Fall and Spring Semesters
- Course Description: Judicial Internship Program
- Course Description: Judicial Internship Program Supplement
- Students must intern in person at their placement; only incidental remote work is permitted.
- The fall and spring Judicial Internship courses are considered experiential credit.
- The internship is open to students who have completed their first two semesters.
Credits, Hours, and Class
The program includes a weekly class and a concurrent internship with a participating court in Austin. Students who register for the 4-credit program have the option to enroll in a 1-credit supplement for total of 5 credits. Students work in their placements for 150 hours to earn 4 credits or 200 hours to earn 5 credits. All internship hours must be worked between the first and last day of classes over a period of at least 10 weeks.
Application Process
Students who wish to enroll in the Judicial Internship Program must first apply for and obtain an internship with one of the participating courts in Austin. See Students – Finding a Placement. Once a student has obtained an internship, they then apply to request instructor approval to register. The internship must involve the student and the supervising attorney working in person; regular remote work is not permitted.
A student may take a judicial internship for academic credit only once. Students who are interning for academic credit may not receive compensation. Students generally may not receive academic credit for interning with state trial courts.
Summer Semesters
- Course Description: Judicial Internship Program
- The summer Judicial Internship course is not considered experiential credit.
- There is a mandatory orientation session in mid-April at the law school.
- The internship is open to students who have completed their first two semesters.
- Tuition is required.
Credits, Hours, and Coursework
Students intern in-person with an approved court either within or outside of Texas. Students complete coursework through Canvas and work with a faculty instructor remotely. There is no weekly class. Students work at least 165 hours in the internship placement and receive 3 credits (pass/fail).
Students may begin their internship in May after completing final exams, and internship hours must be completed by the end of the summer session. Students must intern over at least five weeks in order to maximize their learning opportunity in the field.
Tuition
Students must register for the course and pay tuition. Students should consult with the Financial Aid Office about the cost and about the availability of financial aid.
Application Process
Students who wish to enroll in the Judicial Internship Program must first apply for and obtain an internship with a judge who agrees to participate in the program. See Students – Finding a Placement. Students may intern with one of the participating courts in Austin or state appellate courts and federal courts outside of Austin, subject to the program director’s approval. Once a student has obtained an internship, they then apply to request instructor approval to register. Applications from students who have already begun their internships will be denied.
A student may take a judicial internship for academic credit only once. Students who are interning for academic credit may not receive compensation. Students generally may not receive academic credit for interning with state trial courts.
Other Summer Work
Many students split the summer between a judicial internship and another legal position. Students are encouraged to intern during the first half of the summer when courts are generally more active. Students who are considering interning during the second half of the summer and who plan to participate in the Career Service’s Office Summer Interview Program (SIP) should consult the SIP schedule before committing to an internship schedule.