Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Legal Externship Program?

The Legal Externship Program (LEP) is a one semester program where students work about 12-20 hours per week at a government, judicial, non-profit, or public interest organization performing legal work.  Through the externship, students are exposed to the realities of law practice while under the supervision of experienced practitioners at the placement organization.

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Where do students usually work?

Students regularly intern at the SEC, the US Attorney's Office, as clerks in judicial chambers, and at non-profits specializing in environmental law, civil rights and human rights, finance, educational law, and public interest law.

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Do I need to have an offer from an organization to apply for the LEP?

No.  Students find placements after being accepted into the program.  Some students apply to the program with a clear idea where they want to work.  Others do not.  We encourage all students to apply.  The Office of Clinical Programs has valuable resources for helping students select what organizations they will apply to, and our staff is happy to make an appointment with you to discuss your areas of interest and what organizations might be a good fit for you. We also encourage you to make an appointment with the CDO to discuss how the LEP can support your career plans and make you a valuable job candidate.

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Is there a classroom component to the LEP?

Yes. Students participate in a weekly seminar examining legal practice and the ethics of lawyering.  This seminar satisfies the professional responsibility requirement for graduation.  Because the ethics seminar is a mandatory part of the LEP, we recommend that students refrain from taking a different professional responsibility class if they are planning on participating in the LEP. 

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How many students are accepted to the LEP?

About 12 students are accepted into the LEP each semester.

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I am not in the top of my class, will that affect my chances of being selected for the LEP?

No. Students are selected at random, with preference given to 3Ls.  In fact, we strongly encourage students who are not at the top of the class to apply.  In addition to the fantastic experience the LEP provides, externship placements look great on your resume.

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How many credits do I receive for the LEP?

You will receive between 6-8 credits total (3-5 pass/fail credits for the fieldwork depending on how many hours you work, and 3 graded credits for the seminar).  The seminar grade is based on seminar participation, a final paper, and weekly journals documenting students' externship experiences.

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Does the LEP count toward a concentration?

Yes. The LEP counts toward the Concentration in Litigation and Dispute Resolution if you work at a litigation placement.

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Are there any prerequisites for the LEP?

No, there are no prerequisites for the LEP. Depending on your placement, however, some classes may help you better understand the subject matter of your externship. Students working in judicial chambers, for example, have reported that they were extremely glad that they took evidence prior to the externship. Please feel free to contact the Office of Clinical Programs to discuss what classes you might want to take if you are thinking about participating in the LEP.

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How do I apply for the LEP?

Students apply through the on-line application system which is available on the Clinical Programs starting in April of each year. Applications are generally due at the end of April for participation in the following academic year.

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How do I receive more information about the LEP?

Interested students can learn more about the LEP at the Clinical Programs Open House, which is generally the first Thursday of April each year.  In the meantime, you are welcome to contact the Office of Clinical Programs at lclinic@bu.edu.

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