Internship: U.S. Army JAG Corps
- Semester: Fall 2025
- Course ID: 297P
- Credit Hours: 2
-
Unique: 31015
Course Information
- Internship Type: other
- Grading Method: Pass/Fail Mandatory
- Experiential Credit: 2 credit hours
Registration Information
- Upperclass-only elective
Meeting Times
Meeting information not available
Evaluation Method
| Type | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other |
Special Instructions
InternshipAPPLICATION REQUIRED. Application and/or instructions on how to apply for this clinic can be accessed on the web: https://law.utexas.edu/internships/application-information/
Description
This course is restricted to upper class students only. U.S. Army Internship – APPLICATION REQUIRED. Application and/or instructions on how to apply for this internship can be accessed on the web: http://law.utexas.edu/internships/u-s-army-internship-application/
To apply, please e-mail a copy of your cover letter, resume and transcript (unofficial is fine) to Professor Susan Klein at sklein@law.utexas.edu and to Captain Paul Oliver at paul.t.oliver7.mil@army.mil. Students interested in the internship are encouraged to stop by Prof. Klein’s office at TNH 3.207 for additional information. Her office hours are Wed. from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. You may call or text her at (512) 203-2257 or send her an e-mail. Alternatively, you can reach the Fort Hood Trial Defense office at (254) 287-0476.
** This course meets the Professional Skills requirement for graduation. **
Course Description:
This program offers students internship positions with the United States Army Trial Defense Service, Fort Hood Field Office. Students earn two-credits “pass-fail” per semester. While this program is not available during either summer session, students are welcome to apply for summer positions directly with that office. Students may apply for a single semester, or for the full year (both long semesters).
Students will assist defense counsels and paralegals in administrative separations and criminal proceedings pursuant to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Fort Hood Legal office is the largest and busiest office in the Army. Attorneys there have federal felony jury trials monthly, similar to those seen in a Federal District Court but often with crimes and facts unique to the military. Army JAG officers regularly change jobs, working as prosecutors, magistrate judges, defense attorneys, national security attorneys, and trial/appellate judges. This creates a level of collegiality and rapport not seen in criminal justice practice elsewhere.
Applicants may benefit from upper-level criminal law courses such as Adv. Fed. Crim. Prosecution & Defense, Federal Criminal Law, National Security Law, Cybersecurity Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence. None of those courses are required.
The internship requires 10 hours per week, though most hours can be completed outside of the office. Students should expect to spend one day every other week at Fort Hood Trial Defense Service, 330 761st Tank Battalion Ave., Fort Hood, Tx 76544, working in the office or in court. Ft. Hood is located about halfway between Austin and Waco, a bit over an hour’s drive from the law school or about 50 minutes from Georgetown.
The application deadline for fall 2025, or the full academic year, is April 7, 2025. The application deadline for spring 2026 is October 6, 2025. Interviews are conducted at the Career Services Office or over Zoom. Though students should know whether they are admitted before fall registration, the unique registration number for the fall 2025 internship will not be available until April 2025. For the spring 2026 semester, students should know whether they are accepted before registration.
Additional Information
Information about the U.S. Army Trial Defense Service, is available at: Trial Defense Service Public (army.mil).
Klein, Susan R.