Washburn law school receives funding for rural practice program

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – A local law school receives $1 million to expand rural legal practice across the Sunflower State.

Washburn University School of Law has received a large grant to expand the school's Rural Legal Practice Network and Externship Program. This $1 million grant comes from Patterson Family Foundation in Kansas City Missouri, according to a news release from Washburn University.

With the funding, the program is able to be developed by creating a more diverse network of rural practitioners that gives access to legal resources and an opportunity for students to connect and learn from mentors.

"Washburn Law is committed to ensuring high quality legal representation in rural communities," JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University, said. "We are extremely grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for supporting this initiative that not only helps rural counties thrive but provides expanded opportunities for Washburn Law students who are eager to serve them."

With this program, law students take part in immersive legal externships. This means students will live, work and lead in communities in rural Kansas under the supervision of a local attorney, according to the news release.

This opportunity will help increase the exposure to legal practitioners in rural areas of Kansas.

"Externship opportunities in rural areas will provide our students with the experience they need to develop their skills and prepare them for rural practice," Jeffrey Jackson, dean of Washburn Law, said. "The shrinking number of attorneys in rural communities jeopardizes many Kansans' ability to obtain legal representation. This program allows us to proactively address that."

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