clinics
"The externship program allowed me the opportunity to deal with matters of life or death. I worked with attorneys across the country, challenging the constitutionality of the juvenile death penalty. I learned that things are seldom what they seem and, as attorneys, we need to look beneath the surface, for that is where the truth often lies." -Jontae Chatman '05
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Externship FAQ
- What is the benefit of an externship?
- What do externs do?
- How do I get an externship?
- When should I apply for an externship?
- What organizations should I consider?
- Can I only get credit for externing with local organizations?
- What will the interview be like?
- What should I wear to an interview?
- What do I have to do to get credit?
- How do I register for the courses?
- How many credits are the courses?
- When is the classroom component scheduled?
- Still feel like you need more guidance or information?
What is the benefit of an externship?
1. Perspective. Although you are taught objective legal argument in law school, the primary thrust is to train you as an advocate. The largest benefit of an externship is for students to see advocacy in action.
2. Exposure. Working as an extern allows you to view the documents and observe hearings on a large number and variety of legal actions.
3. Resume Value. Legal employers respond favorably to externships. The experience serves as a reliable discussion topic during interviews.
4. Networking. The best contacts made during an externship are with the supervising attorneys and staff.
It depends on the organization for which you extern. Most students can expect to do some legal research and writing, observe court proceedings, and attend meetings with the supervising attorney. Some externs may also be involved in interviewing and counseling victims or clients.
Students apply directly to the non-profit organization or government agency for their externships. You should check with the placement for specific application requirements, but most placements will require at least a cover letter and resume. For a list of frequent local placement options and their requirements, please see this website.
When should I apply for an externship?
Students must have their externship arranged before applying for academic credit. As a general rule:
For fall internships, it is best to send out your applications by June 15.
For spring internships, it is best to send out your applications by November 1.
For summer internships, it is best to send out your applications by February 15.
Different organizations have different deadlines. If you miss these dates, check with the organization to see if they are still accepting applications.
What organizations should I consider?
First, determine the type of experience and exposure you want. The clinic has binders containing previous extern evaluations of their externship experiences. This is a valuable tool for students in determining which organizations might be of most interest.
Can I only get credit for externing with local organizations?
If you are interested in a placement that is not on this list, please contact Professor Erma Bonadero at (713) 743-2531 or ecbonade@central.uh.edu to ensure the placement meets the Law Center’s requirements for academic credit.
What will the interview be like?
Depending on the organization, you may interview with one attorney or with several attorneys. No matter who interviews you, always display respect toward the staff and be sure to conduct research on the organization prior to the interview.
What should I wear to an interview?
Always wear formal business attire when interviewing. The key is to dress conservatively. This includes dark suits, white shirts, and conservative ties for men, and dark suits, collared shirts, and panty hose for women.
What do I have to do to get credit?
1. You must have finished your first year of law school and you must have a minimum 2.5 GPA at the time you apply for credit.
2. Secure your position with the placement of your choice.
3. Apply for enrollment in the Externship and the Public Interest Workplace Course with the on-line application located on this website. Applications will be reviewed and you may or may not be called for a personal interview. You will be notified of admission to the course via email prior to the deadline for enrollment.
4. Once accepted, you must:
a) Perform legally substantive work during the course of the semester (which may include a certain amount of observation of proceedings)
b) Attend, participate in and complete requirements of the 1 credit, graded course DURING THE SAME SEMESTER THAT YOU ARE DOING YOUR FIELD PLACEMENT WORK. (This is an ABA requirement, so exceptions cannot be made.)
c) Spend a minimum of 60 hours per credit hour working at your placement and provide a detailed log of your time.
How do I register for the courses?
Once your application has been approved by PROF. BONADERO, we will register you for both the Externship CLINIC and the Public Interest Workplace courses. Students must have secured their externship and applied for the courses PRIOR to the normal semester enrollment deadlines.
How many credits are the courses?
THE Public Interest Workplace course IS WORTH ONE SUBSTANTIVE CREDIT HOUR, AND, AS STATED ABOVE, MUST BE TAKEN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PLACEMENT.
When is the classroom component scheduled?
Schedules will be announced as they become available. In general, the course meets for at least seven weeks during the fall and spring semesters. In the summers (beginning Summer of 2009), the course will be conducted as follows:
(1) a mandatory orientation session will be held one morning during the week following spring finals, (i.e., 5/19/09 for judicial interns, and 5/20/09 for all externs); and
(2) classes will then meet on Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. throughout the summer (beginning in June). Note, however, that the class will be taught twice in its entirety over the summer; (i.e., four weeks during the month of June, and again over four weeks during the month of July). Naturally, students only need to take it once. Generally, students take the class at the same time that they work at their placement.
Without exception, only students who are doing their internships/externship outside of the greater Houston area (i.e., more than 40 miles from campus), will be permitted to take the class over the Internet.
Still feel like you need more guidance or information?
Stop in and talk with the externship supervisor:
Professor Erma Bonadero
(713) 743-2531
ecbonade@central.uh.edu.