Externship Experiences
Learn How Externship Experiences Have Shaped UIC Law Students
While specific assignments and activities may vary, performing real legal work on behalf of your placement site is at the core of the externship experience. Explore the experiences of previous externships my reading the interviews with students below. Each testimonial will lead you to a full in depth discussion on the values of externship.
Testimonials Heading link
“Interviewing allowed me to not only write the petition for their second chance, but for me to truly believe they deserved a second chance. It was an exercise in empathy and humanity for sure. These skills will be very valuable as I continue working with clients during law school and in my career to come.”
| Legal Extern, Illinois Prison Project
“It’s really amazing to see your work put to use in real cases that have real consequences. I strengthened my writing and research skills more than I could have imagined.”
| Legal Extern, Circuit Court of Cook County, General Chancery Division
“The most meaningful part of my externship was learning that in order to be an effective litigator you have to be quick, calculated, and vicious—in the best way!”
| Legal Extern, National Legal Advocacy Network
“My supervisor took an active role in my professional development. She helped identify specific ways to improve my writing and how to refine my research skills. And she was always available to answer questions my assignments and the legal proceedings I observed.”
| Legal Extern, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
“Jump in, with both feet. Everyone at NCD was great—incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely kind. As advocates, they want you to succeed. If you work for a government agency, be sure to talk to as many people as possible. Everyone has an interesting journey and role, and you can gain a lot from those relationships.”
| Legal Extern, National Council on Disability
“This externship has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in litigation. It’s just been so exciting to witness, from start to finish, how trials are handled.”
| Legal Extern, The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois