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Course Number: LAW 798 FP (Field Placement) & LAW 798S (Seminar)

Course Credits: 4 (3 FP, 1 Seminar)

A judicial externship provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the court system, the judicial process and judicial reasoning, to develop legal research and writing skills, and to observe trials, courtroom proceedings, and pretrial and settlement conferences. In the Judicial Externship Course students are placed in externships in individual judge’s chambers, primarily in the New York, Connecticut and New Jersey State court systems. Students are expected to work in chambers 12 hours per week, and to attend a weekly two-hour seminar. The seminar focuses on such topics as the court system (federal and state), the judicial selection process and elections in the state system, “merit” appointments, and the judicial disciplinary process. Issues such as confidentiality, conflicts and courtroom ethics will also be addressed.

Externships are available with judges in a variety of New York state courts including the Appellate Division, the Supreme Court, Family Court, Court of Claims, Criminal Court and some of the City courts; a limited number of externships in the federal court system may also be available, including in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Students will need to plan their semester schedules to permit their being in chambers at least 12 hours a week. Externships will be located in New York City, Connecticut, New Jersey and the Ninth Judicial District.

Pre-requisites: The course is open to students who, at the time the course is offered, will have completed at least three semesters in law school; Evidence is a prerequisite. Permission of the instructor, based upon application and interview, is required.