An externship with the Spencer Museum of Art allowed Almirudis to connect her undergraduate background with her legal goals.

Maria Almirudis spends much of her time outside of class at the Spencer Museum of Art. Unlike most of its visitors, the second-year law student isn't there to view the museum's vast collection of art but instead to review contracts, create loan addenda and write legal memoranda. 

Almirudis was a legal intern for KU’s Office of the General Counsel through the University of Kansas School of Law's Field Placement Program. She chose to work with one of their clients, the Spencer Museum of Art, because of her background in art history and desire to reconnect with the field while in law school.

“I believe the Field Placement Program is an extremely rewarding experience,” Almirudis said. “You gain valuable, hands-on experience working with attorneys in a relatively low-stakes environment.”

Almirudis shared her experience with the Field Placement Program for a Q&A. 

Why did you choose to do a field placement while in law school, and why did you choose this one specifically?

I wanted the chance to experience different types of legal work. As a first-generation law student, I honestly do not know what I want to practice or what the breadth of legal practice looks like. Over the summer, I clerked for a federal judge, which allowed me to learn about litigation. Through my internship with the Spencer Art Museum, I have had the opportunity to experience transactional law. 

I chose the legal internship with KU’s Office of the General Counsel and the Spencer Museum of Art because I was a history of art minor in undergrad at KU. I loved my time in the history of art department and was looking for a way to reconnect with a field I enjoyed.

What type of work did you do through your field placement, and what was your official title?

In this field placement, I do a variety of things. I am responsible for meeting with museum staff, reviewing contracts, creating loan addenda and writing legal memoranda. The bulk of my work involves revising contracts and balancing the interests of the museum with the protection of the university.

My official title is legal extern. I am technically the legal intern for KU’s Office of the General Counsel, but I work directly with their client, the Spencer Art Museum. Ultimately, I work under the supervision of the General Counsel, advising the Spencer Art Museum with their approval.

Are there skills you developed or improved while working with the Spencer Art Museum?

I believe I have improved my client communication skills. This position requires me to talk with people and understand how best to serve their interests. I have learned how to ask the right questions and how to push back when a client's request is unrealistic.

Another skill I have improved is my contract drafting and editing. I worked in a strictly litigation-based position over the summer, so my understanding of contracts was largely academic, as in I knew what should be in a contract but had little practical experience. This position has allowed me to learn how to draft contracts and correct ones that are insufficient.

How do you think this experience will impact the rest of your time in law school or the start of your career?

The experience I have gained through my field placement will positively impact both my future career and the remainder of my time in law school. Learning tangible skills such as drafting and editing contracts, creating loan addenda and researching legal-adjacent questions has been extremely valuable. I have had the opportunity to develop these skills in a supportive environment where everyone is committed to my success.

Experiencing a workplace that teaches you how to be a lawyer without the stress of actually being one can only have a positive impact on my future. I am reinforcing the skills taught by my professors while developing new knowledge that can be applied both in and out of class. My future and the rest of my time in law school feel less daunting because of the skills I have gained through this field placement.

What has been your favorite part of working with the Field Placement Program?

My favorite part has been the one-on-one mentorship I have received from KU’s General Counsel. It is rare, both in and out of law school, to have a senior attorney review your work product and provide individualized feedback. I have greatly appreciated the time KU’s General Counsel takes to review my work, offer feedback and explain whether my approach was correct or needs improvement.

Another aspect I have loved is how the Spencer Art Museum has welcomed me into its community. They have given me opportunities to work on various art projects outside of my internship so that I can engage with graduate students. There is always an open invitation to join staff activities, and I deeply appreciate their kindness and willingness to integrate me into the museum’s culture.

What would you say to law students considering enrolling in the Field Placement Program?

I believe the Field Placement Program is an extremely rewarding experience. You gain valuable, hands-on experience working with attorneys in a relatively low-stakes environment. One thing I did not realize was how much time the field placement would take. If I did not love my position and the experience I’m gaining, it could have been difficult to balance with my coursework. The best thing you can do for yourself is to find a field placement that excites you and ensures the time you invest will be meaningful and fruitful.