Course description: This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to observe, participate in, analyze, gain insight into the functions of, and reflect upon the work of lawyers practicing and promoting civil rights through litigation and policy work. Field placements will include law firms and non-profit advocacy organizations.
In their field placements, students will observe and participate in activities specific to the field placement, which could include litigation, legal research, legislation, policy analysis and promotion, and other related work. In addition to doing fieldwork, students will attend a seminar on a regular basis during the semester. Students will bring their experience into the classroom for detailed analysis of the lawyers' work, function of the different placement organizations, and the role of the various lawyers with whom they work. Students will make brief, guided presentations on their work and observations. Students will also meet individually with course faculty during the semester.
Students enrolled in the course will complete a placement preference form and will be matched to an appropriate placement site by course faculty. Students may also find their own placements and may register for the class after receiving permission from course faculty and the Externship Director.