Summer internship directly correlates with legal studies and future career
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