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

Hands-On Learning Q&A: Joan Lee, Mock Trial

Joan Lee is a 3L that chose to get involved in Mock Trial in Fall 2021—the beginning of her second year at KU Law. Since then, Lee has learned more about representing a client, gained confidence in public speaking and acquired a baseline for courtroom etiquette as she participated in both in-house and national competitions. The experience has helped solidify her decision to pursue a career in litigation.

Joan Lee
Joan Lee

KU Law offers both an in-house Mock Trial Competition as well as a Mock Trial Council which represents the school in national competitions. The course is open to first and second-year students. Mock Trial Council is selected from students who do exceptionally well in the in-house program.

“The Mock Trial Program is a fun and challenging opportunity to learn how to become effective advocates in a low stake environment,” Lee said.

Lee shared her experience with Mock Trial for a Q&A.

What interested you in enrolling in this course?

I was never involved in mock trial or debate club during my undergraduate years, and I recognized early on that I needed to grow myself in this area. Furthermore, I wanted to improve my public speaking skills and learn how to present a case in the courtroom.

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

I am more confident speaking in front of crowds. I have learned how to approach issues in a creative manner and effectively communicate my client’s position to a judge/jury. In addition to that, I have also developed forecasting skills—thinking of all the possible scenarios and their future impacts—as I’ve brainstormed with my teammates on case strategy. I learned about proper courtroom etiquette. I have been able to improve upon making objections and providing responses using the Federal Rules of Evidence.

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

Participating in Mock Trial has solidified my decision to pursue a career in litigation. I am certain that the many valuable skills I have gained from this course will be transferred and utilized throughout my legal career.

What would you say to law students considering participating in the Mock Trial Program?

I highly encourage other law students to join the Mock Trial Program. The Mock Trial Program is a fun and challenging opportunity to learn how to become effective advocates in a low stake environment.

This post is the fourth 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:

— By Sarah Pickel

Building community at KU Law

The KU Law Class of 2025 has arrived at Green Hall and after a five-day orientation “boot-camp,” classes are underway.

The past couple of years of orientation events have been online, outside or split up, but now students are back in person for their introduction to KU Law. At 137 strong, the Class of 2025 is one of the largest in the past several years. To help the new students get acquainted with Kansas and the city of Lawrence, KU Law has arranged several community-building activities.

“We’ve discovered over the last several years that the coronavirus had become an obstacle to community-building within the law school. And with in-person events put on hold, some of our most valued traditions had fallen by the wayside. Our hope is to give our students, particularly the entering students, an opportunity to build connections so that they can be supportive of one another,” Dean Stephen Mazza said.

Faculty and staff at KU Law picked out some of their favorite local places and pastimes. From live music to hikes, art gallery visits, shopping, picnics and more, students could sign up for the activities that they were interested in.

“This presented a great opportunity to host small gatherings centered around faculty and staff favorites, and to welcome and introduce our new students to lovely Lawrence, Kansas,” said Leah Terranova, associate dean for academic and student affairs.

“In addition to introducing the 1Ls to one another – and addressing those first-day jitters – it offered us all a chance to rebuild our sense of community, which has been challenging during the pandemic,” Terranova said.

One of the crowd favorites was a tour of “Larryville’s Best Cheap Eats” with Dean Mazza. Along the way, a group of students visited reasonably priced Lawrence favorites such as Burrito King, Taco Zone and Munchers Bakery.

A Group of Students and Dean Mazza at Munchers Bakery

“What better way to build community than to show students where to grab the best burrito in town (Burrito King is my choice) and the best donut (I’m a fan of Munchers but not that picky when it comes to a donut),” Mazza said.

The welcome activities spread throughout orientation and the first couple of days of classes. People had the opportunity to go out and enjoy live music at a winery, compete in a corn-hole tournament, visit the Lawrence farmer’s market and enjoy a cup of coffee.

“It was a wonderful way to set the tone and invite students to find healthy balance and joy in their law student experience,” Terranova said. “Our faculty did a great job modeling for new law students how to decompress in nature, seek out art and fulfillment and remember that there is more to their law school experience than just school.”

— By Sarah Pickel