CBA Record

Special Issue l THE NEWYLS

Navigating Student Externship Programs in Chicago By NatalieWolfe

A SLAWSCHOOLSHAVEMOVED toward providing greater experi- ential education, the demand for externships has increased. Externships can be mutually beneficial relationships: law students gain much-needed legal experi- ence, while lawyers receive help with legal tasks and give back to the legal commu- nity. The laws and guidelines surrounding externships, however, are often poorly understood by lawyers and law students alike. In this article, I attempt to clear up the confusion by answering some fre- quently asked questions about externships.

What’s the Difference between Externs, Interns, and Volunteers? Law students may serve as externs, interns, or volunteers. The terms “interns” and “externs” are often used interchangeably, but law schools prefer the term “externs” for students who work in exchange for law school class credit. The term “intern” can refer to all other students not receiving class credit. The American Bar Association prohibits law students from simultaneously receiving compensation and class credit, but does not preclude the reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. ABA Standards for Approval of Law Schools, Interpretation 305-2 (Study Outside the Classroom) (2014-2015). Volunteers are

unpaid law students working in the non- profit sector for public service, religious or humanitarian objectives. See 29 C.F.R. § 553.101(a). What Are Externships? Externships allow law students to receive class credit in exchange for substantive legal work supervised by a licensed attor- ney outside of the classroom. They offer a great way for students to put the concepts they have learned in the classroom into practice. They also give students exposure to different areas of law, let them network with practitioners, develop a professional persona, and learn about ethics.

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