Here is a list of commonly asked questions. If you have a question that is not listed here, please contact us at expro@scu.edu.
An externship is a position performing legal work outside the law school under the supervision of an approved sponsor, for which the student earns course credit toward graduation. It is similar to an internship, in that the goal is for the student to gain practical experience in the field. What makes it an externship is the ability to earn course credit.
Yes. Externships can be paid or unpaid.
Yes. Santa Clara Law permits remote, hybrid, or in-person externships.
Students are eligible to participate in the externship program beginning the summer after their 1L year. Students must have completed the Critical Lawyering Skills class and secure an externship sponsor before registering. Please see Student Requirements for more information.
Students can participate in up to four externships, for a maximum of 16 units. Please see the Pink Book or contact Student Services for more information on units and graduation requirements.
Yes, but there are some additional requirements. You will need to submit a Petition for a Repeat Externship. The steps for approval of a repeat externship are found here.
Students are responsible for securing their own positions in the field. But we are happy to help students in their search for externship opportunities.
Yes, but you must be granted CPT (immigration work authorization) before you can participate in an externship. Make sure you contact International Students and Scholars (SCU ISS) for a list of complete and up-to-date requirements.
Information on hosting students, organization and supervisor requirements, and posting available positions is available on the Information for Sponsors page. Our students greatly benefit from the wide range of opportunities and experiences provided by our externship sponsors. Thank you!