The law school conducts an extensive externship program in which third-year students gain academic credit while working 12 to 15 hours per week for various public agencies and judicial chambers. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the United States District Court student practice rules permit students to appear in court or in administrative hearings on behalf of clients. Awarded on a Pass/No Credit basis, 6 credits for two terms (with permission of the professor, 3 credits for one term) may be earned. Among the participating law offices and chambers are the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; United States District Court for New Jersey; United States Attorney`s offices in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; Camden, Mercer, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties Prosecutors` Offices; the District Attorney of Philadelphia; Camden and Federal Public Defenders; the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Law Department; regional legal counsel offices of several federal departments, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Internal Revenue Service; and state governmental offices, including the Attorney General of New Jersey, the Public Employee Relations Commission, and the state senator representing Camden. The director can assist students with specific needs, such as commuters, to identify other appropriate placements.
Students working at these placements may conduct research and factual investigation, write bench memos and opinions, interview clients or witnesses, observe and assist experienced attorneys in complex matters, and appear in court on behalf of clients. The program provides valuable professional development experience and assists the school in serving the community. In addition to their activities at the fieldwork placements, externship students take part in a seminar and write journal reports tailored to enhancing and reflecting on what they are learning from the work experience.
Students who wish to participate in the externship program must meet the following prerequisites:
1. successful completion of course 601:667 Professional Responsibility;
2. for any student taking a placement requiring appearance in court, successful completion of 601:691 Evidence; and
3. for any student taking a placement in a criminal litigation agency, either successful completion of or concurrent enrollment in 601:655 Criminal Procedure: The Investigatory Process or 601:656 Criminal Procedure: The Adjudication Process.
