Alexey Tarasov’s journey to the United States and his becoming an attorney began when he was just nine years old, arriving as part of a youth exchange delegation. His first experience in this country was quite memorable – he got lost. While traveling from Chicago to Missouri, their bus stopped near a McDonald’s. Tarasov, being the youngest and somewhat isolated in the group, found himself seated alone at a table in the restaurant. After finishing his meal, he discovered that his group had left without him. Alone and knowing only the phrase “I am from Russia” in English, he was understandably distressed.
However, a waitress at the restaurant noticed the lone boy and brought him back inside, calling a policeman for help. Local television crews quickly arrived, intrigued by the incident. Fortunately, the bus driver, realizing the absence of their youngest passenger, returned to pick up Alexey. The next day, local media celebrated him as a news hero.
During that year, Alexey spent three months in a small town in Missouri, living with an American family. This immersive experience allowed him to communicate constantly with English-speaking children, and by the end of his stay, he had achieved fluency in English. The following year, he returned to the U.S. for a summer vacation in Arkansas, where he stayed with a religious family. This experience provided him with a deeper understanding of American life, despite the cultural differences.
In 1999, the Tarasov family moved to the U.S. permanently. Alexey recalls, “My parents weren’t initially planning to leave. They had stable, prestigious jobs in the regional media system back home. We traveled a lot, visiting countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In many ways, our life was as good as, if not better than that of many others. However, the 1998 financial default hit us hard. It wasn’t as much a financial blow, but a psychological one.”
At the age of 13, Alexey embarked on his educational journey in the United States by enrolling in the 8th grade at the prestigious Thomas Jefferson private school. This institution was chosen due to its recognition by News Week magazine as one of the top private schools in the country. Under the leadership of headmaster Leonard Kupersmith, a respected teacher and expert in English literature, the school in Missouri offered exceptional training across various disciplines, including ancient literature, European history, physics, and advanced mathematics.
Driven and curious, Alexey excelled academically. He devoted himself to studying the French language rigorously, and his efforts paid off. In his final three years of school, he spoke exclusively in French with his American friends and delved into classic French literature in its original language.
In 2004, Alexey graduated from high school as a straight-A student. His exemplary academic record and a National Merit Scholarship gave him the freedom to choose any university for further education. Initially inclined towards nuclear physics, he eventually shifted his focus to the humanities after discussions with his parents. He chose the University of Oklahoma, renowned for its in-depth political science program. The university, led by President David Boren, a former governor and senator, had significantly elevated its educational standing, especially with the introduction of advanced political science studies for high-achieving students.
While at university, Alexey continued his studies in French and higher mathematics. When questioned about his interest in mathematics, he confidently expressed the importance of mathematical knowledge for a political scientist. He believed that understanding mathematical concepts is crucial for predicting future human prospects. His dedication and hard work culminated in earning a bachelor’s degree in political science summa cum laude from the University of Oklahoma in just three years.
From an early age, Alexey Tarasov made significant contributions to the Russian-speaking community in the United States. By the age of 16, he was actively involved in publishing the “The Russian America” newspaper. His role expanded in 2004 when he became a key figure in the “Russian-American Business” magazine, a publication aimed at the American business and political elite. In this role, Alexey wrote political and economic reviews, focusing on the state of industrial growth in the U.S., Russia, and other countries. He was also responsible for liaising with leading American politicians, which led to frequent travels to Washington, D.C.
During these trips, Alexey conducted interviews with prominent figures such as Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Senator Ted Stevens, and the then-President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, during his official visit to the U.S. He received accreditation to visit the White House, allowing him to attend numerous press conferences by the President or the press secretary. Additionally, he was in contact with the Director of Russian Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Mr. Ian Kelly.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2007, Alexey did not stop his academic pursuits. He enrolled at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, studying international law and international business transactions, particularly in the oil and gas sector. In 2010, Alexey successfully defended his thesis paper on international energy law, focusing on the construction of Russian gas pipelines in Europe. His research was recognized with a first-place prize in a competition organized by the International Association of Petroleum Negotiators in Houston. He presented his paper at conferences in Croatia and Qatar, where his work attracted the attention of the chief lawyer of the British Gas company.
In addition to his legal studies, Alexey played a role in exchanges between judicial officials in the United States and Russia. He participated in the visits of Russian judicial representatives to Oklahoma, including the Member of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation Yuri Sidorenko, and the Chairman of the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation Anton Ivanov. His efforts in this area further demonstrate his commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
Alexey Tarasov, whose acquaintance I’ve had for some time, revealed many intriguing aspects of his biography during our recent conversation. Notably, since 2005, he has been actively involved with the Global Fusion of Oklahoma organization. This group is dedicated to promoting Oklahoma’s projects internationally. His role included facilitating the reception in Oklahoma of ambassadors from various countries, including Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda was a guest of Global Fusion of Oklahoma twice.
In 2007, Alexey played a pivotal role in organizing a significant trade and economic conference in Oklahoma to celebrate the state’s centennial. The event was a grand success, attracting over 400 foreign representatives, including politicians, diplomats, and business leaders. He guided many delegations, showcasing Oklahoma’s economic and cultural achievements and its growing influence in the United States. The success of this conference led to plans for an even larger conference in 2011, which Alexey is optimistic will be equally successful.
In 2008, Alexey was instrumental in organizing Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett’s trip to Moscow and Ulyanovsk, representing the Russian-American Business magazine and the sister cities organization. In 2010, he was recognized by the Russian Foreign Ministry for his historical research and was invited to Moscow and St. Petersburg to present at a conference commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. His presentation focused on Soviet industry during the Great Patriotic War. He also appeared on the Echo of Moscow radio station (Ekho Moskvy), where he discussed complex issues in Russian-American relations.
From the beginning of his law studies, Alexey developed a keen interest in the legal aspects of Alaska’s colonial past, specifically the legitimacy of land claims by Russian colonists. Collaborating with law school professor Lindsay Robertson, an advisor to the American mission to the UN on indigenous peoples, Alexey delved into a comprehensive study of historical documents, including the charter of the Russian-American Company.
Recalling my first encounter with Alexey Tarasov back in 2004 in Dallas, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impression he left. Fresh out of high school and visiting Dallas with his parents, Alexey’s brief meeting with me was marked by his sophisticated manner, insightful discussions about life in the U.S. and beyond, and his responses to my myriad questions. It was clear to me then that Alexey was a young man of exceptional intellect, destined for a remarkable future in America if he wisely navigated his potential opportunities. Since then, I’ve followed his academic journey with interest, celebrating his steady progress toward his goals.
Our recent meeting in March 2011 only reinforced my admiration. By his 25th birthday, Alexey had matured into a full-fledged adult, attaining a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and amassing substantial experience in journalism and political science. Our conversation, transcending the boundaries of a standard interview, was a sincere and in-depth exchange between colleagues.
Notably, Alexey achieved a significant milestone last year by passing the Texas state bar exam and being sworn in as a Texas attorney. He has opened his law office in Houston, catering to clients from various U.S. states. Alexey’s practice spans immigration law, contract law, family law, economic relations, and criminal cases, and he is keen to assist fellow compatriots with their legal needs.
Alexey’s journey thus far showcases his versatility and capability in multiple domains. With much of his life still ahead, the adage “great oaks from little acorns grow” aptly describes his potential for further accomplishments and contributions.
Source: Leonid Belyavsky, “The Russian America” newspaper, April 15, 2011.
