Course Description

601.790 Judicial Externship I (S)


Behm, Gotthelf


P2/P3

All externships are “non-course” credit; consult Academic Rules about limits on such credits.

Judicial Externship students will work in the chambers of a federal or state judge, as approved by the externship director, under the supervision of externship faculty, judges, and mentor attorneys. Students will do work similar to that of judicial law clerks at the placement, with attention to their individual learning goals. Students will reflect upon their experiences and examine the skills and values necessary to the practice of law. The course includes completing written assignments, maintaining a journal, and participation in a seminar component.

Prerequisites:

(1) Open to 2L and 3L students, or equivalent.

(2) Each student must have taken Professional Responsibility before enrollment, or may take Professional Responsibility concurrently with the placement if permitted by chambers.

Note that some Judicial Externships will require or prefer that students enroll for three credits per semester, and may also request that students commit to a full year at the placement. Also note that because of conflict of interest rules, Judicial Externs typically are prohibited from working in any other legal capacity during their externship.

Students will work 120 hours per semester for two credits, and 180 hours per semester for three credits. Additional credits may be available for summer placements. Hourly requirements are met by working in chambers; by attending the seminar component; in conference with externship faculty regarding progress and learning goals, and by completing other work as assigned by externship faculty. School year placements will be made by externship faculty from among approved chambers pursuant to an application process, or may be proposed by a student and approved by the externship director. For further information about available placements and the application process, see the Judicial Externship webpage (from the law school’s homepage, follow the link from Real World Experience.)

Summer Externship: Students interested in summer placements in judicial chambers should contact the externship director during the preceding school year about assistance with identifying placements. Summer externships may be completed at distant locations provided that the student can participate in the seminar component through online formats. Summer externship may be subject to enrollment limits; see summer registration materials for current information.