Kansas Internships: Opportunities for Students
Internships in Kansas offer invaluable learning experiences for students across various fields, from government and law to public defense and criminal justice. These opportunities provide practical skills, professional development, and exposure to real-world challenges. This article explores a range of internships available in Kansas, focusing on eligibility, application processes, and the unique experiences they offer.
Legislative Internships with the Kansas Legislature
The Kansas Legislature provides internships during its legislative session. These internships are an excellent opportunity for students interested in state government and the legislative process.
Eligibility and Application
Any student enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary education institution who will be earning credit or making academic progress is eligible to apply. The application deadline is December 1, 2025, and late applications will not be considered. Placements are typically announced in the weeks following the application deadline.
Internship Details
The internships begin the week of January 13, 2026, coinciding with the first day of the legislative session, and conclude in April. Each intern is assigned to a specific legislator by the Intern Coordinator. Students are encouraged to arrange a placement with a legislator of their party preference before applying to guarantee a spot. Interns without prearranged placements will be assigned based on their availability, partisan preference, interests, and the availability of slots.
Responsibilities and Requirements
Interns are required to attend a minimum of 10 days during the legislative session. Their responsibilities include attending committee and caucus meetings, researching issues, and tracking legislation. Specific hours are agreed upon between the intern and their assigned legislator. Interns must also attend an orientation and at least one intern seminar.
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Internships in Senator Jerry Moran's Office
Senator Jerry Moran's office offers internships that provide a unique opportunity to work closely with Senate staff on behalf of Kansas. These internships are available during the fall and spring semesters, as well as a summer session.
Eligibility and Application
The program is open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in public service and government and a record of academic excellence. While preference is given to Kansas residents, students from all states are encouraged to apply. Due to the high volume of applications, the selection process is competitive, and early submission of application materials is recommended. The Summer 2026 Internship application is now open.
Responsibilities and Benefits
Interns in Senator Moran's office gain valuable experience working on behalf of the state of Kansas. Full-time interns are compensated for their work. While housing is the intern's responsibility, Senator Moran's staff can provide suggestions for housing in Washington, D.C. The internships focus primarily on providing an educational experience.
Law Student Internship Opportunities
The Kansas court system offers several internship opportunities for law students, providing practical experience in the federal judiciary.
District Court and Magistrate Judges Internships
The Court has an internship program in place with the University of Kansas and Washburn University. Law students from those schools can apply directly through the clerkship clinic coordinator at their school.
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General Law Student Internships
Law students learn court procedures and gain front-line experience within the federal judiciary while working on special projects. A student may provide a maximum of 2,080 hours of volunteer service to the court. Individuals related to judges or a public official of the court are not eligible to apply for an internship.
Public Defender Internships
The Kansas public defender system offers various internships for law students and undergraduate students interested in criminal justice and public defense.
Summer Public Defender Internship
This is a 9-week full-time paid internship based in the trial offices in Topeka and Wichita. The program accommodates students who prefer externship credit over a paid position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the majority of interns selected in the fall semester.
Legislative Advocacy Internship
Legislative Advocacy Interns work with the Legislative Advocacy Committee to advance criminal justice reform. This is a part-time paid internship during the spring semester, with accommodations for students seeking externship credit. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Death Penalty Defense Internship
This advanced criminal defense internship is open to students who have completed a prior criminal law internship, externship, or clinic. It is a part-time paid internship based in the Death Penalty Defense Unit in Topeka during the spring or fall semester, with accommodations for externship credit. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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Summer Undergraduate Student Investigator Internship
This 9-week paid internship offers undergraduate students a substantive opportunity to learn investigative work on a legal defense team. Based in the trial offices in Salina and Junction City, interns learn how to handle criminal defense investigations and conduct fieldwork alongside experienced investigators. This experience is valuable for students pursuing careers in law, criminal justice, and related fields.
Application Information for Public Defender Internships
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Cover Letter (addressing interest in public defense and the specific internship program)
- Resume
- Writing Sample (10 pages or less)
The program accepts applications from 1L and 2L students currently enrolled in an accredited law school for the Summer Public Defender Internship, Criminal Justice Legislative Advocacy Internship, and Death Penalty Defense Internship. Applications are also accepted from undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university for the Summer Undergraduate Student Investigator internship.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Internship programs value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace and internship program.
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