The Externship Experience
By 3L Wendy Dimpfl
This summer, I once again decided to participate in an externship. Some current TJSL students and prospective students may be wondering what it's like to participate in an externship; so, I've decided to keep a web journal and, hopefully, my insight into the externship experience will inspire others to partake in this great opportunity sometime during their law school career.
I'm a huge advocate of externships because I've heard the best way to gain experience and an insiders' approach into what it's like to be an attorney is to get out into the field and work! Not to mention, externships are a great way to spruce up your resume, network and gain lifelong skills that you couldn't learn solely from reading textbooks.
When deciding to participate in an externship at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, you can choose one of three routes - 1) volunteer and work pro bono, 2) work for compensation or 3) extern in exchange for school credits and in lieu of pay. I opted for the latter option. If a student decides to receive credit at Thomas Jefferson for completing an externship, he or she may take part in an externship during any semester, including summer! Before determining whether or not to receive school credit, students should always check with the TJSL Externship Coordinator, Professor Judybeth Tropp, in order to ensure they meet the requirements of performing an externship (i.e. the student must have completed 30 units, be in good academic standing, etc.).
Once a student determines he or she is eligible to participate in the externship program, the next step is to determine where to work. After speaking with several students, I've learned that choosing the perfect externship location is generally a personal preference. While most students seek to work in the field of law in which they are interested, other students, who are unsure of what type of law they want to practice, look for work nearby or that accommodates their busy schedule. Some students search for an externship with an attorney or firm with whom they have a connection. Whatever a student's criteria for choosing an externship, it's important to do preliminary research about the workplace.
First, it's a good idea to be knowledgeable about the employer and the firm prior to attending any interviews. Second, externships should be an enjoyable experience, so students should make sure that a particular environment is one that seems interesting and comfortable to that particular individual. Each semester, Thomas Jefferson offers a lengthy list of employers, law firms and judges where students may apply for externship work. Or, students may arrange their own externship, as long as Professor Tropp first approves it.
After choosing a pool of places to apply, students should send out their applications several months in advance, as positions fill up quickly, especially for summer work. Then, if a student is invited to an interview with a potential employer, students should always prepare in advance for the interview. On the day of the interview, make sure to arrive early and dress to impress. If offered an externship position, be proud, because you are on your way to a valuable opportunity!