The application process is completely on-line. Before you begin, learn about available placements and prepare for the application process by carefully reviewing the information available on this site. More questions? Contact Professor Gotthelf at: Barbara.Gotthelf@rutgers.edu or 856-225-6692 - Judicial.
Contact Professor Sandra Simkins at:
ssimkins@camden.rutgers.edu or 856-225-6646 - Practice
Applications for the Spring Term 2020 term are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Use these links to learn about approved placements:
(See separate tab under "Real-World Experience" for Practice Externships.)
BEFORE you start your application, look at the lists of approved chambers. Be prepared to select up to 3 choices at which to work.
Practice Externships (criminal or civil) are open to 3L students, and to 2L students if consistent with the applicable student practice rule. Students who can appear in New Jersey courts must be 3Ls. Students who will appear in Pennsylvania courts can be second term 2Ls. Students who will not appear in court for a client may be either 2L or 3L or equivalent.
ALSO be prepared with an updated resume and a writing sample (if required by your selected placements), which you will be asked to upload. Please save these documents under a title that includes your name so that when your materials are forwarded they will be clearly identified with you. Some placements do not require a writing sample. To accommodate those applications, we have not made "writing sample" a required field. CAREFULLY REVIEW the requirements for your chosen placements, and include a writing sample if required.
If you have only one or two choices, hit the "continue" button at the end of the page after you select your first choice and then for the next two choices, you may select - "I do not wish to make a second choice" and then hit continue and -" I do not wish to make a third choice."
There will be a space for a short note if you wish to comment on your choice, for example, "I prefer a placement in my home county" or "I do not have a car" or "please note career experience in this field on my resume," which may be helpful, for example, if you do not have a course required by the placement.
Click here to fill out an online application form.
IF YOU HAVE A PLACEMENT IN MIND THAT IS NOT ON THE LIST, contact the Externship Director. For example, if you are commuting from a distant county, we may be able to help you identify a placement in your area. We welcome new placements that provide substantial legal work and mentoring.
Follow Through--You will receive an email from Prof. Gotthelf or from Claire White stating your recommended placement at about the same time that your materials are forwarded, via email, to the placement. You are required to arrange an interview with the supervising attorney at the placement as soon as possible. Ordinarily, this is not a competitive process (the agency is sent only the number of students it requests), but your placement is not final until you are approved by the agency. A few agencies will simply discuss the placement with you by phone and not require a formal interview. Agencies that are competitive with students from other schools should be so noted in their information profile.
Background Issues? You may be applying for a judicial chambers, a law-enforcement related position, or other office where you have access to highly confidential information. To be sure that our supervising attorneys are confident in your appropriateness for such a position and to avoid awkwardness for you and for Rutgers, we must discuss potential background/clearance issues with you as part of the application process. Please note that we do not have access to your admission file. We have found that students with these issues can often be approved for a placement when they are candid and take responsibility. With this in mind, please answer the question on the application form about "background issues." Answer "yes" if you have ever been convicted or or pled guilty to any misdemeanor or felony; been expelled from or disciplined by any undergraduate or graduate school (including law school) for any reason; been accused of academic dishonesty; received a dishonorable discharge from the military; or have any criminal charges currently pending or expected to be brought against you.
Remember to register for Externship during the regular course registration period. If you find that you have concerns about your placement, or change your plans about participating, contact Prof. Gotthelf ASAP to discuss, so that our placements are treated respectfully and other students can be accommodated.
Welcome to Externship!.