Savanna Hoffman
International students pursuing a Master of Law Degree (LLM) in the US can gain practical experience through externships and internships. While the terms 'internship' and 'externship' are often used interchangeably, they differ in duration and intensity. Externships are shorter, providing job shadowing experience, while internships are longer and more intensive, offering first-hand experience. LLM students can pursue non-credit internships with permission to work in the US, while academic externships are unpaid and must be completed on-site with an attorney supervisor. LLM programs in the US expose foreign-educated lawyers to the US legal system and can lead to career opportunities in international law firms, multinational companies, or governmental organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An externship is similar to an internship but externs receive academic credit and must meet requirements imposed by the ABA and the law school. |
| Eligibility | The majority of LL.M. students are eligible to participate in the Academic Externship Program. Foreign-trained graduate students may consider doing an externship during their second semester. Students in the Two-Year LL.M. program may participate during the second year of their program. |
| Permission to work | Students must have permission to work in the United States. Students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work off-campus without receiving academic credit. |
| Academic credit | Externships are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students receive two credits provided they meet all deadlines and complete program requirements. |
| Location | Externships should be completed on-site at an organization in the Washington, D.C. area. |
| Supervisor | The student's direct supervisor must be an attorney. |
| Compensation | Externships are unpaid, but externs may receive stipends from their employers for out-of-pocket expenses. |
| Preparation | Students should do their homework on the firm and the lawyers they will be working with before the externship begins. |
| Skills | Externs need to be prepared, have an excellent command of the English language, be proactive, manage time wisely, and avoid mistakes. |
| Career development | Externships can help students launch an international career and provide an opportunity to network and develop relationships with employers. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility for international LLM students to participate in externship programs
International LLM students are eligible to participate in externship programs, which can provide a great opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge in their field. However, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding eligibility and requirements:
Eligibility:
- Most LLM and MLT students are eligible to participate in Academic Externship Programs.
- Foreign-trained graduate students may consider doing an externship during their second semester.
- Students in a two-year LLM program can typically participate during the second year.
- For summer externships between the first and second years, permission from the assistant dean may be required.
- Students on F-1 visas cannot work off-campus without receiving academic credit, so they must ensure their externship is credit-bearing.
- Externships should be completed on-site at an organization, usually in the Washington, D.C. area.
- The student's direct supervisor must be an attorney.
- Students cannot have previously worked for the organization if they wish to receive academic credit.
Requirements:
- Students must enroll in an externship seminar and request CPT authorization through iEagle.
- A copy of the employment letter, including details such as job description, address, hours, and dates, must be uploaded.
- Externships may be graded on a pass/fail basis, and students must meet deadlines and complete all program requirements.
- Students are expected to be prepared, proactive, manage time effectively, and welcome feedback.
- It is beneficial to research the firm, lawyers, and practice areas before starting the externship.
- Externs may receive stipends for out-of-pocket expenses, and some placements may offer compensation.
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Requirements for academic credit
For international LLM students, an externship is a great opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge. While externships can provide academic credit, there are several requirements that must be met. Firstly, students should seek out opportunities that offer substantive work and learning experiences. This means choosing an externship that goes beyond mere administrative tasks and instead provides meaningful and valuable insights into the field.
Additionally, prior to commencing the externship, students must ensure that their chosen program will award academic credits. The University of Washington School of Law, for instance, offers academic credits for externships, with a minimum requirement of 60 hours of work for each externship credit. Students should be mindful that they may need to complete more than the minimum required hours to earn a full credit, as partial credits are typically not awarded.
In the case of William & Mary, students can receive academic credit for internships that are supervised by a faculty member and provide a structured learning experience. To qualify for academic credit, the internship must be approved in advance by the department and include a project that incorporates hands-on experiences. The amount of credit awarded is generally proportional to the amount of academic work involved.
To obtain academic credit, students should also be proactive in discussing their intentions with their internship supervisor and finding a professor who is willing to supervise their work and assign a grade. It is important to note that not all departments offer academic credit for internships, so students must confirm this beforehand.
Overall, while externships can provide valuable academic credit, it is essential for students to carefully research the requirements of their specific institution and program to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
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Preparing for an externship
Choosing the Right Externship
Externships are a great way to gain hands-on experience, boost your skills, and explore different career paths. When choosing an externship, consider the following:
- Substantive Work and Learning Opportunities: Look for externships that offer significant opportunities for practical experience and learning. Some larger organisations may have extensive staff, potentially limiting the scope for interns to take on substantial work. While these opportunities may look impressive on a resume, they might offer less in terms of actual hands-on experience.
- Long-Term Potential: Consider whether the externship could lead to long-term employment. Ask yourself if you can envision working with the organisation in the future and whether there is room for growth and development within the role.
- Field of Interest: Ensure the externship aligns with your field of interest and legal specialisation. For example, if you are interested in criminal law, seek out opportunities that will expose you to criminal law practices.
Gaining Acceptance
Once you have identified potential externship opportunities, the next step is to work on your application and interview skills:
- Resume and Cover Letter: Focus on creating a strong resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and experiences. Seek guidance from career advisors, who can provide one-on-one training and help you develop a compelling application package.
- Networking: Develop your networking skills and utilise your network to identify externship opportunities. Attend career fairs and industry events to connect with potential supervisors and organisations offering externships.
- Interview Preparation: Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation, its recent projects, and the lawyers or professionals you will be working with. Demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the organisation during the interview to make a strong impression.
During the Externship
Once you have secured an externship, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a successful experience:
- Proactivity and Time Management: Always be prepared, manage your time effectively, and seek out additional projects when you have completed your assigned tasks. Proactivity demonstrates efficiency and a strong work ethic.
- Cultural Fit and Stakeholder Engagement: Understand the culture and values of the organisation and strive to be a good fit. Identify key stakeholders and build relationships with them.
- Feedback: Embrace feedback and view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Use feedback constructively to enhance your performance and develop new skills.
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Turning an internship into an externship
An internship is a short-term placement with an organisation designed to train interns in core skills. Interns take on professional responsibilities and gain hands-on experience. They complete tasks, report to a supervisor, and are sometimes paid.
Externships, on the other hand, tend to function less formally than internships. Externs shadow professionals to learn more about their jobs and the field, rather than completing job-related tasks. Externships can last a short amount of time, sometimes as little as one day, and are usually unpaid.
While both internships and externships can benefit your professional development, they serve different purposes. If you are an LLM student looking to turn an internship into an externship, here are some steps you can take:
- Know the difference between the two: Understand the distinct nature of internships and externships. Internships are designed to provide practical work experience and help interns gain hands-on skills, whereas externships focus on shadowing professionals and learning about their jobs and the industry.
- Check with your academic institution: Some universities, like American University in Washington, DC, allow students to turn an internship into an externship by enrolling in an Externship Program that meets field placement requirements. There may be specific requirements and deadlines for such a transition, so be sure to consult with your academic institution.
- Communicate with your internship organisation: Discuss the possibility of transitioning your internship into an externship with your supervisor or the relevant department. They may be open to providing you with a different experience that aligns more with externship characteristics, such as shadowing opportunities.
- Adjust your responsibilities: Work with your supervisor to adjust your current internship responsibilities. Shift your focus from solely completing tasks to also observing and learning from experienced professionals in the organisation. This can help you gain a broader understanding of the industry and the day-to-day work of professionals in your field.
- Seek out shadowing opportunities: Take the initiative to identify professionals within the organisation whose work aligns with your interests. Reach out to them, express your interest in their work, and ask if you can shadow them for a certain period. This can provide you with the externship-like experience of learning from experienced professionals without necessarily giving up your internship responsibilities.
- Network and build connections: Use your internship as a platform to network and build connections with professionals in the organisation. Attend events, introduce yourself, and express your interest in learning about their work. Building these connections can provide you with valuable insights into the industry and potentially create opportunities for future externships or other learning experiences.
Remember, the process of turning an internship into an externship may vary depending on your academic institution and the policies of your internship organisation. Be sure to communicate openly, stay flexible, and take advantage of the resources and support available to you.
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Externship seminars
At Georgetown Law, for instance, LL.M. and M.L.T. students are eligible to participate in the Academic Externship Program. These externships are typically completed on-site at an organization, with a supervisor who is an attorney. While the externships are unpaid, students receive academic credit and gain valuable practical experience. Similarly, at American University, Washington College of Law (AUWCL), LL.M. students can enrol in a 1-credit pass/fail externship seminar during the summer semester, allowing them to gain practical experience while receiving Curricular Practical Training (CPT) status.
To make the most of externship seminars, students should be proactive and prepared. This includes completing assignments efficiently and seeking additional projects to showcase their capabilities. Additionally, understanding the employer's culture and values, as well as building relationships with stakeholders, is crucial. Externs should also be open to feedback and view it as an opportunity for improvement.
When choosing an externship, it is essential to consider the potential for substantive work and learning. While larger organizations may offer prestige, smaller organizations might provide more hands-on experience and opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities. Reflecting on whether the externship could lead to long-term employment is also worthwhile.
To secure an externship, LL.M. students can leverage career development resources offered by their universities. Career advisors can provide guidance on networking, resume writing, interviewing skills, and preparing for externship fairs. Taking advantage of these resources can enhance a student's chances of obtaining a fulfilling externship that aligns with their career goals.
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Frequently asked questions
An externship is similar to an internship in that it is a way for students to gain experience in their chosen field. However, externships are academic and students receive credits for them. Externships must therefore meet a number of requirements imposed by the ABA and the law school.
Yes, the majority of LLM students are eligible to participate in externships. Foreign-trained graduate students may consider doing an externship during their second semester. Students in the Two-Year LLM program may participate during the second year of their program.
LLM international students should do their research on the firm and the lawyers they will be working with. They should also be prepared, have an excellent command of the English language, be proactive, manage time wisely, and avoid mistakes. They should also focus on opportunities that will provide significant amounts of substantive work and learning.
