Welcome or Welcome back!
Whether you're a new law student beginning your legal education or a returning reader looking for new opportunities, we're glad you're here.
We created our law student blog,
Just the Facts, to help you make the most of your law school experience and prepare for what comes next. Throughout the year, we'll share information on networking opportunities, free events, professional development programs, volunteer experiences, scholarships, and other resources designed to support you both during law school and as you begin your legal career.
We look forward to another year of connecting you with opportunities, insights, and resources to help you succeed in law school and beyond.
Here are a few important opportunities and resources to help you start your year:
Gain Writing Experience
If you're looking for a way to get more experience,
consider writing for us. Publishing an article is a great opportunity to share your perspective, build your resume, and leave a lasting impact on fellow law students. To find out more, reach out to
Emily DeRusha-Kozik, of the State Bar Law School Outreach Team.
Become a State Bar Section Board Student Liaison
The State Bar of Wisconsin Sections are groups of attorneys who practice in specific areas of law. Several sections are seeking student liaisons to serve on their boards. As a student liaison, you’ll have the opportunity to:
attend board meetings, provide brief updates, assist with planning events, and write blog articles;
connect and network directly with attorneys across Wisconsin; and
explore career paths and build relationships that can support your professional goals.
Apply by Sept. 14 for the 2027-28 school year. To apply, send your resume and statement of interest to Meghan Hawley at
sectionprograms@wisbar.org.
Liaison positions are available in these sections:
Marquette Law School:
- Appellate Practice
- Administrative & Local Government Law
- Civil Rights & Liberties Law
- Criminal Law
- Intellectual Property & Technology Law
UW-Madison Law School:
- Appellate Practice
- Administrative & Local Government Law
- Criminal Law
- Intellectual Property & Technology Law
- Public Interest Law
Gain a Mentor: Sign Up for the 2027 Ready. Set. Practice. Mentoring Program
The State Bar of Wisconsin
Ready. Set. Practice. mentoring program matches law students and new lawyers with experienced attorneys who provide guidance on law practice management, effective client representation, and career development.
The program runs through the calendar year. Participation is voluntary, and sign-ups remain open. This program is an excellent resource for students seeking support and insight as they prepare for their legal careers.
Sign up on WisBar.org.
Save these Dates: Upcoming State Bar Events for Law Students
The 2026 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference in Wisconsin Dells
The
Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference (WSSFC) is a great opportunity to learn from attorneys who have built successful practices and gain valuable insight into the realities of running a solo or small firm.
Attendance is free for law students, making it an excellent opportunity whether you're seriously considering solo practice or simply exploring your career options. This event offers a unique chance to network, learn, and envision your future in the legal profession.
Learn more by visiting the
WSSC 2026 page.
When: Thursday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Where: Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
Discovering Practice Areas Expo
The legal profession offers countless career paths, but how do you find the one that's right for you? Whether you're exploring possibilities or already have a practice area in mind, the Discovering Practice Areas Expo provides an opportunity to meet attorneys, gain real-world insights, and learn what life in different areas of law is really like.
UW-Madison Law School: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Marquette Law School: Date TBD
Get a 2027 Summer Clerkship: Attend Informational Sessions
The State Bar offers two summer clerkship programs for law students. Law students are invited to attend informational sessions to learn more about these programs.
Diversity Clerkship Program
Designed exclusively for first-year law students, the
State Bar of Wisconsin Diversity Clerkship Program connects 1L students with summer internship opportunities at law firms and businesses across the state. Attend our informational session to see whether the program could be a good fit for your career goals.
Visit WisBar.org to find out more about the program and about past clerks and participating employers.
Rural Clerkship Program
The
State Bar of Wisconsin Rural Clerkship Program is a paid summer opportunity that connects 1L and 2L students with rural employers across the state. Learn how the program works, what types of opportunities may be available, how to apply, and how a rural clerkship can provide meaningful hands-on legal experience while introducing you to the benefits and opportunities of rural practice.
Informational Sessions
Wednesday, Oct. 21 at U.W. Law School and
Thursday, Oct. 22, at Marquette University Law School at these times:
- Rural Clerkship Program: Noon-12:30 p.m.
- Diversity Clerkship Program: 12:30-1 p.m.
Get Acquainted with State Bar Publications
The State Bar offers numerous publications on the practice of law. Here are some that you may be interested in – be sure to
become a law student associate with the State Bar to receive these (it’s free):
Additional resources can be found on the
Law Student Associate page on WisBar.org.
Do you have any questions? Reach out to
Emily DeRusha-Kozik.
— Your State Bar Law Student Outreach Team
This article was originally published on the State Bar of Wisconsin’s
Law Student Blog, Just the Facts. The State Bar offers a variety of resources to help law students connect with the legal profession, including finding mentors and clerkships.
Find out more on Wisbar.org.
