties to the university steered him towards Lawrence where he soon discovered the myriad of opportunities that awaited him at KU Law.
A transformative summer internship at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. ignited his passion for legal work, despite never harboring childhood ambitions of becoming a lawyer. No one in his family had ever gone to law school. Immersed in the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice, Muyskens found his niche, eventually transitioning to become a federal prosecutor.
Muyskens credits his experiences at KU Law for shaping his career aspirations. Particularly influential was his time under the mentorship of esteemed professors such as Roscoe Howard, Sid Shapiro and David Gottlieb. He fondly remembers the profound lessons imparted by both Gottlieb and Howard on the importance of upholding justice and protecting individuals' rights within the judicial system.
“As a federal prosecutor, you have this incredible honor and duty to serve our country and your job isn't to put people in jail. Your job is to make sure justice is served,” said Muyskens. “That's something that was definitely instilled by David and Roscoe. I still have great memories of talking to them about issues of law enforcement and constitutional rights.”
Following his graduation, Muyskens embarked on a remarkable career path with notable roles as counsel for Sen. Dole and serving in the Independent Counsel's Office. These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of high-profile prosecutions and the inner workings of government.
“One of the most interesting prosecutorial jobs I had for the government was working with former KU Professor Roscoe Howard. He brought me in to work for the Independent Counsel's Office where we were going after high-ranking government officials who were also household names,” said Muyskens. “Roscoe gave me the opportunity to be part of some of the highest profile public corruption cases over the past 50 years. He certainly believed that ‘if you want to be the best, you’ve got to take on the best,’ and that mindset has stuck with me over my career.”
Working alongside luminaries like Howard, Muyskens honed his skills in high-stakes litigation, prosecuting cases against influential figures with unwavering determination. His tenure under Sen. Dole further enriched his understanding of leadership and the importance of fostering respectful discourse amidst differing opinions.
“Working for the government and doing work on behalf of the United States of America is by far the greatest honor in the legal profession,” said Muyskens.
Currently serving as the global co-chair of Greenberg Traurig's white-collar and special investigations practice, Muyskens leads a team of legal professionals renowned for their excellence. His team includes seven former United States Attorneys. With so many people who are not only brilliant, but also incredibly competitive and at the top of their game, it could easily take some effort to get everyone to buy in and play together well. However, with a focus on teamwork and a total commitment to being the best, Muyskens and the GT team thrive in the collaborative environment fostered by his firm and have become one of the leading global “go-to” white collar defense practices.
He still relishes the exhilaration of trial work noting that there is nothing better than being in the proverbial foxhole during a trial. Despite his illustrious career, Muyskens remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and teamwork in the legal profession.
“When we are in trial, your title doesn't matter. I get just as much say as a paralegal or first year associate,” said Muyskens. “When you're trying a case in front 12 people, I might look at something very differently because of my background and my upbringing than somebody who had a very different background. Having divergent views and encouraging the sharing of these views is critical in creating a best-in-class trial practice and these concepts and this philosophy is what KU is all about as well.”
Muyskens credits KU Law for imparting invaluable lessons and fostering a sense of community that continues to resonate with him, emphasizing the enduring impact of the friendships forged at KU Law. Muyskens concluded by saying “Nobody has had a more profound impact on my career than professors like Roscoe Howard and without KU and the individual interest the faculty took even after leaving Green Hall, I certainly would not be where I am today.”
His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of a KU Law education and the unwavering spirit of Jayhawk alumni worldwide.
This article appeared in print in the 2023 KU Law Magazine.