The Rural Judicial Externship (RJE) offers selected law students a salary of $71.833 an hour (temporary, non-benefited position) in exchange for working in a rural community for the summer as a judicial extern. Judges supervising judicial externs are expected to provide legal research, writing, and court observation opportunities to the extern; introduce the extern to members of the legal community; attend local community, pro bono, and bar association events with the extern; and provide professional mentorship and guidance to the extern.

Eligibility and Requirements:

Eligibility:

  • Candidate must be a student at an ABA-accredited law school who has completed at least one year of law school (preference for New Mexico residents).

Requirements:

  • Student must complete 30 hours per week for 10 weeks of judicial externship work (May – July).

Placement:

  • Relocation to the rural area is required for the duration of the externship. Periodic commuting to the rural area may be allowed.
  • Placements will be with judges in New Mexico judicial districts demonstrating the most need for legal services. No placements will be made in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Los Alamos, Sandoval, or Santa Fe Counties. Law student preferences will be considered.

Compensation:

  • Law students are hired as temporary, non-benefited employees.
  • Salary of $71.833 per hour. This is a rural enhanced rate that incorporates anticipated housing and student expenses.

Application:

  • The application period for this opportunity is from October 1, 2026 until November 30, 2026.