State Government Agencies

Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration (1 position)

The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration (ABC) is tasked with regulation of alcohol retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. The ABC also regulates medical marijuana cultivators, dispensaries, processors, and transporters following the passage of Amendment 98 to the Arkansas Constitution.

Externs at the ABC will assist staff attorneys with legal research in both alcohol and medical marijuana regulation. Externs will assist staff attorneys preparing for administrative hearings and circuit court appeals. Externs will need a strong background in legal research and writing. ABC staff attorneys will interview prospective externs prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Attorney General’s Office (2 positions)

The Office of the Arkansas Attorney General (OAG) is responsible for providing a myriad of legal services to state entities and the public. An extern would be placed in one of the divisions below and work directly with attorneys and staff in that division. Students should indicate their top three division preferences on their application. OAG staff will interview students recommended for an externship prior to the final approval of the placement. Students must pass a background check in order to finalize the placement.

The Civil Division focuses on protecting and upholding Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Constitution, litigating on behalf of the state in state and federal trial and appellate courts. This Division involves primarily civil defense work.

The Criminal Division represents the state in criminal appeals, including preparing responses to habeas corpus petitions, writing appellate briefs, conducting evidentiary hearings, and presenting oral arguments in state and federal appellate courts. This Division involves primarily appellate work.

The Public Protection Division protects consumers from deceptive trade practices, unfair business practices, and excessive utility rates or charges; mediates disputes between consumers and businesses; and educates the public regarding consumer issues. This Division involves primarily plaintiff work.

The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit prosecutes both criminal and civil cases, including Medicaid fraud and false claims, as well as abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable persons. This Unit involves primarily investigative, plaintiff, and prosecutorial work.

The State Agencies Division provides legal representation to the state’s agencies, boards, and commissions. Additional duties include providing director and agency attorneys education related to rule promulgation, Administrative Procedures Act, Freedom of Information Act, and employment law. This Division involves a blend of administrative law, employment law, and transactional law.

The Opinions & FOIA Division provides comprehensive legal analyses to state officials and agencies through formal legal opinions and assists the Office of the Attorney General in responding to Freedom of Information Act requests.

The Administration extern will work closely with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs on legislative research, the Office of General Counsel on contract review, and the Chief Deputy Attorney General on legal research.

Arkansas Department of Education (1 or 2 positions)

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is a dedicated service agency that provides leadership, support, and service to schools, districts, and communities so every student graduates prepared for college, career, and community engagement. ADE is led by a cabinet secretary appointed by the governor and approved by the State Board of Education. The department monitors school district compliance with federal and state education laws, implements policies set by the State Board of Education, and provides leadership, support, and services to school districts.

The ADE legal staff provides day-to-day legal services and representation to the State Board of Education, the ADE secretary, and staff on an array of issues. These include contract drafting and review, research relating to education laws and policy, rule promulgation, and employment matters. As with all State offices, the ADE is regularly involved in a number of Arkansas Freedom of Information Act matters. An extern with ADE will work directly with the ADE’s legal staff on the above issues, and would have the opportunity to:

research and write about legal topics in education;
assist with the drafting and promulgation of revised ALC Rules and Regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act;
assist with bill research, analysis, and tracking when the General Assembly is in session;
assist with the preparation of materials for the State Board, Joint Education Committee, or other committees;
assist in the review of procurement contracts;
assist in responding to Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requests; and
attend and observe board meetings, court proceedings, public comment hearings, legislative committee meetings, and community meetings.

No prerequisites are required, but Rule XV certified applicants are preferred. However, the department is primarily seeking students who want to learn more about education law and the inner workings of state government. We are a fast-paced, busy office, and can provide a range of experiences for law students eager to learn. Staff at the Arkansas Department of Education will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment – Division of Environmental Quality, Legal Division (1 position)

The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Division of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is an agency of the State of Arkansas. Its purpose is to protect Arkansas’s priceless natural resources – its air, water, and land – from the threat of pollution. ADEQ accomplishes this mission in a variety of ways, including regulatory programs that set and enforce safe environmental limits for industries that affect air, water, solid waste, hazardous waste, regulated storage tanks, and mining. The Legal Division’s staff of 15 provides legal support for the Director’s Office and the regulatory divisions. Staff attorneys represent the agency in enforcement actions, permit appeals, and other regulatory matters before the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission as well as in state and federal courts. Staff attorneys are also responsible for personnel issues; bankruptcy matters; collection matters; and drafting, review, and interpretation of legislation.

An extern with ADEQ will work directly with the chief counsel, staff attorneys, legal support staff, and the regulatory divisions, which include engineers, geologists, and other technical professionals. The extern may be called upon to: research and prepare written opinion memoranda on the application of federal and state environmental laws and the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission’s Administrative Procedures Regulation to department proceedings; assist staff and participate in enforcement proceedings and trials, including those in state and federal courts and those before the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission; and assist staff with personnel and collection issues.

A strong work ethic and interest in environmental law are required. Successful completion of courses in Administrative Law and Environmental Law is preferred, but not required, prior to beginning this externship. The staff of the Legal Division will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Department of Health – Legal Department (1 position)

The Arkansas Department of Health is the state agency whose mission is to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Arkansans. The Department focuses on public health, which the Institute of Medicine has defined as “the science and the art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and organizing community efforts to do the following: keep the environment clean, control communicable infections, educate individuals in personal hygiene (like hand washing, for example), organize medical and nursing services for the early diagnosis and treatment of disease, and develop the social machinery necessary to ensure everyone a healthy standard of living.” Accordingly, the Department of Health provides more than 100 services statewide to assure, among other things, that drinking water is safe, that children are immunized, that restaurants are safe, and that birth certificates are correct.

The Legal Department employs five attorneys, a legal assistant/board of health liaison, and a legal assistant who works primarily with Medicaid appeals. The extern who works with our office would have an opportunity to gain experience in many areas of law. The following are the most prevalent areas we deal with on a daily basis:

administrative law: Our staff provides legal representation to the various boards and commissions that are under the purview of the Health Department. Some of the boards we work with are Cosmetology, Deaf Interpreters, Lay Midwives, EMS, Trauma, etc. The work includes assisting with the drafting and promulgation of rules and regulations, conducting hearings, and researching and addressing legal issues that affect the boards. The extern would be able to assist the attorney in all of these areas, gaining invaluable experience with administrative law as well as learning about the other professions involved.
Medicaid: We conduct daily hearings on appeals filed by Medicaid providers when Medicaid has issued an adverse decision against them. This includes issues of “medical necessity,” eligibility issues, and appeals filed against the Medicaid inspector general (cases involving fraud, over-payment, and utilization issues). The extern would observe the hearings, provide research on issues involved, and assist in writing the orders.
miscellaneous: Other issues that arise are employment questions, HIPAA, and FOIA. There may also be assistance required with the Board of Health.

Interest in or knowledge of administrative law, health law, and constitutional law will be helpful to applicants for this position, but it is not required. The Legal Department staff will interview prospective externs recommended for placement with the department prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (1 position)

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing seeks to promote workplace health and safety through consultation and enforcement; protect employers and employees from financial burden imposed by work-related injury and disease; and provide consumer protection through occupational licensing as authorized by Arkansas law. Our Legal Division provides support to the secretary of the Department of Labor and Licensing and this agency’s boards and commissions in matters concerning licensing and Arkansas minimum wage and hour violations.

An extern in the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing’s Legal Division will be responsible for analyzing a wide range of department-related issues, conducting legal research, writing legal documents for use in litigation, and otherwise providing legal assistance to the agency. The extern will work directly with the Legal Division and will have the opportunity to:

Accompany attorneys as they represent the agency in legal proceedings that may occur in various settings and jurisdictions;
Write legal documents, memoranda, and orders to facilitate the resolution of department hearings and issues;
Research case law, state law, any applicable federal laws, and rules, regulations, and administrative orders related to current legal issues;
Review and analyze data and documentation related to the agency’s legal matters to determine the agency’s position on various issues;
Assist with the drafting and promulgation of revised Arkansas Legislative Council Rules and Regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act;
Assist in responding to Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requests;
Assist with bill research, analysis, and tracking when the Arkansas General Assembly is in session; and attend and observe board meetings, court proceedings, public comment hearings, and legislative committee meetings.

The extern should have strong research, writing, and advocacy skills. The extern must be able to research, analyze, interpret, and apply case law, state and federal statutes, legal precedents, and relevant legislative intent to agency legal matters. The extern should be prepared to assist attorneys in providing legal guidance and technical assistance to the agency’s management and staff.

Applicants should have excellent writing skills and an interest in gaining experience in labor and licensing laws. The chief legal counsel and other staff of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (1 position)

The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission (JDDC) is a quasi-judicial state constitutional agency created through the adoption of Arkansas Constitutional Amendment 66. The JDDC investigates allegations of ethical misconduct committed by any of the more than 400 Arkansas judges who fall within its jurisdiction, including justices of the Arkansas Supreme Court, circuit judges, and district judges. In addition to investigations into allegations of ethical misconduct such as ex-parte communication, clear conflicts of interest, rude or intimidating courtroom demeanor, and racist or sexist remarks, the JDDC may also investigate whether a judge has a mental or physical disability which prevents them from performing their duties as a judge. The JDDC is an 18-member commission including six judges, six attorneys, and six non-lawyer public members. Commission members are appointed by the Supreme Court, Attorney General, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the Governor. Members serve six-year terms and are eligible for one reappointment. The JDDC appoints an attorney to serve as the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for hiring and supervising staff and any special assistants, carrying out the Commission’s directions and policies, and acting as the Chief Administrator and Chief Litigator should a case go to a full hearing before the Commission. Yearly the JDDC takes in over 300 cases involving allegations of judicial misconduct. The JDDC is also routinely involved in educating legal professionals, law enforcement, and the public in areas of judicial ethics.

An extern for the commission would work primarily with the executive director and deputy executive director providing assistance in legal research and writing in the area of judicial ethics. Externs would also have the opportunity to observe commission meetings, panel discussions, and strategy meetings. Typical duties may include:

research and writing on both legal and technical topics in judicial ethics;
review and editing of 8(d) letters, official disciplinary letters, and formal charges;
observation of negotiation with attorneys and judges in resolution of cases;
assistance in the development of materials used for legal education; and
assistance with bill research, analysis, and tracking when the General Assembly is in session.

JDDC staff will interview students recommended for the position prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Prosecutor Coordinator’s Office (1 position)

The Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator is a state agency whose mission is to improve the criminal justice system by promoting professionalism in the offices of Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys and Victim Service Providers through Education, Information, Liaison, and Advocacy. This office is involved in legislative endeavors, legislative updating via training, and legal research for prosecuting attorneys, and various other roles throughout the state of Arkansas.

An extern with the Office of the Prosecutor Coordinator will work directly with the attorneys in the office, assisting them with legal research and any pretrial motions. The extern will also have the opportunity to observe either legislative meetings during session years or criminal proceedings with one or two special prosecutors in the office. While not required, it would be helpful for students to have completed courses in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law prior to beginning this externship.

Arkansas Public Defender Commission – Capital, Conflicts, & Appellate Office (1 position)

The Arkansas Public Defender Commission is a state agency whose mission is to provide zealous and effective representation to indigent persons who are charged with criminal offenses in state court and who face a risk of loss of liberty. The Commission is divided into four parts: the Capital, Conflicts, & Appellate Office; the Trial Public Defender Office; Administration; and Ombudsman. The Capital, Conflicts, & Appellate Office exclusively represents indigent individuals accused of capital murder at the pretrial, trial, and appellate levels in the 75 counties of Arkansas. Most often, the death penalty is sought in these cases, and extensive litigation is involved.

An extern in the Capital, Conflicts, & Appellate Office will work directly with the attorneys in the office, assisting them with legal research and trial preparation, including witness interviews, mitigation investigation, and guilt/innocence investigation. The extern also will have the opportunity to attend and observe pretrial and trial proceedings. The majority of the cases that the Capital, Conflicts, and Appellate Office handles are outside of Pulaski County, so this externship placement may involve some travel. While not required, it would be helpful for students to have completed courses in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law prior to beginning this externship. The staff of the Capital, Conflicts, & Appellate Office will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Public Service Commission – General Staff Legal Department (1 position)

The Arkansas Public Service Commission (Commission) was created in 1935 by the Arkansas General Assembly and is the state agency that regulates electricity, natural gas, water, telephone, and pipeline safety services for all of Arkansas’s public utilities. The Commission has three full-time Commissioners who are appointed by the Governor for staggered, six-year terms. In addition, the Commission has 115 positions in a variety of disciplines, including three Administrative Law Judges and 11 lawyers divided between the Commission and General Staff.

The Commission performs both quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions, including setting the rates utilities can charge customers, determining whether power plants and transmission lines can be constructed in certain areas, making decisions on energy efficiency and demand response programs offered by the regulated utilities, and other related topics. The Commission also has a Tax Division that assesses property taxes on public utilities and motor carriers. For more information about the Commission, please see https://apsc.arkansas.gov.

An extern for the Arkansas Public Service Commission will provide research and writing assistance on a wide range of legal and policy matters for the General Staff of the Commission. In addition, the extern will be provided the opportunity to attend hearings and local workshops on utility-related topics. Typical duties include:

Research and writing on both legal and technical topics in the energy industry as part of a project team;
Drafting or assisting in drafting legal pleadings, motions, discovery, and data requests, as well as legal memoranda on assigned topics;
Participating in policy development discussions and related work for expert testimony and exhibit preparation in matters pending before the Commission for a decision;
Litigation work including working with legal and technical staff in discovery as well as hearing and witness preparation; and
Other duties as assigned based on the General Staff Legal Department’s needs and the extern’s interests.

If necessary, the General Staff Legal Department will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas Securities Department (1 position)

The Arkansas Securities Department is the state agency charged with regulatory and enforcement jurisdiction over (i) the securities industry, including offers and sales of securities, and investment professionals such as investment advisers and broker-dealers; (ii) mortgage loan companies and loan officers; (iii) money transmission and currency exchange businesses; (iv) state-chartered savings and loan institutions and foreign savings and loan brokers; and (v) state-chartered credit unions. In addition, the department assists the Arkansas Cemetery Board, which regulates Arkansas perpetual care cemeteries. The department is headed by the Arkansas Securities Commissioner.

An extern with the department will work directly with the commissioner, the legal staff, and other staff members, and may be called upon to:

research and advise the department and the commissioner on the application of the Arkansas Administrative Procedures Act to department proceedings;
research and advise the department and the commissioner on proposed changes to the Arkansas Securities Act, the Arkansas Fair Mortgage Lending Act, the Arkansas Money Services Act, and the various rules implemented pursuant to such laws;
assist the department’s legal staff in enforcement and licensing proceedings, including proceedings in state courts and administrative proceedings before an administrative hearing officer, through preparation of legal memoranda, pleadings, and discovery;
research and assist the department’s legal staff with issues regarding applicable rules of civil procedure and evidence;
assist the department’s examination and licensing staff through communications with licensed persons and entities and review of disciplinary histories of investment professionals; and
attend and observe staff meetings, administrative proceedings, criminal and civil enforcement proceedings, and legislative committee meetings.

Successful completion of courses in Administrative Law, Business Organizations, and Securities Regulation is preferred, but not required, prior to beginning this externship. The department’s legal staff will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Arkansas State Military Department – Arkansas National Guard Office of Staff Judge Advocate (1 position)

The Arkansas Department of the Military is responsible for all matters relating to the command, control, and supervision of the Militia, National Guard, or other military organization under the jurisdiction of the governor. It provides Army and Air military units/individuals the resources needed to protect life and property; to preserve the peace, provide for order and safety of all the citizens of Arkansas in the event of civil disorders, natural disasters, and any other emergencies; to provide facilities and operation/maintenance of buildings and grounds, military ranges, warehousing, and fire/security protection to supported National Guard units; to provide procurement and resource management, military personnel/administration management, and military plans, operations and training management; and to provide budget/funding support for the operation of the Arkansas Civil Air Patrol.

The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) serves as primary legal advisor for the command group of the Arkansas National Guard. The office has two full-time JAG officers, a civilian attorney, and a paralegal non-commissioned officer. The office is also staffed by a state judge advocate and deputy state judge advocate who fulfill their roles on a part-time basis as traditional guardsmen. The OSJA advises the command group on critical issues to include sexual assault prevention and response, ethics, professionalism, military justice, administrative law, operational law, employment law, fiscal law, and legal and ethical issues impacting command policies. The OSJA also oversees the administration of military justice, legal assistance, administrative law, claims, and operational law for an organization of more than 8,200 military and civilian professionals.

An OSJA extern’s experience will be similar to that of a lawyer working in a general counsel’s office. Externs can expect to participate in any of the following areas:

State Government: Judge advocates working in the OSJA provide counsel and advice to the Department of the Military on such matters as employment law, state procurement, policies and procedures, ethics, and represent the agency at various legislative committee meetings.

Legal Assistance: Judge advocates working in Legal Assistance provide counsel and advice to soldiers and airmen, retirees, and their families regarding a wide range of legal issues. These cases may include estate planning, immigration and naturalization law, family law, landlord-tenant law, state and federal tax matters, and consumer protection.

Administrative Law: Just as corporate supervisors and CEOs depend on corporate lawyers for advice in civilian practice, judge advocates provide legal advice to commanders and staff officers. Judge advocates practicing administrative law work on issues as varied as environmental law, Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act matters, as well as in such areas as oversight and military enforcement of civil laws.

Labor Law: As a large civilian employer in Arkansas, the Arkansas National Guard is involved in a considerable amount of labor issues. Judge advocates advise National Guard supervisors and commanders on all aspects of labor management relations for both private and public-sector union matters. Judge advocates may also be called upon to represent the National Guard before administrative tribunals or state and federal courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the State Employees Grievance Appeal Panel.

Criminal Law: Judge advocates may serve as prosecutors or defense counsel in criminal cases (courts-martial) and administrative matters. Commanders can take a wide range of administrative and disciplinary measures short of a court-martial, and they depend on judge advocates to advise them on the most appropriate course of action. Likewise, soldiers and airmen facing criminal or administrative action rely on judge advocates to advise them on their rights and help in their defense.

International Law: As Army personnel are stationed in other countries, questions will arise about the interpretation of international agreements as well as foreign laws. Judge advocates participate actively in negotiating and drafting international agreements involving the status of U.S. forces. Judge advocates also observe and report on foreign trials of U.S. service members to ensure that the due process rights of U.S. personnel are respected. Finally, judge advocates uphold the legal obligations of the United States under applicable international agreements.

Operational Law: Judge advocates provide legal advice to commanders and their staffers on domestic, foreign, and international laws that influence military operations. This advice includes reviewing military plans and providing advice on the laws of war, rules of engagement, domestic law relating to deployment of forces in support of our allies, and the legal aspects of civil affairs.

Arkansas Tax Appeals Commission (2 positions)

The Arkansas Tax Appeals Commission is an independent tax tribunal that hears taxpayer appeals from proposed tax assessments and other actions or decisions of the Department of Finance and Administration. Part of the Department of Inspector General, the commission was formed in 2022 and began hearing cases in 2023. Most cases concern state income tax or sales and use taxes.

The commission is made up of three commissioners who are experienced tax professionals licensed as either or both attorneys and CPAs. Commissioners hear small cases individually and large cases as a panel. They are assisted by professional and clerical staff.

Externs will work directly with all three commissioners and the commission’s staff attorney to assist the Commission in hearing and deciding cases. Externs will be supervised by the chief commissioner. Duties include:

observing hearings;
assisting with decision drafting and revisions;
answering questions from taxpayers about Commission procedures;
communicating with litigants;
assisting in drafting and revision of notices, orders, and other legal documents; and
and legal research and memoranda regarding technical tax issues or administrative or civil procedure questions.

The commission works at a fast pace, handling around 3,000 cases per year. Cases range from simple disputes over sales tax on automobiles to complex corporate income tax questions. Published decisions are viewable on the commission’s website.

There are no prerequisites for this externship. Coursework or prior professional experience in taxation may be helpful. The commission will interview students recommended for an externship prior to the final approval of the placement.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Office of Legal Counsel (1 position)

The Office of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the operation of the state executive branch. The legal team at the governor’s office provides day-to-day legal services on an array of issues. These include research and review on legislation, rules and regulation, and law and policy. An extern with the governor’s office will work directly with legal staff on these issues. Students should state on their application form whether they prefer to extern with the Civil Division or the Criminal Division.

Externs working in the Civil Division will have the opportunity to:

conduct research and writing about legal topics affecting the state of Arkansas
review, draft, and edit rules and regulations
review requests for flags and state seal usage
assist with responding to Arkansas Freedom of Information Act requests
assist with bill research, analysis, drafting, and tracking when the General Assembly is in session
attend and observe board meetings, court proceedings, public announcements and press conferences, and legislative committee meetings
advise staff on Arkansas law
work on drafting and filing executive orders
work with agency attorneys

Externs working in the Criminal Division will have the opportunity to:

conduct research and writing about legal topics affecting the state of Arkansas
review, draft, and edit rules and regulations
assist with bill research, analysis, drafting, and tracking when the General Assembly is in session
attend and observe board meetings, court proceedings, public announcements and press conferences, and legislative committee meetings
advise staff on Arkansas law
review clemency and extradition requests
serve as liaison to the Board of Corrections
work with agency attorneys

We require an extern with excellent writing skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to be self-initiated. We are a fast-paced, busy office and can provide a wide range of experiences. The staff of the legal division will interview students recommended for an externship prior to the final approval of the placement.

Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial District (1 position)

The 20^th Judicial District of Arkansas is comprised of Faulkner County, Van Buren County, and Searcy County. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is responsible for criminal prosecution of state crimes in all three counties. The mission of the office is to enhance public safety and welfare to create a sense of security in the community so that the enforcement of criminal laws is done in a just, honest, efficient, and ethical manner.

The office’s highest priority is to seek justice for victims of crime and their families. This office seeks to punish criminals, help recover restitution for victims of crime, and rehabilitate non-violent offenders who have shown a positive change in their lives. Our community experiences a wide variety of crimes including murders of adults and children, sexual assault, sexual and physical abuse of children, abuse of the elderly, domestic violence, gang violence, the distribution of dangerous and illegal drugs, and numerous other offenses. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies, seeks to apprehend and prosecute criminals to make our neighborhoods safer and benefit society as a whole.

An extern in the office will work in Faulkner County directly with attorneys in the office, assisting with both legal research and trial preparation. The extern also will have the opportunity to assist in pretrial and trial proceedings. Students who have their Rule 15 certification also may have the opportunity to represent the state at hearings under the supervision of a deputy prosecuting attorney. It is necessary that students have completed courses in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law prior to beginning the externship. The staff of the Prosecutor’s Office will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial District (2 positions)

The Public Defender’s Office of the Sixth Judicial District is a state agency providing representation to indigent persons who are charged with criminal offenses in state court and who face a risk of loss of liberty. The office represents indigent individuals in Pulaski and Perry counties in Arkansas at the district, circuit, and appellate levels.

An extern in the Public Defender’s Office will work directly with an attorney in the office, assisting with both legal research and trial preparation. The extern also will have the opportunity to assist in pretrial and trial proceedings. Other duties may include fact investigation, locating witnesses, observing crime scenes, and meeting with and interviewing clients in lock-up. It is necessary that the student have completed courses in Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Constitutional Law prior to beginning the externship. Students who are eligible for Rule 15 certification under the Arkansas student-practice rule are strongly preferred for this externship, so they may make court appearances. The staff of the Public Defender’s Office will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Office of General Counsel (1 position)

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is the state’s only academic medical center. Founded in 1879, it is part of the state-wide University of Arkansas System. The Office of General Counsel at UAMS advises and assists the administrators and faculty responsible for operating a nearly 440-bed hospital, eight regional health centers, seven research institutes, and six colleges.

The duties of the office’s chief general counsel and four associate general counsel are diverse, ranging from areas of health law and higher education law to bankruptcy and utilities regulation. The attorneys also assist with matters in risk management, compliance, employment, litigation, and any number of the myriad issues that arise in the 24/7 operation of an institution with nearly 15,000 staff, faculty, and students. An extern will work out of the Office of General Counsel located on UAMS’s main campus in Little Rock. The staff of the General Counsel’s Office will interview students recommended for an externship prior to final approval of the placement.