Husch Blackwell Higher Education Law Fellowship

Open to Third-Year Law Students and Recent Law School Graduates

The Husch Blackwell Higher Education Law Fellowship program is open to third-year law students and recent law school graduates and grants extraordinary access into the legal life of the University of Kansas and the Office of the General Counsel.

Sponsored by the nationally-recognized firm of Husch Blackwell in collaboration with the University of Kansas’ Office of the General Counsel, the Husch Blackwell Higher Education Law Fellowship has been established to support and promote career advancement to those interested in legal issues facing Higher Education, including but not limited to health care, employment law, contract review and drafting, regulatory and compliance issues and tort litigation. Office of the General Counsel attorneys represent the University of Kansas in a broad range of legal issues including internal and external investigations, labor and employment, contracts, claims and litigation, regulatory compliance matters, faculty appointments and grievance processes, student conduct issues, and clinical research and health law matters.
 

Salaried, Limited-Term Position

The Husch Blackwell Higher Education Law Fellowship is a salaried, limited-term position which provides a unique and unparalleled opportunity for the beginning attorney to work closely with the General Counsel attorneys to gain the resources and mentorship necessary to prepare them for a successful career in higher education law.

Office of the General Counsel

The KU Office of the General Counsel manages the legal affairs of all University of Kansas campuses, including the University of Kansas Medical Center, and the University’s controlled affiliates, including Kansas Athletics, Inc.  Office of the General Counsel attorneys represent the University of Kansas in a broad range of legal issues including internal and external investigations, labor and employment, contracts, claims and litigation, regulatory compliance matters, faculty appointments and grievance processes, student conduct issues, and clinical research and health law matters.

The Husch Blackwell Higher Education Law Fellowship provides a unique and unparalleled opportunity for the law fellow to work closely with the General Counsel attorneys, gaining the resources and mentorship necessary for a successful career in higher education law.  Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, the law fellow assumes responsibility for a diverse range of legal matters, conducts important legal research and engages directly with senior administration, faculty, staff and students.  The law fellow is directly involved in most areas of the legal department’s work in representing the University of Kansas in state and federal litigation and in proceedings before state and federal administrative agencies.  The fellow participates in investigations, conducts legal research, drafts pleadings, motions and other litigation-related documents, interviews witnesses, prepares for depositions, appears at conferences and University hearings, argues motions and provides strategic advice.  Supervising attorneys work closely alongside the law fellow pending admission to the Kansas bar, and beyond, to guide the experience and provide valuable feedback and support.

The successful candidate will have a J.D. from an accredited American law school and membership in the Kansas bar or admission within 12 months of hire (selected candidate will be supported through the bar examination process).  The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.  A candidate must have the strongest academic credentials and work ethic, demonstrate initiative, leadership and motivation toward career goals and the promise of becoming an outstanding attorney in higher education. 

Disclaimer

The Husch Blackwell Higher Education Law Fellowship is a limited term, two-year position.  The fellow position offers a competitive salary and a wide variety of comprehensive and competitive benefits, including a health benefit package, a generous leave and holiday schedule, paid conferences and professional development opportunities, travel allowances and office space to work within the Office of the General Counsel.  No relocation allowance is offered.  The law fellow primarily offices on our main campus in Lawrence, Kansas.