"In my third year of law school, I am focusing my studies on transactional law, which includes both classes at the law school and my externship. My transactional work at the Small Business and Technology Development Center is a great way to put into practice the skills and knowledge I am learning in my classes for real people in the community."
- Lindsay Kemp
"My experience working for Judge Leonard has been fantastic. My experience did more than meet my expectations, it exceeded them. The best part of the whole experience was that Judge Leonard and the other clerks and staff treated me as if I belonged. I was just another clerk who had normal everyday responsibilities. I completed numerous motion summaries, drafted various orders from the simple to the very complex, and attended countless hearings. The best experience was learning from the judge what he thought about the styles and skills of the lawyers who appeared in his courtroom. The lessons could never have been gleaned from a textbook."
- Justin Wong
"No law school experience has been more worthwhile to me than my externship at the Orange County District Attorney's Office. I had the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of criminal law, of how the court system operates and of how and where to find answers to legal questions. But more than that, I had the opportunity to discuss issues with an experienced attorney, who allowed me to witness and participate in the process, answered my many questions, and challenged me to think and to share my ideas. I was allowed a behind-the-scenes look at the process of preparing for trial, of wrestling with whether to offer a plea and, if so, of what to offer, and of how to balance and manage relationships with opposing counsel, judges, police and the public. My externship experience was a perfect bridge from law school to practicing. I was able to be a student and an attorney, to practice and to learn. My supervisor taught me legal lessons, but he has also taught me how to be a lawyer. It is a fine, but important distinction."
- Jen Drorbaugh
"I personally feel that the externship program was one of the most useful and relevant classes I took while in law school."
- Joshua J. Higgin
Office of Corporate Counsel
RTI International
Fall 2011 Washington DC 12 Credit Externs
with Professor Savasta-Kennedy
I would definitely recommend this program to other students. Not only is this externship program one in which you learn a substantial amount about lawyering, it is an excellent career move. As someone not interested in the typical large law firm route, I found the opportunity to work in federal government impossible to resist. In this economy, public interest employers of all types are looking for an honest demonstration that you are committed to their work. I hesitated to apply because I enjoy the extracurricular offerings at Carolina, but my advice to every student is do not hesitate. This is worth the trade-off.
My take away from this experience was a new appreciation for learning goals. I discussed them with my supervisor, and we made things happen. They inspired me to be more proactive about my externship experience.
-Amelia Thompson, DOJ EED, Fall 2011