Course Information

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) – offered Fall, Spring
• The internship is a one semester commitment
• Students should expect to spend one day 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.

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Course Description

This program offers students internship positions with the United States Army JAG Corps, 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.

While not required, students may benefit from upper-level criminal law courses such as Advanced Federal Criminal Prosecution & Defense, Federal Criminal Law, National Security Law, Cybersecurity Law, Criminal Procedure: Investigation, Criminal Procedure: Prosecution (bail to jail), and Evidence. These courses are not 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 per week at the U.S. Army Trial Defense Service, 330 761st Tank Battalion Ave, Fort Hood, TX 76544, or at the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate Building, 1000 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

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 if you are interested in Trial Defense Services, and/or to Professor Klein and Lieutenant Scott Goble at scott.1.goble.mil@army.mil if you are interested in the Prosecutor’s Office. There is no additional application form.

Additional Information

Students interested in this internship can obtain additional information from Prof. Klein by visiting her office, TNH 3.207, during her office hours on Wednesdays from 4:00 – 7:00, or by appointment. Students may also call her at (512) 203-2257 or send her an email. Alternatively, students can reach the Fort Hood Trial Defense Office at (254) 287-0476, and the Fort Hood Prosecutor’s Office at (254) 553-2524.