Externship FAQ

What is an externship?

An externship usually involves an off-campus placement for one semester in judicial chambers, a government agency or a public interest law firm. Most externships range between three and six units. Externs are usually involved in all aspects of a placement’s practice, including legal research, client contact and courtroom observation.

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How many units can I take?

Of the 87 units needed to graduate, 20 units may be ungraded. Of these ungraded units, 14 may be externship units. Most externships range between one and six units.

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Are full time externships available?

Only judicial externships are available on a full time basis (seven to ten units). You must have a verified GPA of 3.00 or higher to enroll, and there is a concurrent course required. Second year students may not enroll in a full time judicial externship in the first semester of the second year! No student may enroll in a full or part time externship if it conflicts with required curriculum such as Con Law II or Ethical Lawyering.

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Who is eligible for an externship?

Any student who has completed the first year of studies in good academic standing (GPA of 2.00 or higher) is eligible for an externship.

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How do I start the process?

You should start looking for an off-campus externship placement at least one full semester before you plan to extern. You start the process by filing a written application in the Externship Department when you start looking, but no later than the application deadline. You need not have a placement confirmed by the application deadline date. Filing the application merely reserves your place in the course and gives Externship staff information about contacting you if necessary. The earlier you start the process, however, increases your chances of being offered an externship in one of your top choice categories.

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Are there application deadlines?

Yes. They are published in "Current Deadlines" and posted in the Externship Department. You must file an application on time in the Externship Department before you begin the search for a placement.

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Where can I do an externship? Can I get credit for working in a private firm?

You may only receive academic credit for an externship in an approved placement. Approved placements include judicial chambers, government agencies and public interest law firms. You cannot get academic credit in exchange for working in a private law firm.

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How do I find out what is available?

The Externship Department has detailed referral lists for all approved agencies available for you. This list is also included on this website at “Externship Opportunities Available". We also have a sample cover letter if you are unfamiliar with them and will review your cover letter with you if you wish.

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What is the time commitment?

Each unit requires 56 hours of supervised legal services by a qualified attorney or judge.

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Can I do an externship in the summer?

Yes, but you have to pay for each unit. If you can’t afford to pay for summer units, most judges, federal agencies and public interest firms gladly accept volunteers and you may feel free to use Externship Department resources and referrals to contact them.

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What’s the difference between a judicial externship in state court and one in federal court?

There are a lot of differences. Federal courts are courts of more limited jurisdiction and law students usually work on a day-to-day basis with graduate law clerks as opposed to working directly with a judge. Federal courts usually require a more extensive time commitment. State courts are courts of more diverse jurisdiction, offering a wider exposure to more areas of the law. Students usually work directly with a state judge. State courts frequently accept students for a time commitment of two full days per week during the semester. If you are not sure of the differences, or which court may be a better fit for you, come in and discuss it with Externship staff so that you can make an informed decision.

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Can I satisfy my Pro Bono requirement using externship units?

Yes, in some circumstances. You will not satisfy the pro bono requirement if you do a judicial externship or if you do an externship in a governmental agency such as the district attorney or public defender. However, if you complete two units in a qualified public interest agency, you not only get academic credit for the externship, but you automatically complete the pro bono requirement.

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Last revised: June 19, 2008