Legislative Practice Center Academics

The Legislative Practice Center combines classroom study with hands-on experiences to help students understand the law-making process at federal, state, and local levels.

Curriculum

The Legislative Practice Center program of study begins in the second year of law school and provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for legislative practice.

Required courses such as Administrative Law, State and Local Government Law, Legislation, and Legislative Practice focus on general topics involving the structure and operations of governmental agencies.

In addition, students choose to take elective courses in a special interest area that is regulated by legislation and administrative rules, such as agricultural law, environmental law, business law, family law, education, or health law.

For more information, see Drake Law School's course descriptions.

Certificate

Students who complete the Legislative Practice Center program of study receive a J.D. degree accompanied by the Legislative Practice Certificate.

In addition, the accomplishment is noted on students' transcripts, demonstrating their unique preparation in legislation and administrative rule-making procedures.

Learn more about Drake Law School's certificate programs.

Internships

Legislative Internship
During spring semester their second year, students complete a legislative internship working with Iowa lawmakers during the annual legislative session.

Legislative Practice Internship
During spring semester their third year, students are assigned as interns to public interest groups, associations, or government agencies that are advocating for or against legislation or to the research staffs of legislative caucuses or support agencies.

Learn more about the Legislative Practice Center's internship opportunities.