Glacier Country News

Jennifer Hurst, a third-year law student at the University of Montana, is gaining practical experience by working in the Office of the Governor during the 2025 legislative session. This opportunity is part of a clinical program offered by the Alexander Blewett III School of Law.

“Sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming,” Hurst expressed about her experience. “I still get chills when I walk into the Capitol Building.”

The clinic placement allows students like Hurst to work under licensed attorneys' supervision. She appreciates the mentorship she receives, stating, “Everyone has been so welcoming to me. They make time to answer questions and are excited I’m here. I couldn’t ask for better mentorship. They have been amazing and really care about what I have to say.”

Hurst works closely with the governor’s chief legal counsel and is located near Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras's office, who previously taught law at UM for two decades.

“I get to work alongside former students to solve these complex legal problems,” Juras mentioned. “We are looking through hundreds of bills to see if they can be improved or if they will run into problems.”

The hands-on approach at Montana’s flagship law school aims to prepare students for diverse legal careers through varied clinics.

“This type of clinical placement helps make more well-rounded lawyers when they start practicing,” Juras added. “It’s an opportunity to understand the policies behind the law, so this is a boots-on-the-ground approach toward their education.”

Attorneys in the governor’s office specialize in different areas and collaborate with state agency attorneys. Hurst participates in discussions on advancing bills effectively.

“We are constantly finding ways to make sure the bills being drafted are the very best they can be before reaching the governor’s desk,” Juras said. “This is a citizen’s legislature. We want to make sure the bills we help draft capture the sponsor’s intent. Every word counts.”

Hurst is eager to delve deeper into administrative law through this experience.

“There is so much opportunity within administrative law,” she noted. “I wouldn’t have known about any of this without their great mentorship.”

At Montana State Capitol, Hurst remains enthusiastic about her role.

“I’ve always loved the process of politics,” she said. “I get to see it from the front lines and be a part of the action. It has been the icing on the cake of my whole law school experience.”