Adam Carlson’s story starts in Baldwin City, Kansas, a close-knit town of about 4,000 people, nestled an hour west of Kansas City. Growing up there, Adam dreamt big, and when the opportunity to attend Morningside College came his way, he embraced it. Fast forward to today, and Adam is an accomplished attorney specializing in real estate and corporate law at Crary Huff Law Firm in Sioux City, Iowa. His path from small-town beginnings to professional success is one shaped by hard work, ambition, and a deep appreciation for the experiences that shaped him along the way.

The connection to Morningside began with baseball. A talented athlete, Adam was recruited to play for the school and visited campus after hearing about it from older students at his high school who had chosen Morningside for their athletic pursuits. Once on campus, he was captivated. “I really enjoyed my visit,” Adam recalls. The sense of community, combined with a strong academic reputation, made Morningside an easy choice.

During his four years on campus, Adam pursued a double major in Political Science and General Business, with a minor in Legal Studies. His rigorous academics were complemented by his participation in Morningside’s baseball team, where he played for three years. But his college life involved more than just sports. Adam also became a research fellow for the Colonel Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement, where he contributed to a political survey project that gave him hands-on experience with research and analysis.

His time at Morningside was filled with lessons and memories, whether it was collaborating with teammates on the baseball field or working closely with professors like Dr. Valerie Hennings. “Writing was such a big part of my Political Science courses,” he says. “And being a proficient writer is critical in law school and as an attorney.” This foundation prepared him well for the challenges that lay ahead.

After graduating in 2021, Adam returned to Kansas to attend the University of Kansas School of Law. However, Sioux City was never far from his mind. During his senior year at Morningside, Adam interned at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa and worked as a runner at Crary Huff Law Firm. These experiences sparked his interest in the kind of close-knit professional environment Sioux City could offer.

While in law school, Adam stayed connected with Crary Huff, completing both of his summer associate internships with the firm. When offered a full-time position post-graduation, he didn’t hesitate to accept. Sioux City had become more than a college town for Adam; it was a place he was proud to call home. “I’ve always enjoyed the community here and the size of Sioux City,” he says. “It felt like the right fit.”

Now at Crary Huff, Adam works as a transactional attorney, focusing on real estate and corporate law. Unlike litigators, Adam’s work doesn’t involve courtrooms; instead, he emphasizes creating solutions through contracts and agreements.

Reflecting on his educational and professional path, Adam offers practical advice to current Morningside students considering law school. “There’s no specific major that best prepares you,” he says. The important thing, he explains, is studying something you’re passionate about and honing strong writing skills. For those unsure about the field, Adam recommends shadowing attorneys to better understand what the practice of law is like, as law school itself is an entirely different experience from the day-to-day work of a lawyer.

Adam also stresses perseverance. “Law school is challenging,” he admits, “and if you don’t particularly enjoy it, it doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy being an attorney. They’re two very different things.”

Adam’s connection to Sioux City goes beyond his work. He and his wife have enjoyed exploring the area’s many local spots. Among their favorite places are Crave, a restaurant that’s become a go-to for date nights, and The Cow, which serves up comfort food downtown. Adam also has a soft spot for Chinese cuisine and appreciates the rich history in town. When the couple recently visited the Sioux City Public Museum and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, they came away with a deeper appreciation for their adopted home.

Looking back, Adam Carlson’s path from Baldwin City to Sioux City represents not only professional achievement but also a profound connection to community. His time at Morningside provided the foundation for his success in law and beyond. Now, as he builds his life and career in Sioux City, Adam exemplifies the values of hard work, curiosity, and the importance of fostering strong relationships. For future Morningside students, his story is proof that where you start is just the beginning.