Drafting and lobbying legislation

“Being in Des Moines has allowed me to be both a student and a legislator. My courses and work experience in the Drake Legal Clinic have given me a unique perspective to bring to my job.”

Jack Whitver, class of 2013
Iowa State Senator

Trying a felony case

“While at Drake Law, I worked in the criminal clinic, competed on the mock trial team and interned with the Polk County Attorney’s Office. I tried seven jury trials as a student. My experiences, both as a public defender and prosecutor, gave me valuable perspective and enhanced my ability to be an effective litigator.”

Sam Hodge, class of 2011
Assistant District Attorney for the Bronx, New York

Clerking for a State Supreme Court Justice

“I could not have been prepared for my current job just two years out of law school without the practical experience at Drake Law and the subsequent real-world experience clerking for two outstanding Drake Law alums— a U.S. District Court Judge and an Iowa Supreme Court Justice.”

Kirk Schuler, class of 2006
Assistant United States Attorney for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands

Putting practical skills to work

“The prospect of transitioning from the classroom to the real world can be daunting. As a result of the many opportunities Drake extended, I was uniquely poised to succeed in a profession that demands far more than a sterile knowledge of the law.”

Carrie Wolf, class of 1997
Assistant Parliamentarian for the U.S. House of Representatives and
Judge Advocate in the Air Force Reserves

Arguing a case before the State Supreme Court

“Drake provided me with the opportunity to network extensively with members of the Iowa legal community. I co-authored an article with an Iowa Supreme Court Justice, presented it to the Court, and submitted it for publication. As a student in the Advanced Criminal Appellate Clinic, I argued a case and won a unanimous ruling before the Iowa Supreme Court.”

Leslie Behaunek, class of 2012
Clerk for United States District Court Judge

 

Interning for a federal judge in Los Angeles

“The research, writing, and professional skills that I’ve acquired at Drake Law significantly prepared me for my judicial internship for the Los Angeles Superior Court. I worked closely with the judge in her chambers and in the courtroom.”

Funmi Akinmulero, class of 2014
Intern, ABA Judicial Intern Opportunity Program