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Legal Externship Program

The Legal Externship Program (LEP) is a one semester clinical program where students work for credit at a public interest, judicial or government organization. Through the LEP, students gain hands-on legal experience under the supervision of practitioners who are experts in their fields. The LEP is offered in the fall and spring semesters to both second- and third-year students.

Credits

Students receive variable credits (pass/fail) for the fieldwork component of the externship, determined as follows:

• 3 credits = 150 hours total
• 4 credits = 200 hours total
• 5 credits = 250 hours total

Before the semester begins, students work with their placement supervisors to determine how many hours they will work during the semester. The schedule must be approved by Professor Knight. Students must adhere to this schedule through out the semester.

In addition, students receive three graded credits for a seminar in legal ethics. For specific course information, click here.

Field Placement

Upon acceptance to the LEP, Professor Lois Knight works with students to identify suitable field placements depending on each student's individual interests and career goals. Once possible placement organizations are identified, students are responsible for applying to those organizations.

Students work in areas related to children's law, civil rights and human rights, education law, environmental law, finance, litigation and public interest law. Recent popular placements include the SEC, Federal Court clerkships, US Attorney's Office, Boston University Office of the General Counsel, and PAIR Project.

Seminar

An integral part of the externship is a two hour weekly seminar examining legal practice and the ethics of lawyering. The seminar requires students to write a paper and make a class presentation. In addition, each student keeps a weekly journal chronicling their educational experience and reactions to the practice of law observed at the field placements.

The seminar satisfies the Law School’s professional responsibility requirement.

Application

To be considered for the program, students must complete the clinical programs application, available here. Applications for participation in the 2009-2010 year are due by May 1, 2009. Students are selected at random with third-year students receiving priority. There are up to 12 slots available each semester.