STUDENT RESOURCES
Professional and Career Development Center
The UMKC School of Law Professional and Career Development Center connects you with valuable experiences that lead to meaningful employment.
At the Professional and Career Development Center, your professional development is the primary focus. The center will provide you with services you need to gain essential skills, resources and opportunities vital for thriving in the dynamic world of law.
Whether you’re seeking a job or an internship, interested in networking opportunities, or need some assistance with interviewing or resume writing, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. With a focus on personalized guidance, experiential learning and industry connections, the center is committed to fostering the next generation of legal leaders.
Networking and Professional Development Events
As a UMKC School of Law student you have access to over 100 different events each year to assist you in developing your professional skills and network with legal professionals.
Proven Success
The employment rate of our graduates consistently ranks above the national average, and students can explore over 1,000 jobs and internships posted to our online job board each year. Employers come to campus to interview our students for these opportunities each semester.
CONNECT Resources
CONNECT, our Career Services platform, provides instant, online access to resources surrounding common job search needs, including:
- Legal resumes
- Cover letters
- Writing samples
- Interviewing
- Accepting offers
- Networking
- Career research/exploration
Clinics and Field Placement
At UMKC School of Law, experiential learning is at the forefront of our curriculum, preparing you for the real-world practice of law. Through our live practice courses, including clinics and field placements, you will engage directly with legal professionals, cases and clients.
With a minimum requirement of six credits in experiential coursework, UMKC ensures that every student has ample opportunity to engage in practical learning experiences. Our robust selection of experiential courses ensures that you can tailor your education to your interests and career goals while meeting or exceeding this requirement.
Whether through clinics or field placements, UMKC School of Law equips you with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in your future legal career, making a positive impact on individuals, institutions and communities alike.
Clinics
In clinics, you will dive into hands-on legal work under the guidance of experienced faculty, tackling real issues facing individuals and communities. You will have the opportunity to put your law education to work while representing actual clients with pressing legal needs.
- Abandoned Housing
- Access to Justice
- Child and Family Services
- Entrepreneurial Legal Services
- Guardian ad Litem
- Intellectual Property
- Sentencing Mitigation
- Tax
Field Placement
Field placements offer another avenue for practical experience. By immersing yourself into diverse legal environments, from law offices to private companies, you’ll gain invaluable insights into your chosen profession. Field placements are like other legal internships, except you can earn J.D. credit for hours worked in a public interest or government agency. There are more than 100 approved field placement host offices and mentor attorneys in the following categories:
- Courts
- Criminal
- Estate planning
- Government
- Health
- Immigration law
- Labor and employment
- Public interest
- Sports
- Veterans
Or, with prior approval, you can find a suitable placement that matches your career interests.
Bar Preparation
At UMKC School of Law, we have bar prep covered.
All UMKC School of Law J.D. graduates are enrolled in Helix Bar Review, a premier online bar prep program. In addition, all J.D. graduates will be enrolled in the UMKC in-person bar review program.
UMKC is one of few schools in the country to provide you with both a commercial bar prep program and a supplemental in-person course at no cost beyond tuition and fees.
What Is the Bar Exam?
The bar exam is the comprehensive examination you will take to be admitted to the bar and become a licensed practicing attorney. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, essay questions and performance tests.
Helix Bar Review
Helix Bar Review empowers you to succeed on the bar exam from wherever you are post-graduation. This state-of-the-art bar prep program allows you to study at home or on the go, giving you online and offline access and the ability to move between multiple devices.
UMKC Bar Prep Program
The in-person UMKC Bar Prep Program works in conjunction with the Helix Bar Review to provide you with the top-notch feedback, guidance and support needed to succeed on the bar exam.