UND School of Law Rural Justice Judicial Clerkship Program

Launched in 2014 as a joint venture between the State Bar Association of North Dakota, UND School of Law, and the North Dakota Court System as an effort to increase law student awareness of the many opportunities for practice in rural communities. 

Stipends for students working as rural law clerks were initially funded by the North Dakota Supreme Court. The program is currently being funded through an annual commitment by the State Bar Association of North Dakota. It is expected that students will live in and experience life in the rural community where the clerkship is located. Qualifying locations are reviewed annually and currently include Cavalier, Grafton, Bottineau, Rugby, Wahpeton, New Rockford, Ellendale, Watford City, Devils Lake, Valley City, and Bowman.

Selection Process

The selection process happens in May and is coordinated through the externship program.  The selected students receive their scholarship when the Law School receives confirmation that the position has started. All funding runs through the Office of Financial Aid. 

• All confirmed students in qualified placements at the time of selection will be considered for funding regardless of grade point average and class rank.
• Students committed to working full-time (350-400 hours) during the summer will be given priority consideration for available funding.
•  As part of the requirement to receive funding, students must agree to certify their post-summer experience hours, submit a post-experience essay, and give permission for the University to publicly release their name and placement information.     

Past Awards

*In 2024 and 2025, all clerkships were funded under the Larson Fund (rural and western North Dakota)