The Top Five places to cry at Green Hall

Law School is TOUGH. It can be overwhelming, exhausting, tiring, shattering and mind-boggling (Have I met my word requirement yet?). While we each have our own way of coping through this process, sometimes the answer is to cry. Crying will not suddenly solve all your problems, but it certainly does release some tasty endorphins.[1] Follow my friends and I on this journey as we discover the top five places to cry at Green Hall!

#5. In Your Car in The Central District Parking Garage[2]

This is a classic spot. The Central District Parking Garage provides an adequate distance from Green Hall and still provides the privacy of being in your own vehicle. Additionally, if you are craving a view, you can park on the top floor of the garage and get a good view of campus.

#4. Study Room 407

Student crying in Mary Ann Mize Dickinson Memorial Garden

Sometimes you need a planned cry. If that is the case, Room 407 is the room for you! Located on the fourth floor of the building, you are guaranteed to enjoy some peace and quiet around you. Additionally, you can book the room at the library front desk to guarantee your spot.

#3. Green Hall Garden

Located right outside of Green Hall, this small garden is the perfect area to be able to enjoy the outside weather while providing a little bit of privacy. With a few plants and the relaxing sound of running water, it is also a great place to eat lunch or answer phone calls.

#2. Wellness Room (212A)

Wow! What a room! The Wellness Room is equipped to provide students a small escape from the stress of law school. Equipped with a comfy couch, a small peaceful fountain, books, essential oils and a yoga ball chair, this room is ready for any emergency you may face.

#1. My SSP/CAPS

KU offers a wide variety of programs and resources concerning mental health that often go under-utilized. My SSP provides 24/7 real time confidential support from professional counselors at no cost to you via text or phone call. My SSP also provides articles, assessments and podcasts concerning mental health. My experience at KU Law has shown me that that they do truly care about the mental wellbeing of their students, and I hope to see more people utilize this resource.

[1] Fun Fact: endorphins do not have a taste.

[2] Please ensure you have the proper parking permit to be in this garage.

— By Anshul Banga, 2L from Atlanta and a KU Law Student Ambassador

Hands-on Learning Q&A: Alex Valin, Tribal Judicial Support Clinic

The Tribal Judicial Support Clinic provided Alex Valin hands-on experience working with a sovereign Native Nation. Valin was introduced to an expansive and complex legal field. The opportunity solidified her interest in the area of law and desire to integrate it into her legal studies and future career.

Alex Valin

In the Tribal Judicial Support Clinic at University of Kansas School of Law, students work on research projects for tribal courts. Past projects include tribal code development, legal research, drafting legal memoranda and drafting judicial orders. Clinic students have opportunities to meet with tribal attorneys and judges at tribal headquarters.

Valin shared her experience with the Tribal Judicial Support Clinic at KU Law for a Q&A.

Can you describe what kind of work did while in the program?

During my time, we worked with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (Mayetta Kansas) on procedural guidelines for their healing to wellness court, a culturally informed diversion program for qualifying drug offenses.

Were there any specific skills that you developed or improved through this decision?

I learned about how tribal communities are developing best practices to address substance abuse by bringing together community-healing resources with the tribal justice process. Healing to wellness court is informed by a deep commitment to and a strong vision for rehabilitating offenders in a restorative justice process.

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

The experience was just a small window into the expansive legal world of federal Indian law and tribal law and, for me, opened the door for a follow-up judicial field placement with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. My experience working for a Native Nation continues to inform my interest in other areas of the law, specifically energy and environmental law, by providing an additional lens and layer of nuance with which I approach legal questions.

What has been your favorite part of participating in the Tribal Judicial Support Clinic?

The best part of the clinic was the opportunity to gain practical field work experience with the support of colleagues and faculty in a collaborative environment.

What would you say to law students considering working in the Tribal Judicial Support Clinic?

I encourage anyone interested in learning about the third sovereign to join the Tribal Judicial Support Clinic and gain first-hand legal experience working in Indian country.

This post is the eighth in a series highlighting hands-on learning opportunities at KU Law. Read previous Q&A features to find out more about individual students’ experiences in KU Law’s hands-on learning activities.

—By Sarah Pickel

Hands-On Learning Q&A: Kat Girod, Moot Court

Kat Girod has tested her oral argument skills in competition at the Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition through the University of Kansas School of Law Moot Court program. She joined the program last spring and since then has developed her legal research and writing as well as oral argument skills. She plans to continue competing this year, as well as help with KU Law’s In-House Moot Court Competition this fall.

Kat Girod
Kat Girod

The program consistently ranks among the nation’s top 30. In 2022, KU Law’s Moot Court Program ranked 14th nationwide.

“Moot court allows me to do something I enjoy while sharpening skills I know I will use in practice,” Girod said.

Girod shared her experience with the Moot Court Program for a Q&A.

Can you generally describe moot court and what kind of work goes into it?

Moot Court simulates appellate-level advocacy. In the first stage, students write an argumentative brief advocating for one side of an issue. In the second stage, students present oral arguments. Most competitions require students to argue both sides of the issue at least once. Students face off against other teams in a bracket-style competition. To get ready for the competition, Moot Court teams practice oral arguments many, many times. Typically, teams serve as practice judges for each other. That way, everyone has a chance to practice in front of a “bench” of judges before the actual competition.

Are there specific skills you have developed or improved through this experience?

Through Moot Court, I improved my legal research, legal writing and oral argumentation skills. I also became more confident as an advocate through the experience. At the competition, practitioners, sitting judges, retired judges and law professors serve as the judges for the rounds of oral arguments. Standing up in front of them to deliver oral arguments was scary! But, after competing, I was proud of how we performed, thanks to the preparation my team and I did. 

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

Moot Court allows me to do something I enjoy while sharpening skills I know I will use in practice. 

What has been your favorite part of participating in Moot Court?

I love being part of the Moot Court community and am excited to continue to connect with other students in the program. Also, Professor Stephen Ware serves as our coach. It has been really fun and such a privilege to work so closely with a professor, especially in one of his areas of expertise! Professor Ware also arranged practices for our team with bankruptcy attorneys from his network. I was very grateful to meet and learn from his network of colleagues.

What would you say to law students considering joining Moot Court?

Moot Court requires a lot of time and effort, but the experience is well worth it.  You grow as a student, as an advocate, and as a member of a team. 

This post is the seventh in a series highlighting hands-on learning opportunities at KU Law. Stay tuned for more student experiences in clinics, field placements and experiential learning programs.

Read previous Q&A features with:

Peyton Weatherbie, Elder Law Field Placement Program

Lauren Stahl, Transactional Law Competition

Kristen Andrews, Field Placement Program

Joan Lee, Mock Trial

Richard Weber, Medical-Legal Partnership

Dylan Dupre, Judicial Field Placement

—By Sarah Pickel

KU Law graduates kickstart careers with clerkships

KU Law students have taken advantage of law school resources to find clerkships in federal or state courts

In recent years, KU Law students have landed clerkships all around the country. In the Class of 2021 alone, 15 of the 98 students secured a state, federal or tribal clerkship post-graduation.

A clerkship is a prestigious and challenging post-graduate opportunity for law students to develop a relationship with a judge and observe legal practice in action.

Emma Easom, L’21, did her clerkship under Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil in the New Mexico Supreme Court.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to actively effect change through my work, hone my research and writing skills, and promote equity through the law,” Easom said. “It has been a privilege to clerk for and be mentored by Justice Vigil. My clerkship has solidified my passion for advocacy and engaging with challenging legal questions.”

Emma Easom, right, with Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil
Emma Easom with Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil

Students interested in applying for clerkships in both federal and state courts can get help from the law school’s Career Services Office and Judicial Clerkship Committee. They provide outreach, information, and guidance to students to help them realize the chance to serve the public and the legal profession in this way.

“It’s a privilege to work with students interested in pursuing judicial clerkships at any level,” said Meredith Wiggins, assistant director of career services and judicial clerkships. “Clerking for a judge after graduation is an incredible opportunity and can provide a meaningful boost to future employment. We’re proud of the success our students have had regionally and nationally in securing clerkships.”

Zachary Kelsay, L’21, worked in the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court of West Virginia under Hon. Debra McLaughlin, L’93, for his clerkship.

“During my clerkship, I had the opportunity to help with several trials, one of which was televised on Court TV,” Kelsay said.

Zachary Kelsay with Hon. Debra McLaughlin, L'93
Zachary Kelsay with Hon. Debra McLaughlin, L’93
Blaine Smith
Blaine Smith

Blaine Smith, L’21, clerked for Hon. Lesley Isherwood in the Kansas Court of Appeals.

“My experience gave me substantive exposure to several areas of law that I previously had never thought about,” Smith said. “On any given day, I could be working on a criminal case, a family law matter, or an obscure jurisdictional issue. On top of that, I got a chance to hone my research and writing skills so I can be more efficient and effective in practice. Thanks to Judge Isherwood’s patience and generosity, I know that my clerkship experience will make me a better lawyer in the years to come.”

Jake Schmidt
Jake Schmidt

Jake Schmidt, L’21, works in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas with Chief Judge Eric Melgren for his clerkship. His clerkship is a two-year term.

“Clerking is one of the best experiences you can have right out of law school. Clerks gain a great mentor in their judge and have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of judicial decision-making very early in their career,” Schmidt said.

Kirstyn Dvorak
Kirstyn Dvorak

Kirstyn Dvorak, L’21, did her clerkship in the Kansas Court of Appeals with Hon. Stephen D. Hill.

“The opportunity to be mentored by Judge Hill is invaluable and something I will forever be grateful for,” Dvorak said. “It has been extremely rewarding to see how my research and writing skills have improved since starting my clerkship. I have learned many lessons about both appellate and trial court practice that will serve me well throughout my career.”

Terra Brockman, L’20, clerked in the 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri for Hon. Adam L. Caine.

“My clerkship provided me invaluable experience, allowing me to hone my research, writing and analytical skills. In addition to learning a tremendous amount from Judge Caine, I gained a mentor in the process,” Brockman said.

Terra Brockman, left, with Hon. Adam L. Caine.
Terra Brockman with Hon. Adam L. Caine.

The Career Services Office at KU Law has several resources available to help students land clerkships. The Judicial Clerkship Committee, made up of KU Law faculty and CSO staff, encourages students to start thinking about clerking. The committee reviews clerkship application materials, mails the applications, provides letters of recommendation and conducts clerkship mock interviews.

Thirteen graduates in the Class of 2021 secured full-time, long-term judicial clerkships, including two clerking with federal courts. KU Law is among the top quarter of law schools nationally for the percentage of graduates in clerkships. Two additional graduates completed short-term clerkships before moving on to positions with law firms.

— By Sarah Pickel

Hands-On Learning Q&A: Dylan Dupre, Judicial Field Placement Program

Summer internship directly correlates with legal studies and future career

Dylan Dupre
Dylan Dupre

Dylan Dupre worked with Hon. Stephanie Mitchell Huff, L’06 of the 291st Judicial District Court in Dallas County, Texas this past summer through the Judicial Field Placement. In this internship position, Dupre was able to sit in on several trials, plea hearings, judicial admonishments and bond hearings as well as improve upon his legal research and writing skills. He also worked with the state and defense on creating the jury charges issued to the jury during trial.

In the University of Kansas School of Law’s 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.

“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,” Dupre said.

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.

This post is the sixth in a series highlighting hands-on learning opportunities at KU Law. Stay tuned for more student experiences in clinics, field placements and experiential learning programs.

Read previous Q&A features with:

Peyton Weatherbie, Elder Law Field Placement Program

Lauren Stahl, Transactional Law Competition

Kristen Andrews, Field Placement Program

Joan Lee, Mock Trial

Richard Weber, Medical-Legal Partnership

—By Sarah Pickel

Hands-On Learning: Richard Weber, Medical-Legal Partnership Field Placement

Richard Weber

This past summer, Richard Weber participated in Medical Legal Aid at the University of Kansas Health System at KU Medical Center in Kansas City through the Field Placement Program. The experience gave him the opportunity to put what he learned in his first year at the University of Kansas School of Law into action with clients on several different types of legal issues including citizenship, housing, and employment discrimination.

The KU School of Law Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) is a collaboration between the KU School of Law and two health systems: The University of Kansas Health System at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, and LMH Health in Lawrence. Under the supervision of experienced MLP attorneys, students assist in providing free transactional legal assistance to low-income patients and their families.

“The Medical-Legal Partnership Field Placement allowed me to get out of the books and apply what I’ve learned to help real people in real situations. I was exposed to a variety of different legal areas and people, giving me a healthy dose of what I might expect upon graduation,” Weber said.

Weber shared his experience with the Change to Medical-Legal Partnership Field Placement for a Q&A.

Would you describe the type of work you did through the field placement?

What didn’t I do in this field placement? I talked to clients about legal issues they were facing, tried to suss out any potential problems or critical details, drafted petitions, proposed judgments, conducted research, and observed in court.

Are there specific skills you have developed or improved working through this experience?

You talk with potential clients every day, so whether you mean to or not, you learn how to interact with people who are going through some of the worst moments of their lives. I’ve always been decent at ‘customer service,’ but this experience sharpened my ability to not only listen and let others feel heard but not let the emotions of the situation cloud my judgment and job. There may be an urge to tell them, ‘everything will be fine’ or ‘we can help you with this’ but in reality, you need to be aware that might not be the case and learn how to navigate and set expectations.

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

This experience has stressed what a difference two letters at the end of my name can make (J.D.). There is a great opportunity to take that title and help navigate someone through what can be a painfully unfair, biased system. I should never take for granted what I’m learning and that I get the opportunity to practice law.

What has been your favorite part of working with this field placement?

Two things: The first was the first time I ever got to say, ‘Anything you say to me is covered under attorney-client confidentiality.’ It made the last year of exams worth it in one sentence. And second, my bosses. Lindsey Collins and Brook Nasseri are the best mentors/bosses a law student could ask for. They challenge you, but at the same time create a safe space where you’re able to learn from your mistakes. Their passion for their clients and work is infectious. They’re fantastic humans and more than worth the drive from Lawrence to KC five days a week.

What would you say to law students considering enrolling in this field placement?

You owe the highest duty and responsibilities to your clients. Your supervising attorneys have your back, but these are real stakes and start to let you experience the pressures and triumphs to come in your law career.

This post is the fifth in a series highlighting hands-on learning opportunities at KU Law. Stay tuned for more student experiences in clinics, field placements and experiential learning programs.

Read previous Q&A features with:

Peyton Weatherbie, Elder Law Field Placement Program

Lauren Stahl, Transactional Law Competition

Kristen Andrews, Field Placement Program

Joan Lee, Mock Trial

— By Sarah Pickel