As I approach graduation, I’ve been reflecting on what truly shaped my law school experience. While the coursework was important, the moments that had the greatest impact on my growth as a future lawyer happened outside the classroom. Looking back, a few experiences stand out as especially formative for my practical skills, confidence and professional relationships. Here are my top five experiences at KU Law that I would recommend to any student hoping to make the most of their three years. 

1. Mock Trial

KU Law’s Mock Trial program is rapidly emerging as a national contender. Under the leadership of accomplished litigators Meredith Schnug and Adam Sokoloff, the program offers exceptional coaching and hands-on advocacy training. For students interested in litigation, Mock Trial is the most valuable opportunity law school has to offer. Preparing witnesses, crafting arguments and thinking on your feet in a courtroom setting develop skills that cannot be learned from casebooks alone. Even for those who do not plan to litigate, the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively under pressure is invaluable across all areas of practice. As an added benefit, the program also created memorable opportunities to travel for competitions, which provided weekends spent visiting new cities, working closely with peers and building lasting friendships along the way. 

2. Project For Innocence

The Project for Innocence Clinic offered meaningful exposure to the stakes of legal practice. Contributing to cases involving real clients underscored the responsibility that comes with the profession. The work demanded careful research, attention to detail and empathy, which are essential skills in any practice area. Weekly meetings with a designated professor and mentor provided practical guidance on how to approach cases, refine strategy and think critically about next steps. Visiting clients in prison and advocating on their behalf demonstrated how legal assistance can directly impact lives and reinforced why I came to law school in the first place. 

3. Student Events 

Attending events like Pub Night, Law Prom and lunch-hour speakers may seem secondary to academics, but they play a meaningful role in shaping the law school experience. Club meetings, networking events and school-sponsored socials helped me connect with classmates, build community in Lawrence and practice engaging professionally in relaxed settings. These moments not only made law school more enjoyable but also laid the foundation for lasting professional and personal relationships. 

4. Meaningful Internships 

I was fortunate to have several meaningful internships throughout law school, including some that were unpaid. When choosing where to apply, I would encourage students to prioritize positions that align with their interests and offer genuine mentorship, rather than focusing solely on prestige. The most valuable internships provide substantive work, thoughtful feedback and opportunities to develop practical skills. 

I have long been interested in public interest and municipal law, and my internships reflected those goals. My work with the Missouri State Public Defender, Kansas Legal Services, the KU Medical-Legal Partnership and the Kansas Office of the Revisor of Statutes was instrumental in shaping my professional interests and strengthening my legal abilities. Each position offered hands-on experience and mentorship that made me excited to go to work every day. 

For students concerned about the financial feasibility of unpaid or low-paid positions, the Career Services Office offers stipends that make public interest work more accessible. I was fortunate to receive these stipends twice during law school, and that support made a significant difference in my ability to pursue the opportunities I valued most. 

5. Professor and Faculty Relationships 

Finally, one of the most important aspects of my time at KU Law was building relationships with professors, career services staff and mentors across the school. Taking the initiative to engage outside the classroom and seek guidance opened doors I didn’t know existed. Their advice, encouragement and willingness to advocate on my behalf made a meaningful difference in my confidence and career trajectory. 

Ultimately, the experiences that defined my time at KU Law were those that pushed me beyond the classroom. For students just starting, getting involved early, seeking out mentorship and saying yes to new opportunities can make all the difference in building a meaningful and rewarding law school experience. 

– Logan Brtek is a 3L KU Law Student Ambassador from Norfolk, Nebraska