Rural Justice Initiative: judicial externships in county seats throughout Indiana
This innovative program places public-service oriented first-year law students as externs in the chambers of Indiana trial court judges. It begins in mid-May, and will end in time to meet pre-semester obligations such as PGA training and Journal orientation. Students are supervised by individual Indiana judges and assist with researching and drafting, motions, court orders, and decisions. They will have multiple opportunities to learn about courtroom procedure and motion practice, observe trials, and encounter the rewards and challenges of serving rural communities.
Each participant will:
- Receive a $4,000 stipend for the eight-week summer position
- Attend a mandatory 1 1/2-day training session at the beginning of the summer, which will offer:
- A civil procedure refresher with an emphasis on motion practice;
- A crash course in basic courtroom evidence;
- A basic overview of criminal procedure, with a focus on search and seizure;
- An introduction to some of the pressing issues that rural courts face, including issues related to the opioid epidemic, family law, and access to justice.
Selection process
Criteria for selection will include academic achievement in law school and undergrad, public service, work ethic, and interest in and/or experience with legal and social issues of rural America. For information on how to apply, contact the Career Services Office.