REQUIREMENTS
 

What are the externship field placement requirements?

Requirements for field placements include the following:

1. The placement must be at a not-for-profit organization, government agency, court, or an in-house counsel office in an approved corporation. Students may not extern with a law firm unless they are assigned exclusively to pro bono matters or CJA cases.
    
2. Externs must be engaged in substantive legal work.
    
3. Externs must be supervised by a licensed attorney.
    
4. The position must be unpaid with limited exceptions.
    
5. Externs are required to work onsite in the same location as their supervising attorney for a minimum of 50% of their hours. (This is a WCL policy, employers may require students to work onsite full-time).
    
6. Remote externships are permitted only in very limited circumstances and must be approved the Externship Office.

What is the definition of pro bono? When can I extern at a for-profit law firm?

For-profit law firms will be approved only if the student is assigned exclusively to pro bono matters. Pro Bono generally means work undertaken at no charge for a low income client. Firms engaged in pro bono work may not charge for the students' time. All students externing with a for-profit law firm must speak to a member of the Externship Program prior to obtaining approval.

Please Note: This includes cases falling under fee-shifting statutes as long as the client is not charged. Court appointed CJA cases are also considered pro bono work.

What is "substantive legal work?"

Under ABA Standards, externs should engage in the work of a "junior attorney," which includes both opportunities to engage in and to observe others performing legal work. The kind of work each student performs and observes depends on the individual placement, and therefore there is no bright-line rule for what "substantive legal work" entails.

Typical activities include: conducting legal or factual research; conducting client or witness interviews; drafting memoranda and other legal documents; reviewing and preparing transactional documents; attending a negotiation, business meeting, or court hearing; observing attorneys performing lawyering activities; or discussing an experience with a supervising attorney, judge, or colleague.

May I work for a field placement that focuses on policy or other non-litigation matters?

Yes, however, these placements have sometimes been problematic, so the Externship Office will want to ensure that students are not engaged in administrative, repetitive, or non-substantive tasks on a regular basis.

Examples that not considered substantive legal work include: updating a database, fundraising, lobbying, event planning, state by state compendiums of laws (researching the same issue repeatedly), non-law-related research, designing and updating (cut and paste) websites. 

Congressional Offices: Students working for individual representatives, as opposed to congressional committees, often find themselves engaged in low-level constituent work, which is not permissible. The supervising attorney must be able to articulate the specific type of legal work in which the student will be engaged.

What if the attorney is not "licensed" in the state in which I am externing? Are there other requirements the supervising attorney must meet?

Students involved in litigation must always be supervised by attorneys licensed in the state in which they are externing. Students involved in non-litigation matter such as policy or compliance can have non-licensed attorneys as supervisors with approval from the Externship Office.

Day-to-day activities can be supervised by non-attorney as long as an attorney is reviewing the extern’s work, providing feedback, and ultimately responsible for student supervision. Students may not receive supervision entirely from non-attorneys. 

The attorney supervisor must be an employee of the field placement. Sometimes the attorneys are members of the board of an organization or are volunteers but are not actually employees. They may not act as supervising attorneys.

FIELD PLACEMENT CREDITS

How many credits can I earn for my fieldwork?

Students earn two, three, or four credits for their fieldwork depending on the number of hours worked during the course of the semester. (Students must work a minimum of 130 hours but may enroll in one fieldwork credit). All fieldwork credits are graded pass-fail.

Summer Semester
130 hours = 2 Credit (Approx. 15 hrs./week for 9 weeks)
195 hours = 3 Credits (Approx. 22 hrs./week for 9 weeks)
260 hours = 4 Credits (Approx. 29 hrs./week for 9 weeks)

Fall and Spring Semesters (we provide a 13-week approximation as it is not unusual for students to have to start their externships one week into the semester, particularly in the fall semester)
130 hours = 2 Credit (Approx. 10 hrs./week for 13 weeks)
195 hours = 3 Credits (Approx. 15 hrs./week for 13 weeks)
260 hours = 4 Credits (Approx. 20 hrs./week for 13 weeks)

FIELD CREDIT GUIDELINES & POLICIES

• Students may earn a total of six field placement credits plus six supervision/seminar credits while in law school.
• The seminar and the field placement must be contemporaneous. 
• The externship credits are earned from the first day of classes and must be completed prior to the Reading period and the Exam period.
• Student may not end their externships early, even if they have completed their hours; they should work through the end of the semester
• Students are responsible for calculating holiday and other days off when deciding how many hours they intend to work. 
• Students may not lower the number of hours to which they have committed to the employer unless there are exigent, unexpected circumstances.

How many hours should I work in the fall or spring?

While students may earn credit for 10, 15, or 20 hours of work per week during the fall and spring, many students find that working 10 hours a week provides them inadequate time in the workplace, while 20 hours per week may be difficult to fit into their schedules. Students should discuss this issue with the attorney supervisor and seek counseling from the Externship Office if they are seeking guidance.

Considerations include:

• Your course load, extracurricular activities, and ability to work on-site with your attorney supervisors for 50% of your hours

If I work more than 260 hours in a semester, can I earn more than four credits?

No. Students may earn a maximum of four credits for fieldwork in any given semester.

Can I earn credit for hours worked either before the semester begins or after the semester concludes?

Students can start counting their externship hours one week prior to the semester starting, given they have approval from the Externship Program and are enrolled in a seminar. Hours can be logged until the final day of classes. However, externships are not permitted during reading or exam periods.

While students are free to continue working on their externships outside of official hours, credit won't be granted for this extra time. This exception doesn't apply during reading or exam periods in fall or spring. It's important to complete externship hours within the semester and not plan to go beyond the last day of classes.

 Is it possible to just complete the fieldwork and not take a seminar?

No. Students participating in the Externship Program MUST be supervised by faculty through one of the following: a two-credit externship seminar, a one-credit Advanced Supervision seminar, or under certain circumstances, a one-credit Individual Supervision. 

In order to earn externship credit, the fieldwork hours need to be completed in the same semester as the externship seminar.

Can I extern at the same field placement for more than one semester?

Typically, no. Students may not extern at the same field placement twice unless they can demonstrate (in the form of a written memorandum to the Externship Office) that they will be assigned matters that are substantially different or more advanced than in the previous semester. Repeat field placements must be approved by the Externship Office.

Can I participate in the Externship Program more than once?

Yes. During their study at WCL, students can earn a maximum of six credits for field work (LAW-899) and six credits for seminar/supervision (LAW-769). The field credits, but not seminar credits, count toward the law school's maximum number of "out of classroom" credits.

Students participating in a second externship should enroll in the Advanced Supervision one-credit, pass/fail seminar.

Can I extern at more than one organization during the same semester?

Yes. Students can split their time between two placements during the summer semester as long as there is no conflict between the two placements. We discourage this during the fall and spring semesters because the 20 hour total severely limits the number of hours at each placement. We also strongly discourage students from participating in Clinic at the same time as participating in an externship, which requires permission from the Clinical Professor and the Externship Office

Can I split time between externing and working for pay at the same placement?

We discourage this, but if there is some legitimate reason we should approve it, we require a wall between the two jobs so that there can be no confusion between the two. This can include separate supervision; separate hours/days, a different work space.

Can I earn externship credit for working for a WCL professor?

No. Students may not extern for professors or programs at WCL or any other educational institutions.

Can students enroll in an externship program in another school?

Students may be permitted to transfer some credits if the externship credits are part of a unique academic program not offered by WCL.

Considerations include: whether the program substantially different from anything offered at WCL, whether the student worked a minimum of 65 hours per credit and whether there was supervision by an on-site faculty member, including specific time set aside to discuss issues relating to the externship.

Do I have to make up the hours lost due to inclement weather or federal holiday?

Students are responsible for taking into account federal holidays when calculating the number of hours for which they will receive credit. Students may only deduct hours when the field placement office is closed due to unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather or power outage if remote work is not available.

May I use my Lexis and Westlaw passwords to perform research for the benefit of the externship?

Yes. As long as you are receiving academic credit for your work.

How do I go about seeking an externship? Do you place me?

Students are responsible for applying directly to externship opportunities, similar to applying for a job. The Office for Career and Professional Development and the Externship Office offer various resources to help you find a suitable placement. You can utilize all WCL resources, whether you're looking for an internship, externship, or paid position. These resources include the Externship Fair, Resume Review, and OCPD job postings. For more information on applying for externships, visit our page "Getting Started – How to Find an Externship.”

How do I apply for an externship I’m interested in?

If there is a job posting, follow the employer's instructions. If found through another source, students should review the application instructions in the posting. If there are no specific instructions, send a cover letter and resume to the contact listed in the Externship Database, Careerlink, or the organization website. Students can send a transcript and references or inform the organization that they are available upon request. 

Students should always check the organization's website for additional information about the application process. If there is a specific application process described on the website, students should apply through both processes. 

Am I limited to applying to field placements found through WCL?

No; not at all. Students are welcome to find placements on their own. They must meet the program requirements and the organization must be willing to comply with the requirements described in the employer field placement agreement.

I am a 1L. When do I apply for summer externships? How far in advance should I apply for fall and spring externships?

1L students should work on their resumes and cover letters throughout the fall semester, and start reviewing listings at that time. At the latest, application materials should be completed over Winter break so you can and proceed with the application process when you return to school. Most organizations expect to receive applications for summer externships in January, February and March. Some organizations are starting to hire students in November and December. 

For fall and spring externships:  students should apply for fall externships in the second half of the spring semester, and apply for spring externships during the fall semester. However, students continue to apply for fall externships (with much success) throughout the summer.

I am a 2L. When do I apply for summer externships?

In some circumstances, 2Ls should apply for summer externships much earlier - they are often qualified for "honors" programs or paid summer programs (not actually externships). Federal agencies recruit for these programs in the fall of the previous year. Contact OCPD for more information.

What's the difference between the OCPD CareerLink Database and the Externship Database?

The OCPD CareerLink Database lists current job postings, including paid positions, internships, and externships. Students can also use CareerLink to search for employers by practice area regardless of whether they have posted a job.

On the other hand, the Externship Database specifically includes organizations that have hired externship students in the past, along with those who requested externs before Summer 2023. The Externship Database is useful for finding employers that meet their academic and career goals. However, starting from Summer 2023, the Externship Program began transitioning into the Careerlink database and no longer updates this database. 

I saw on the database that evaluations are available for an organization to which I'm interested in applying; where can I access the evaluation?

The field placement evaluations are available online only in the Externship Office. These evaluations, written by WCL students, can be helpful in providing additional information about the field placements and supervisors. Please drop by the Externship Office during business hours or schedule an appointment to come in and view the evaluations.

REGISTRATION PROCESS
 

I've secured my externship. What steps do I need to take to enroll in the credits?

First, you will register for the seminar class (LAW-769) through Eagle Service as you would any other class.

Next, you will complete a field placement application through the Experiential Learning Module on Careerlink.

Once approved by the Externship Program, the Registrar will add the field component credits, LAW-899, to your schedule.

• Register for an Externship Seminar (LAW-769)
  • Register for the seminar class online as you would for any other class. Externships are listed on the course schedule page with the prefix LAW-769. You may register for a seminar as soon as they are posted, and do not need to wait until your externship has been finalized. Regardless of the course title, unless they explicitly say otherwise in the course description, all externship seminars are open to students in any placement.
     
• Register for Externship Field Credits (LAW-899)
  • After you have enrolled in a seminar, you can register for the field placement credits through Symplicity. 
     
• All externships must be approved by the Externship Program Office.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to request approval in a timely fashion. It is important to submit the field placement request before classes begin to ensure there are no issues with approval after the semester has already started, particularly when students have secured placements on their own and not through the Fair or the Externship Database.

What is the deadline for submitting my fieldwork approval request?

Submit the request for approval as soon as possible after seminars are posted and no later than one week prior to the start of the semester. Students who are seeking approval of placements that are new to the Externship Program must be sure to provide the Program staff with enough time to determine whether the placement meets Program requirements. Do not wait until after the semester has started to request approval or you risk having the request denied after you have already started working and the add/drop period has ended.

Are there any pre-requisites to doing an externship?

Many students find that it is helpful to have taken certain courses either before, or contemporaneous with their field placements (Criminal Procedure for externships in the field of criminal law, for example, or Business Associations for certain finance-related externships). We suggest discussing this with the field placement attorney supervisor before accepting an offer.

I am currently enrolled in an externship and in a seminar. Is there anything else I need to do to ensure I get my credits?

Yes, there are additional steps you need to take towards the end of the semester:

1. Complete an online Field Placement Externship Evaluation.
2. Submit a contemporaneous hours log signed by your attorney supervisor.
3. Ensure your attorney supervisor sends your professor a student evaluation of your work.
4. Complete and submit all of your assignments.

Your professor, not the Externship Office, will submit your grades to the Office of the Registrar.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What if my attorney supervisor only works on-site on days that I have other classes?

Working directly with your attorney supervisor is a key component to an externship. You must arrange your course schedule to accommodate the requirements of the Externship Program. Speak with your attorney supervisor about what days they will be able to work in the office ahead of scheduling your other courses. 

After I have accepted an offer, may I turn it down to accept a preferable externship?

No. Students my not renege on an offer after they have accepted it. Once they have informed the employer that they accept the offer of employment, they must extern. They may not lower the number of externship hours they work without substantial reason. The Externship Program reaches out to all employers where students have changed their hours unless due cause is apparent.

What if I can’t start within the first week of classes?

Your field placement must run contemporaneously with your seminar (at least 13 weeks in Fall and Spring; at 8 weeks in summer). You must begin working by the 2nd week of class. Under certain circumstances, students may be given permission to begin working no later than the 3rd week of classes in the Fall and Spring semester. The earliest an externship may end is one week before the last week of classes.

I am having trouble in my externship? Who do I go to? What do I do?

If you encounter difficulties during your externship, your first step should be to notify your professor and seek their advice on resolving the issue. However, if the situation warrants it, the professor will notify the Externship Program to help resolve the problem. Typically, we encourage students to attempt to address these challenges independently.

We highly encourage our students to come to speak to our faculty and program with any problems within your externship.

What is the Externship Fair and when is it held?

Each January, the Externship Program holds its annual Externship Fair, attended by representatives from over 130 area organizations and agencies. This Fair is a tremendous opportunity to meet attorneys who work in a wide variety of practice areas. Most organizations accept resumes at the Fair and will use the opportunity to engage in informal interviews. Many students end up securing internships and externships through the Fair. All students should plan on attending regardless of your intention to find a summer internship or externship.

How do I find out information about the Externship Fair?

In December, Students should visit Careerlink to view the fair event for fair preparation resources and a list of registered employers. A directory, map, and other resources will be added to this page throughout January.

Who comes to the Externship Fairs?

Representatives from not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, courts, and law firms engaged in pro bono work attend the Externship Fairs. Participants include numerous divisions of the United States Department of Justice and other government agencies such as the FCC, the SEC, and the Departments of Commerce, Education, and State. Also in attendance are prosecutors from a variety of jurisdictions and the public defender services for D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, as well as dozens of public interest organizations, such as the ACLU and the Legal Aid Society. 

How do I prepare for the Externship Fair? 

It is important to prepare yourself ahead of time to make a good impression on potential employers.

• Dress to impress. Dress professionally. You should aim to wear a suit, or at a minimum, business casual. In many cases, employers make hiring decisions at the Fair, so your attire should reflect this. Do not wear casual clothing such as sneakers or baseball caps. 

• Update your resume. Meet with a career counselor from OCPD to discuss your career objectives and update your resume. You should print hard copies of your resume to hand out to employers at the Externship Fair.

• Create a plan. Prior to the Fair, the Externship Program issues an Employer Directory with a comprehensive list of the employers attending, as well as a layout of where each employer will be located at the Fair. Identify and research the employers you would like to speak with and familiarize yourself with the layout of the Fair. This will help you use your time effectively.

For more tips and tricks visit our page on "Externship Fairs"

Am I actually interviewing for jobs at the Externship Fair?

It depends! Some employers may conduct interviews, while others will offer general information. You might have only a few minutes with each employer, so we recommend preparing an "elevator speech." This brief introduction should cover your background, interests, and any questions you have for the employer.

 

SUMMER EXTERNSHIPS

Can I extern outside of Washington D.C.?

Yes, during the summer semester. The Externship Program offers remote seminars (Two-Credit & Advanced) for students who are externing onsite outside of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area.

Students will need to reserve 2.5 hours each week to attend this online class in a quiet space where they can hear and speak with a headset. The seminars meet at 6 pm EST. 

I want to extern, but I don't want to pay extra for summer credits. Is there a way to off-set the cost of externing over the summer?

Yes. Some students drop to part-time status in a future semester in order to off-set the cost of summer classes. You should consult the Financial Aid Office to confirm whether this option is available to you and how it would impact your overall financial aid package.

Can participation in summer externships qualify for financial aid?

Yes, under certain circumstances. Contact the Office of Financial Aid [Suite 505; (202) 274-4107] directly for more information.

Can I do an externship and a study abroad program in the same summer?

No. Students cannot do the Summer Abroad Program and the Externship Program during the summer because they are limited to seven credits for the summer (although it is possible to petition the Registrar for eight credits under some circumstances).

 

INTERNATIONAL & CPT

Are students permitted to earn externship credit for working in placements overseas?

Yes. Students must be able to attend the remote externship seminar offered at 6 pm EST. The placement must meet all of the requirements of the program and the attorney supervisor must agree to sign the employer agreement. Attorneys may be licensed in the country in which the student is working.

What is CPT Authorization? 

Students who are here on an F1 Visa are not permitted to work either paid or unpaid positions; however, they can do so if the work they are doing qualifies as “training.” Student must have Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Student & Scholar Services Office.

What are the steps to obtaining CPT Authorization?

1.  Student must contact ISSS to request CPT. ISSS will then reach out to the Externship Office.
    
2. The Externship Director must review their field placement with the student to ensure that it meets the requirements for an externship.
    
3. The student must provide a brief paragraph explaining how the field placement relates to their academic goals to the Externship Director.
    
4. The student should then enroll in an externship seminar.
    
5. Once officially registered in the appropriate class, the student must request CPT authorization using iEagle:
    
   1. Under “Current Student,” click on the “Curricular Practical Training” e-form
   2. Student then must upload a copy of their employment letter. The letter must be on company letterhead and include job/internship description, address of employment, number of hours per week, start and end dates, and contact information

More information can be found here.

What is the 1 credit LLM Externship Seminar option?

Only during the summer semester, CPT students have the option to enroll in the LLM 1 credit pass/fail LLM Externship Seminar. The LLM externship is set up so that students can take 1-6 credits of LAW-754. There is no separate fieldwork credit. The LLM is a good option for students to pay for fewer credits (1-2) while still receiving CPT status.

Can LLM students do an Externship?

LLM students should be reach out to the LLM program for assistance in this matter.