So experiential learning is required by the ABA, but really the important thing is, it's a tradition here at Marquette. There are about 350 of these opportunities every year. The goal is to make sure that people find a fit that works for them, given their experiences already in law school and what their interests may be.
We take pride in our experiential learning programs, because it does give our law students an opportunity to develop different kinds of skills, hands on in the community, and I believe they appreciate it, and our community appreciates it as well.
I, myself, participated in a judicial internship program for the clinical education program. It was at the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and there I worked closely with law clerks. It was an experience where I drafted opinions, primarily, ranging through all facets of law. And, it really solidified my desire to go into litigation.
In the Restorative Justice Clinic, we get to go into places where people don't often go into like prisons, where we do restorative justice circles with men and community and victim survivors of violent crime.
My experience in the clinic really opened me up to the idea of using restorative justice in a future legal practice of mine. Restorative justice is often utilized in the criminal context, and while I might not pursue a career in criminal law, it nevertheless taught me important skills in not only where I see myself in the future, but actually concrete skills in communication with other people. If you're someone who's looking for hands on learning and to gain some of the soft skills of being able to be a successful lawyer, then I think Marquette is a fantastic place.
