Public Defender Externship Course Application – Summer 2024

Applications are due by 12:00 P.M. [noon] Thursday, February 22, 2024.

IMPORTANT: Please follow all application instructions/prompts carefully while entering your information to ensure your application can be considered.

Only submit one application. Additional submissions will not be considered, only the first one (they are time-stamped when submitted).

Before you begin this application, make sure you have a current résumé and a typed statement not longer than two pages, double-spaced, explaining why you would like to participate in the Summer Public Defender Externship Course. (This statement and your résumé are sent to the prospective placement(s).) Both of these items must be in PDF. The system will not save any other attachment format, rendering such applications incomplete.

Selection criteria for public defender externships:

  • enthusiasm for and interest in public service work
  • initiative, self-motivation, reliability, and a strong work ethic
  • judgment, temperament, and office demeanor
  • academic qualifications (grade point, class rank, honors, activities)
  • strong writing, research, and people skills
  • relevant work or volunteer experience
  • years of law school completed (if relevant to the externship position sought)

Remember to click “submit” at the bottom of the form. Once you do, you should see a message on the screen confirming you have submitted your application. If you do not, please contact Larry Rhodes in the Legal Clinic by email (ljrhodes@ualr.edu) or telephone (501-916-5424) to ensure he received it.

After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule an externship interview.