Pioneering Pathways in International Law

Alumni Profile: Josh DeMoss, L’17

From the bustling classrooms of Green Hall to the corridors of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Josh DeMoss stands as a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose. His remarkable journey to the forefront of global diplomacy exemplifies KU Law’s commitment to nurturing global leaders and illuminates the boundless opportunities that await those with a fervent dedication to international law.
    
DeMoss's interest in law was ignited by encounters with attorneys during his undergraduate studies abroad. Enrolling at KU Law, DeMoss charted a path focused on the dynamic landscape of international trade law inspired by his law courses with Professors Raj Bhala and John Head while pursuing a dual degree in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies.
    
“I had always been generally interested in the legal profession and knew the skills would be beneficial to me and my career,” said DeMoss. “Once I learned I could combine my international interests with the legal field I knew it was the career I wanted to pursue.”
    
Currently serving as a Foreign Service Officer at the USDA, DeMoss is entrusted with safeguarding and advancing American agricultural interests on the global stage. His role encompasses a diverse array of responsibilities such as negotiating trade agreements, liaising with foreign governments and international entities, disseminating research and reports and managing crises related to agriculture such as climate change and food security.
    
For DeMoss, the most rewarding aspect of his vocation lies in the fusion of personal fulfillment and professional contribution. Assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, DeMoss will move to China later this year. Immersed in the pursuit of mastering Mandarin—a language pivotal to his diplomatic endeavors— he finds profound gratification in advocating for America’s farmers and ranchers abroad.
    
“I find it very rewarding to tell folks I grew up with that I am promoting their products overseas, whether it’s Kansas wheat, Texas beef, Florida oranges or Kentucky Bourbon,” said DeMoss.
    
He credits a series of transformative experiences that helped shape the evolution of his career. As a research assistant for Professor Bhala, a law clerk for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and an intern for the International Trade Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, all before his third year of law school, each opportunity honed his skills and broadened his horizons. He then took that experience to Washington, D.C., participating in KU Law’s Sixth Semester in D.C. program where he worked on international trade law issues. Receiving the competitive and prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship in 2018 is a particular highlight for DeMoss.
    
“One of my favorite memories is representing the United States at a World Trade Organization panel in Geneva with colleagues from various branches of federal government,” said DeMoss. “I felt a great sense of pride to represent our nation’s interests in that venue after only learning about it at KU Law a few years prior.”
    
The fellowship opened doors to new opportunities including a position at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration conducting anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations.
    
“While in that position, I learned that the Foreign Agricultural Service existed, where I could combine my interests in diplomacy, trade and work that directly impacts my family and friends’ livelihoods,” said DeMoss.
    
As he prepares to embark on his next chapter in China, DeMoss serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream beyond borders. His invaluable advice to aspiring legal minds eager to explore the realm of international law is to seize every opportunity for experiential learning and interdisciplinary exploration. Emphasizing creativity and adaptability, he underscores the importance of nurturing foreign language proficiency and embracing dual degree programs to unlock a world of possibilities.

This article appeared in print in the 2023 KU Law Magazine.