KC Reporter

The Missouri Bar is launching a short-time summer internship program for current 1L and 2L law students at Missouri-based law schools who are underrepresented within the legal profession. The internship's short-term duration and flexible timing complement, rather than conflict with, the law student's other summer work and/or internship opportunities.

This internship experience is designed to enrich the 2L and 3L law school experience and future opportunities in the law by matching the law student with an associate circuit or circuit judge who will provide an opportunity for the student to observe the justice system at work, meet members of the profession and justice system (judges, lawyers, clerks, etc.), and provide valuable exposure to the standards of professionalism within the legal industry.

How does it work?

The timing to complete the internship is flexible, with a goal of completing 80 hours between June 1 and July 30, 2023. Any specific schedule mutually agreed to by the judge and student (e.g., two concurrent 40-hour weeks; two 40-hour weeks separated as needed, 20-hour weeks over four weeks, etc.) is acceptable to fulfill the requirements. While the goal is a total of 80 hours completed before July 30, internships with a shorter total duration and/or a completion date later than July 30 will be considered for approval on an individual basis. 

How and when do eligible law students apply?

The application deadline is April 1, 2023 for a summer 2023 internship. Students can complete the application online using the following link - 2023 Missouri Bar Diversity Judicial Internship Application

When will students know if they have been accepted for an internship?

Eligible law students accepted for an internship will be notified and matched with a member of the judiciary by May 1, 2023.

Requirements/expectations of law students and judges participating in the internship program

• The student's notification of acceptance will include contact information for the sponsoring judge. The law student will be responsible for contacting the judge within 10 days of receiving acceptance notification to develop and finalize a mutually acceptable schedule for the internship.
• All interns will attend one of the Missouri Bar Diversity Judicial Internship orientation sessions via Zoom between May 1 and June 1.
• All interns and judges must complete a post-internship questionnaire/survey about the experience by August 10, 2023.

Original source can be found here.