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 or nonprofit 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, 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; several hospital and university general
counsel offices; 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 as a lawyer 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.
