Course Description: U.S. Army JAG Corps Externship
- Taught by Susan Klein and Captain Michael Green for defense
- Taught by Susan Klein and Lieutenant Scott Goble for prosecution
- 2 credits (pass/fail) per semester
- The U.S. Army JAG Corps Externship is a one semester commitment
- Students should expect to spend one day every other per week at the Fort Hood Field Office in Fort Hood, TX.
- This program is open to students who have completed their first two semesters.
Course Description
This program offers students internship positions with the United States Army Trial Defense Service or Prosecution 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 non-credit summer positions directly with that office. Students may apply to the externship for a single semester.
Students will assist prosecutors or 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 component requires a commitment to work 10 hours per week, though most hours can be completed outside of the office. Students should expect to spend one day every other per week at Fort Hood Trial Services, 330 761st Tank Battalion Ave, Fort Hood, TX 76544, working in the office or in court. Fort 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.
Application Information
The application deadline for the spring 2026 term is October 20, 2025.
To apply, please email a copy of your cover letter, resume, and transcript (unofficial is fine) to Professor Susan Klein at sklein@law.utexas.edu and to Captain Michael Green at michael.a.green315.mil@army.mil and/or to Lieutenant Scott Goble at scott.1.goble.mil@army.mil. There is no additional application form.
Additional Information
Students interested in the externship are encouraged to stop by Prof. Klein’s office at TNH 3.207 during her office hours, Wednesdays from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. You may call or text her at (512) 203-2257 or send her an email at the above address. Alternatively, you can reach the Fort Hood Trial Defense office at (254) 287-0476.