Applying for a JD Externship
Externships play an important role in your legal education and career trajectory, so give your career goals and interests some thought before pursuing a placement. When you find a placement area that interests you, the Externship Program Director and/or your Career Services Counselor are available to advise on potential opportunities and give you feedback on your resume and other application materials.
Remember: You must complete your first year of academic study (30 credits; all 1L required courses) before you can pursue an JD externship for credit.
Exploring JD Externship Opportunities Heading link
In general, you should apply for externship placements at least 2-3 months before the start of the semester in which you wish to pursue an externship, so make sure to leave yourself time to research available opportunities. You can use the Law School’s Symplicity website to review current opportunities and application instructions. You may also pursue externships with judges, courts, government agencies, and public interest organizations that are not listed in Symplicity. Some opportunities with a student’s current employer and/or private law firms are available but require special approval. Contact the Externship Program at law-externships@uic.edu to be sure your proposed placement can be approved for credit.
Applying for a JD Externship Opportunity Heading link
You are responsible for the preparation and submission of your externship placement applications. Application instructions, hiring criteria, and work schedule expectations are determined by the placement site, so before submitting an application, be certain that you meet requirements and have followed all instructions. Interviews and externship offers are at the discretion of the externship organization.
Note: Students are obligated to accept the first externship offer they receive.
Enroll in Appropriate Externship Courses After Accepting an Externship Position Heading link
Once you have received and accepted an externship placement offer, you will submit an application to register for the corresponding externship course. Upon approval by the Externship Program, the Registrar’s office will grant you permission to enroll in the appropriate course.
Except in exceptional circumstances as determined by and approved in writing by the Externship Program Director, you must finalize your externship placement and register for the course at least 2 weeks before the start of the semester in which you plan to complete your externship.
Prepare to Start Your Externship Heading link
As you prepare to start your externship, you will work with your Externship Placement supervisor to establish a work schedule and goals for your position. At the start of your externship semester, you will also complete Externship Program Orientation.