After working as an economics professor for nearly twenty years, Travis Letellier decided to take on a new path in law. He recently received an Honorable Mention Award in the 2026 Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing competition, held during Catholic University's Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference (JCOW). This recognition comes as Letellier prepares to complete his J.D. degree in May 2026 from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law.

Letellier completed his undergraduate studies in Finance and International Business at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and earned advanced degrees in Economics from Florida International University in Miami. His academic background in these areas will be valuable in his future work. After graduation, he is set to begin a two-year clerkship with the Honorable Karen Schreier, U.S. Judge for the federal District of South Dakota.

Attending the JCOW conference provided Letellier with a unique and powerful learning experience. Reflecting on the event, he remarked, "Attending Catholic University's JCOW conference was a wonderful opportunity and privilege." Letellier believes that "legal writing is an integral part of the legal profession," and points out that "honing my writing skills has been one of the highlights of my law school experience." The conference, he shared, "helped me learn powerful tools to transform my writing into effective and succinct court opinions," and presented "a unique chance to work with judges from across the country in a small, intimate setting."

As he transitions from the classroom to the courtroom, Letellier credits his success to the robust support of his mentors. "I deeply appreciate the support and guidance I have received from the wonderful professors at USD's Knudson School of Law," he shared, noting that the faculty there "embody excellence, service, and leadership." Letellier emphasizes, "They have not only prepared me well to be a productive member of the legal community, they have also helped me be a better teacher and educator."

Click here to learn more about the Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference.