At IU McKinney, we believe that hands-on experiences and networking are essential to a well-rounded legal education. To help our students take advantage of professional development opportunities, we offer several funding programs that support travel to legal conferences, judicial clerkships, and industry events.
Funding Opportunities for Conferences and Professional Development
Program and Conference Scholarships
Judicial Clerkship Program Scholarship
Each year, we offer a Judicial Clerkship Program (JCP) Scholarship to assist students interested in gaining firsthand experience within the judicial system. The Judicial Clerkship Program (JCP) connects law students from diverse backgrounds across the nation with judges and law clerks. It educates students on the long-term benefits of judicial clerkships, offering a unique, hands-on experience over the course of three days. Participants engage in legal research, draft memoranda or briefs, and present their findings to peers, judges, and Pipeline members. The scholarship includes conference registration, travel, and lodging costs for recipients.
- Application Period: October
- Scholarship Announcement Date: Early November
- Conference Date: Late January/Early February
Indiana Solo and Small Firm Conference Scholarship
Every spring, the Office of Professional Development provides scholarships to attend the Indiana Solo and Small Firm Conference. Law students interested in solo practice or small firm careers are the best fit for this event. This conference offers valuable insights into running a law practice, client management, and networking with attorneys from across the state.
- Application Period: March
- Scholarship Announcement Date: April
- Conference Date: Early June
Travel funding for legal conferences (Conference Grant Application)
To support students who want to expand their legal knowledge and connect with professionals in specialized fields, the Office of Student Affairs offers Travel Scholarships for attending legal conferences nationwide. These funds help cover expenses for students attending events hosted by professional legal associations and industry organizations. Read more about the Conference Grant Applicaiton.
If you have exhausted funding from the Office of Student Affairs, please schedule an appointment with a member of OPD to explore additional funding avenues. Please note that any funding requests typically require at least 6-8 weeks of advance notice to be reviewed. Last minute fund requests are not acceptable.
Explore Professional Associations and Conferences in a variety of legal fields
- American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA)
- Sports Law Professional Association
- The Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel
- ...and more!
The Office of Professional Development encourages all students to explore their specific interests and identify opportunities to build their professional networks.
