Reflections from a Rural Judicial Fellow and the Impact of Recovery Court - Articles

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Posted by: Laura Labenberg on Aug 20, 2025

In this first edition of Voices of the YLD in 2026, Jillian McGauley reflects upon her experiences as a Rural Judicial Fellow during the summer of 2025. McGauley had the opportunity to work with General Sessions Judge Lee Bussart in Lewisburg. She writes about her meaningful experiences with the Marshall County Recovery and Mental Health Court Program. McGauley and five other law students participated in the inaugural Rural Judicial Fellowship (RJF) program led by YLD Middle Tennessee Governor Alix Rogers and YLD East Tennessee Governor Judge Zack Walden. Applications for the 2026 Rural Judicial Program are now available and are due on Feb. 27 by 5 p.m. CST. Originally from Kentucky, McGauley is a 2L at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law.