Judicial Field Placement Program
Overview
In the Judicial Field Placement Program, students serve as interns with federal and state judges.
Under the supervision of a judge, law clerk, or staff attorney, interns perform research, draft documents and observe courtroom proceedings to expand their knowledge of how our court systems operate.
Judicial Field Placement Program Resources
Students are eligible to participate in the Judicial Field Placement after successfully completing their first year of law school. Students can participate during the fall, spring, or summer semesters for 3 to 6 credit hours.
More information for students about the Judicial Field Placement Program (.pdf)
Judicial Field Placement Program Application - Summer (.pdf)
Judicial Field Placement Program Application - Fall Spring (.pdf)
Glenn Jewell is the director of bar preparation and the director of the Field Placement Program, including the 6th Semester in D.C. Program, at KU Law. He also teaches the Extended Bar Preparation and Employment Law classes at the law school. Prior to joining the law school, Jewell was in private practice on Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, focusing primarily on employment law, civil litigation, and general corporate matters. He also practiced employment law in Kansas City for four years.
Student Testimonial: 'My experience will undoubtedly have a huge impact on my future'
Dylan Dupre, L'24
Dylan Dupre worked with Hon. Stephanie Mitchell Huff, L’06 of the 291st Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas during the 2022 summer through the Judicial Field Placement. Dupre shared his experience with the Judicial Field Placement for a Q&A.
Are there specific skills you have developed or improved working through this experience?
Since I began my internship with Judge Huff, my legal research and writing skills have increased substantially. While these skills were initially developed during my first year of law school, utilizing them on a daily basis has taken these skills to the next level.
How do you think this experience will impact the rest of your time in law school or the start of your career?
My experience as a judicial intern will undoubtedly have a huge impact on my future. I believe that the knowledge and skills that I have gained from this experience will have a direct correlation with my legal studies. In addition to this, I believe that receiving valuable hands-on experience and gaining a large network with several attorneys will greatly assist me in establishing my future legal career.
What has been your favorite part of working with this field placement?
Getting insight into the court’s rulings has been my favorite part of this field placement. Judge Huff regularly detailed to me what goes through her mind as she comes to a decision. Learning what information a judge will value most in a proceeding was my internship’s most valuable and enjoyable aspect.
What would you say to law students considering enrolling in this field placement?
Do it! Spending your summer working in a judge’s chambers is an amazing opportunity that should be high on your list for summer positions. Not only is it a great way to gain real-world experience and boost your resume, but you also gain credit hours for your work. Participating in the Judicial Field Placement Program is a great way to spend your summer in-between semesters.
Questions?
Glenn Jewell
Director, Field Placement Program
gjewell@ku.edu