Current Opportunities
Student applications will be accepted from Wednesday, Oct. 2 through Oct. 9. All applications must be submitted via TWEN no later than 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Search for Externships
Available externships
Use the filter and search functions above to search for externships that may be of interest to you.
Questions? Contact the Externships office at 404-413-9030.
Active Externships for Spring semester
| Externship Site | Practice Area | Details |
|---|---|---|
Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia (AOC), Office of the General Counsel  | Transactional Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students who participate in an externship position with the AOC's Office of General Counsel will gain experience in a broad variety of issues and legal services encountered by in-house attorneys, including contracts, human resources, and litigation supervision. The Office of General Counsel deals with all business, administrative, and policy legal matters affecting the AOC as well as a range of issues affecting the Judicial Branch of Government. Under General Counsel supervision, students will draft, review, and participate in negotiations regarding professional service and technology contracts; conduct research on routine and complex legal questions for AOC staff and clients throughout the Judicial Branch; work with various boards, commissions, and committees of the judiciary on special legal projects; and draft legal responses to public inquiries for information requests. Externs are also often exposed to the inner workings of government and interact with justices, judges, and other policy makers of the judiciary. Students participating in this externship should expect to spend at least half their time engaged in transactional legal work. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
|
| American Civil Liberties Union of GA (ACLU) - National Security & Immigrants' Rights Project | Immigration Law | Semester Requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The ACLU of Georgia National Security and Immigrants' Rights Project, launched in March 2008, aims to bring Georgia and its localities into compliance with international human rights standards in treatment of refugee and immigrant communities in Georgia, including immigrant detainees. To that end, the ACLU of Georgia National Security and Immigrants' Rights Project employs a variety of strategies, including development of impact litigation, legislative advocacy, human rights documentation and publishing of reports, and public education. Externs could be asked to: prepare legislative research memos; conduct Know Your Rights presentations aimed at various immigrant and refugee communities; interview immigrant detainees and research constitutional and international human rights standards for immigration detention; review requests for representation related to discrimination against immigrants and/or post-9/11 abuses of power and conduct the requisite legal research, factual investigation, and client interviews, as well as draft legal memoranda and demand letters. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: Part-time students are encouraged to apply. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A brief letter describing the nature of your interest must be submitted with your resume. |
| American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU) | Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Externs spend their time either evaluating potential cases for direct representation and assisting with cases currently in various stages of litigation. Each extern will be responsible for one or two potential new cases each month - corroborating and developing the facts, and conducting preliminary legal research into the substantive issues presented. An extern's time may also involve work on cases in all phases of litigation, including client interviews, discovery, trial preparation, and appeals. Externs may also be asked to write legislative research memos and prepare legislative testimony on civil liberties issues. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) - Domestic Violence/Safe Families | Domestic Violence Advocacy | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students participating in the domestic violence externship will be trained and certified to advocate for victims of domestic violence who are seeking Temporary Protective orders pursuant to the Family Violence Act. The students will assist victims in drafting their petitions, appear with them at their ex parte hearings before the presiding judge, assist them in filing the petitions and in delivering them to the sheriff's office for service. After service upon the defendant, the students will accompany the victims to the second hearing, assist them in presenting their cases before the Court, draft the final Protective Orders and ensure that the Orders provide for the safety of the client and her children. It is expected that the students will spend approximately 2/3 of their time in the courthouse and courtroom. Students will also be responsible for following up with the clients to determine if there has been additional violence and if the client needs further relief from the judicial system and will assist them as needed. Finally, the students will perform an assessment of the client’s other civil legal needs (i.e. landlord tenant, consumer, health care etc.) and will make referrals to AVLF’s other projects or to Atlanta Legal Aid as appropriate. AVLF will provide approximately 12 hours of training per semester. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
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| Business Court, Fulton County Superior Court | Corporate Law, Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Business Court provides a specialized venue for complex commercial litigation with damages in excess of one million dollars. Students will research substantive procedural issues, prepare written summaries and attend hearings, and participate in ruling conferences. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
|
| Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Office of the General Counsel | Employment Law, Health Law |
SITE DESCRIPTION Students work for The Office of the General Counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC/ATSDR. This agency is responsible for providing legal services to the CDC and ATSDR and deals with a wide variety of legal issues, including legal and public policy issues related to AIDS, vaccine liability and compensation, hazardous wastes and environmental health, occupational safety and health, biotechnology, and toxic torts. Externs will gain experience both in the program division and the litigation division. The extern's work in the program division will consist of involvement in the day-to-day activities arising out of the issues discussed above. While the work will involve some legal research, it will consist primarily of responding to legal and policy issues raised by CDC and ATSDR officials. The work often requires an immediate analysis and response. The extern's work in the litigation division will consist of work on all phases of litigation and primarily involves employment law cases. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: None Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
|
| Chief Justice Hugh P. Thompson, Georgia Supreme Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work for Chief Justice Thompson under the direct supervision of Justice Thompson's staff attorneys. Externship includes legal research and writing and the opportunity to observe oral argument. Assignment of projects to externs is dependent upon writing and research skills, i.e. grasp of legal issues and ability to weigh and evaluate arguments made by the parties. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences: Third-year student, but second-year student with excellent academic credentials may apply
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| City of Atlanta | Civil Litigation, Urban Planning | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The City of Atlanta Law Department provides legal services to the City of Atlanta. The Department represents the City in all civil legal matters and provides legal advice to the officers and employees of the municipal corporation and its elected officials. The Department is organized into four practice groups: Aviation; Government Counsel, Development & Infrastructure; Litigation/Employment; and Commercial Transactions. Each practice group has specific client responsibilities within the wide variety of departments and agencies in city government but are also designed to provide legal services within their specialty when another practice group's client faces an issue that arises in that area of responsibility. The Aviation Practice Group is located at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and, as the name implies, focuses on the legal issues that arise from the representation of a client that manages the world's busiest airport, including construction of new facilities, leasing and property management and FAA regulatory compliance. The Government Counsel, Development & Infrastructure Practice Group is responsible for advising City departments on issues related to infrastructure improvements and economic development and is the primary support for City Council and a liaison with other governmental entities. The Litigation/Employment Practice Group responds to the civil actions filed against the City, primarily related to cases arising under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, such as excessive force by police officers. The Group also provides advice and handles civil litigation related to employment issues. The Commercial Transactions Group handles the City's business relationships with third parties and the general public in areas such as bond financing, procurement, contracting and land use and zoning. A student extern will be expected to function in the same general capacity as a first-year associate and will be given the option to experience municipal law in a rotation system among the practice groups or specialize with one of the four practice groups. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: All second and third-year applicants but preference for those who have demonstrated their interest in municpal law through relevant course work NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Cobb County D.A., Trial Division | Criminal Prosecution | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
|
| Dekalb County D. A., Litigation | Criminal Prosecution | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
|
| Dekalb County Public Defender, Appellate | Criminal Defense | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Criminal procedure and evidence is helpful and may be taken concurrently with the externship. Interns will work in the appellate division under the supervision of a Senior Assistant Public Defender. Students will summarize and analyze trial transcripts, research appellate issues, and draft legal memoranda and/or briefs in cases pending before the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Interns will also attend oral arguments as their schedule permits. Interns may also be assigned research issues in connection with motions and trials. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample must accompany resume
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| Dekalb County Public Defender, Litigation | Criminal Defense | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Dekalb County Solicitor | Criminal Prosecution | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work in the office of the Dekalb County Solicitor, under the supervision of an attorney, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses and complainants, preparing cases for trial, and appearing in court as student prosecutors in misdemeanor cases. Work assignments will vary, but every effort will be made to give each student the opportunity to try several cases in the State Solicitor's Office. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
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| Department of Homeland Security | Immigration Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work in the office of ICE, under the supervision of the Chief Counsel and staff attorneys. This federal agency is responsible for work involving both administrative and judicial proceedings. Students will work with several attorneys during the course of the semester to provide a broad exposure to the variety of tasks that an agency attorney performs. Externs will be responsible for preparing and reviewing cases for hearings before an immigration judge, assisting with investigations, preparing all types of cases, taking appeals, reviewing proposed administrative decisions and researching in preparation and support of writing appellate briefs and memoranda to the Board of Immigration Appeals in Washington, D.C. Where permissible, third-year students may present selected cases under the supervision of a staff attorney. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | Environmental Law |
SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Accountability Division under the supervision of Senior Associate Regional Counsels and other staff attorneys. EPA is authorized to implement several environmental statutes including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Superfund and other statutes regulating toxics, pesticides, oil spills and ocean dumping. In addition to taking enforcement actions pursuant to these statues, EPA oversees delegated state programs, issues permits and works closely with other federal agencies. Extern's assignments may include assisting with the development of civil and administrative cases, legal research, preparation of memoranda, reviewing pleadings including complaints, answers and motions, attending settlement negotiations and other meetings, and attending hearings. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: Third-year students, but second-year students strongly encouraged to apply. A cover letter and brief writing sample should accompany the student's resume at the time of application. |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Litigation Unit | Employment Law |
SITE DESCRIPTION The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Atlanta District Office (EEOC) is the lead enforcement agency in the area of workplace discrimination. The EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Equal Pay Act. The EEOC investigates charges brought by individuals against employers for allegedly violating these laws. The EEOC also provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices and policies. All externs will participate in the following: legal research and writing drafts of memoranda; reviewing and analyzing cases to determine whether there is cause to believe that an employer engaged in unlawful discrimination; drafting requests for information; drafting discovery plans; drafting interrogatories and requests for production; sitting in on intake with investigators while they interview charging parties; sitting in on mediations between the charging party and the employer; sitting in on depositions and facilitating deposition preparation; sitting in on meetings between attorneys and investigators; assisting with witness prep; assisting with trial prep; going on on-sites with investigators; and attending court hearings and trials. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Hearing Unit/Legal Division | Employment Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Hearings Unit of the Atlanta District Office (ATLDO) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission conducts hearings and renders decisions with respect to EEO complaints that are brought by Federal workers. The ATLDO Hearings Unit employs five administrative judges who conduct hearings and render decisions. The role of the extern in the Hearings Unit is similar to that of a judicial law clerk. The extern conducts legal research on specific topics at the direction of the AJ. The extern writes decisions in conjunction with the AJ. The extern attends hearings. Additionally, the AJs will try to give the extern some exposure to the work that is done in other areas of the ATLDO. The extern will gain exposure to EEO law, administrative law and civil procedure. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences: Third-year students ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample is required at the time of interview. |
| Federal Highway Administration, Southeastern Legal Office | Employment Law, Environmental Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) carries out the Federal highway programs in partnership with the State and local agencies to meet the nation’s transportation needs. Southern Legal Services, a field office of FHWA’s Office of Chief Counsel, provides advice and legal representation to fourteen division offices throughout the Southeast on a wide range of issues including environmental matters, employment law, requests for reasonable accommodations, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, Federal Tort claims, ethics questions, federal land transfers and programmatic applications of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta | Banking Law, Corporate Law, Employment Law, Tax Law, Transactional Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work in the Legal Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The Legal Department supports all the functions of the Reserve Bank, both as bank regulatory counsel and as in-house corporate counsel. Students may work on a wide variety of matters, including banking regulations, payments system, contracts and commercial law, technology law, intellectual property law, employment law, litigation, and/or other matters. Students will attend meetings, participate in conference calls, and observe the workings of an in-house legal department and a bank regulatory agency. In addition, students will be asked to perform research tasks on current issues, and to write at least one substantial legal memorandum. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferred: Courses in Banking Law, Corporations, Commercial Paper, Secured Transactions, Employment Discrimination, Taxation, Copyrights and Trademarks, and/or Administrative Law ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A brief writing sample is required at the time of application. |
| Fulton County Solicitor | Criminal Prosecution | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
|
| Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN) | Human Rights, Immigration Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION GAIN provides pro bono services through volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students to represent immigrant asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, domestic violence and other crimes. GAIN’s staff screen, refer, train, support, and supervise the pro bono attorneys as they represent these cases. The extern will be expected to assist with screenings, consultations and interviews of our cases and then provide a summary of the case to the volunteer attorneys. The extern will also work closely and assist our volunteer lawyers in providing research of relevant law, country conditions and gathering of supporting documents for these cases. The extern will also have the opportunity to attend meetings between the client and volunteer attorney and observe and assist the volunteer attorneys with their case. Finally, the extern can also gain unique experience by also representing asylum seekers in their initial credible fear interviews. The extern will be supervised by GAIN’s staff attorneys in all their duties. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: Immigration Law NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Georgia Department of Law | Civil Litigation, Government Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will be assigned to the Regulated Industries and Professions Division of the Department of Law. Under the general supervision of the Director of that Division, students will be assigned to work directly with experienced attorneys. Students will be expected to draft legal documents, including pleadings, and assist in the preparation of cases for trial. In this regard, students will assist in conducting discovery, interviewing witnesses, and presenting cases before administrative tribunals or administrative law judges. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: Administrative Law ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Georgia Hospital Association | Health Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION GHA is a non-profit trade association made up of member health systems, hospitals, and individuals in administrative and decision-making positions within those institutions. GHA serves approximately 175 hospitals throughout Georgia. The legal department assists member hospitals with finding answers to complicated regulatory questions, participates in meetings with various state agencies which regulate hospitals, drafts and reviews legislation that may affect hospitals, and advises GHA on daily legal issues that may arise in running the association. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: Second or third-year student strongly interested in health-related law Preferences:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Georgia Innocence Project | Criminal Defense, Post-Conviction | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work at the Georgia Innocence Project under the supervision of the Executive Director. The Georgia Innocence Project is a non-profit organization. The project reviews post-conviction cases, using new DNA technology and other scientific methods, to determine if inmates in Georgia have been wrongly convicted. This position offers students interested in criminal law - both prosecution and defense - the opportunity to be involved in the determination of cases viable for consideration by the Georgia Innocence Project. Students will review inmate correspondence to determine if the project can be of assistance. After cases are determined to be suitable for further review, each student will be assigned a specific number of cases to follow. During this stage, each student will be paired with an established criminal defense attorney. Students will follow and participate in each stage of the post-conviction process, allowing an opportunity for a hands-on learning experience. The student externs will be responsible for reading inmate mail, sending out informational packets to be completed by all inmates, reviewing information provided by inmates, conducting cases investigation, contacting state officials, and monitoring the progress of their individual caseload. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the Innocence movement in Georgia. For more information on the Georgia Innocence Project, visit our website at www.georgiainnocenceproject.org. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: Students must be organized, confident, able to follow direction, detail-oriented, assertive, able to work independently and with a team, responsible, comfortable investigating a criminal case, able to conduct complex research, and committed to public interest work. Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Students will be responsible for setting a firm schedule with the staff. |
| Georgia Justice Project | Criminal Defense | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work at the Georgia Justice Project, Inc. (GJP). The GJP provides representation to indigent criminal defendants in municipal, state and superior court (felonies as well as misdemeanors) as well as counseling, GED classes, group meetings, and employment to our clients. Students work in preparing all aspects of a case. During the semester students will assist in interviewing potential clients, gathering information from court and police personnel, visiting crime scenes, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with probation officers and district attorneys, legal research, writing and filing motions, and observing in court proceedings. Students will be supervised by one of the four project attorneys at the GJP. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Georgia Lawyers for the Arts | Entertainment Law, IP Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Georgia Lawyers for the Arts (GLA) provides a unique opportunity for law students to gain meaningful exposure to entertainment and intellectual property law. GLA is a nonprofit legal and educational services organization providing $1 million annually in free legal services to musicians, film makers, songwriters, galleries, nonprofit arts organizations, and literary and visual artists. Our externs interact with clients on a daily basis and are expected to take on a great deal of responsibility and maintain a professional demeanor in a fast-paced and exciting work environment. GLA externs perform substantive legal research on IP and entertainment-related matters in both transactional and litigation issues, write legal memos, draft and review contracts, make recommendations on the handling of pro bono cases, conduct client follow-up, assign cases to volunteer attorneys, attend and organize educational seminars, and accompany staff attorneys on client consultations with GLA member artists and art organizations. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| GreenLaw | Environmental Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION GreenLaw is dedicated to preventing air and water pollution that endangers human health and degrades Georgia's natural resources. GreenLaw achieves these goals by providing free high-quality legal and technical assistance to environmental organizations and community groups throughout Georgia. By providing these critical services, GreenLaw succeeds in compelling government and industry to take the steps necessary to protect Georgia's citizens and the environment. In all its work, GreenLaw champions the belief that every Georgian, young and old, rich and poor, has the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, live in healthy communities, and enjoy our state's natural beauty. Students will work at GreenLaw under the supervision of the Executive Director or one of the staff attorneys, depending on the student's interest area. GreenLaw has three program areas: Clean Air, Clean Water, and Environmental Justice. More information about GreenLaw can be found at www.green-law.org Extern's assignments may include assisting with preparation and attending trials, hearings and oral arguments, legal research, preparation of memorandums, drafting pleadings and briefs, factual investigation, document review, and attending settlement negotiations, public hearings and other meetings. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample and three references must accompany resume. |
| Gwinnett County Solicitor | Criminal Prosecution | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work in the Office of the Gwinnett County Solicitor. It is desired to have students perform as an Assistant Solicitor. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as legal research, complying with discovery demands, interviewing witnesses, preparing pre-trial motions, participating in arraignment, revocation, and motions hearings, as well as hopefully trying bench and/or jury trials. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Large and Mid-Sized Business (LMSB) Division | Tax Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Office of Chief Counsel represents the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States Tax Court, provides legal opinions and advice in a wide range of matters arising under the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), and makes formal recommendations to the Department of Justice concerning suits filed by and against the IRS. The externship permits law students to work for the Office under the supervision of experienced tax attorneys, which serves not only to prepare externs for a career in the field of tax law, but also provides an excellent view of what the practice of law is like at the Office of Chief Counsel. The Special Trial Attorneys of the Large and Mid-Sized Business (LMSB) Division conduct litigation practice before U.S. Tax Court and provide legal advice on the most complex and difficult tax matters assigned to the LMSB Division, an industry-focused organization with an emphasis on global tax administration for corporations and partnerships with assets greater than $10 million. LMSB attorneys (whom the extern may be required to assist at times) are routinely involved in non-docketed cases in which litigation is anticipated and advise LMSB examining revenue agents on technical issues, along with additional responsibilities which include handling litigation in the U.S. Tax Court and working with the Department of Justice on refund, bankruptcy, or summons enforcement issues. The principal objectives of the externship include practical experience related primarily to corporate and partnership tax law; development of research, writing, and drafting skills; and preparation of pleadings, discovery documents, stipulations of fact, and trial memoranda used in Tax Court cases. Assignments related to civil tax matters may further include legal research concerning evidentiary issues anticipated at trial, exhibit preparation, drafting responses to discovery, reviewing and analyzing documents produced during litigation, interviewing witnesses, drafting deposition outlines, assisting in the deposition preparation of witnesses, attending depositions and attending trial (to the extent scheduled and/or permitted). STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Student must be a U.S. Citizen. |
| Internal Revenue Service, Individual Tax | Tax Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work in the Atlanta offices of the Associate Area Counsel (Small Business/Self-Employed) for the Internal Revenue Service. Counsel's Office represents the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in the United States Tax Court, provides legal opinions and advice in a wide range of matters arising under the Internal Revenue Code, and makes formal recommendations to the Department of Justice concerning suites by and against the Service. Student responsibilities may include: interviewing witnesses, drafting pleadings, trial preparation, researching specific legal questions, drafting opinions in response to intra-agency inquiries, and attending civil and criminal conferences. Additionally, the Tax Court and the Service have entered into an agreement to allow the legal externs to try cases before the Tax Court, while under the supervision of an attorney. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences:
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| Judge Alford J. Dempsey, Jr., Fulton County Superior Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work assisting the Judge and staff attorney. Students will review pending pre-trial motions: research the law, and prepare memoranda for Judge's review and/or draft Orders. Students may also have an opportunity to observe trials and hearings in criminal and civil cases. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
A writing sample must accompany resume at the time of application. |
| Judge Amy Totenberg, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work for Judge Totenberg performing legal research, analysis and writing, observing hearings and trials, and participating in various other aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk.
STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences: Third-year students, but second-year students are encouraged to apply ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Judge Frank M. Hull, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work for Judge Hull under the direct supervision of Judge Hull. The extern will perform legal research and analysis, prepare bench memoranda and draft opinions for pending appeals and will have the opportunity to observe oral arguments and a circuit court mediation. The externship will provide valuable experience to students who plan to practice in federal court or who have a particular interest in legal research and writing. Although the externship will provide beneficial insights for students considering whether to pursue a federal clerkship after graduation, externs will not be considered for law clerk positions with Judge Hull. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences: Law Review membership ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample is required at the time of interview. |
| Judge Gail S. Tusan, Fulton County Superior Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students must have excellent analysis, research, and communication skills, and the ability to work well with others. Students can expect a range of assignments and issues that may encompass a wide-range of areas of law along with the practical experience of filing documents with the Clerk’s office, review pleadings, and the Court’s docket to ensure proper resolution of cases. Students will research the law, make bench memoranda, make written recommendations to resolve pending motions, and draft orders for the Judge’s and the Staff Attorney’s review. Furthermore, students will be able to observe various court proceedings, including, trials, hearings, and conferences. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: None Preferences: None NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Judge J. Goger, Fulton County Superior Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION This externship focuses on criminal and civil matters before the Superior Court of Fulton County. Students will review case files designated for dispositions by motion and/or trial. Students will research and make written recommendations regarding resolution of all outstanding motions filed before trial. During trial, students will assist the Judge in Court with evidentiary rulings required in the case. In addition, students will participate in the research and writing related to criminal law handbooks on evidence and trial practice. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Judge Kimberly M. Esmond Adams, Fulton County Superior Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Student will work for Judge Adams doing legal research, analysis and writing, preparing bench memoranda, and participating in all aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk, including observing numerous civil and criminal trials. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: None Preferences: None NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Judge Richard W. Story, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION This externship will expose students to the practice of civil and criminal law in the Northern District of Georgia. Students will work for Judge Story by performing legal research and drafting orders. Students will also have the opportunity to observe pre-trial hearings and civil and criminal trials. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Prefereneces: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua, Fulton County Superior Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION This externship focuses on the practice of civil and criminal law in the Superior Court of Fulton County. Students will review case files designated for dispositions by motion and/or trial. Students will research and make written recommendations regarding resolution of all outstanding motions filed before trial. During trial, students will assist the Judge in Court with evidentiary rulings required in the case. In addition, student will be doing legal research, analysis and writing, preparing bench memoranda, and participating in all aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Access to a laptop computer that can be brought to the externship site is required. |
| Judge Wendy L. Hagenau, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia | Bankruptcy Law, Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases, which are handled by the Bankruptcy Court. Bankruptcy judges serve as judicial officers of the bankruptcy court for their respective districts. The U.S. court of appeals for each circuit appoints bankruptcy judges to renewable fourteen-year terms. Externs will work with Judge Hagenau and her law clerk. Activities include research and writing memoranda, drafting orders and opinions, and attending hearings and trials. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Judge Wendy Shoob, Fulton County Superior Court | Family Law, Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will receive case files with motions and other pleadings. Student will review the pleadings, conduct research, and write memora including important facts and applicable law. Students will have the opportunity to observe divorce and custody trials, status conferences, and contempt hearings. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: Third-year students NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Justice David E. Nahmias, Georgia Supreme Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work for Justice Nahmias under the direct supervision of his staff attorneys. Externship includes legal research and writing and the opportunity to observe oral argument. Assignment of projects to externs is dependent upon writing and research skills, i.e., grasp of legal issues and ability to weigh and evaluate arguments made by the parties. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites:
Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Justice Harold Melton, Georgia Supreme Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work for Justice Melton performing research, analysis and writing. Students will have the opportunity to study the briefs in cases filed in the Court and to observe oral argument. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences: Prefer third-year students but second-year students may also apply ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample must accompany resume at the time of application. |
| Justice P. Harris Hines, Georgia Supreme Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Preferences: Third-year students but second-year students may also apply ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample must accompany resume at the time of application. |
| Justice Robert Benham, Georgia Supreme Court | Judicial | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: Second and third-year students NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| LAMBDA Legal Defense and Education Fund | Civil Rights | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Headquartered in New York, Lambda Legal's Southern Regional Office ("SRO") opened in Atlanta in 1997, and is responsible for matters arising in the ten state region. Students will assist the SRO's three Staff Attorneys, Greg Nevins, Beth Littrell, and Cole Thaler, primarily through research, writing, and factual investigation of impact litigation involving domestic relations, public and private employment discrimination, disability law, youth advocacy, and numerous other matters, many of which involve constitutional claims or public policy aspects. Our docket is weighted toward appellate practice and amicus curiae work in precedent-setting cases, but we also conduct some trial-level litigation, so opportunities for attendance in court and at depositions, along with practical training in strategy and procedure, may be available. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: None Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Office of the Counsel of the Speaker | Government Law, Legislation | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work in the office of the Speaker of the House supervised by the Speaker's Counsel. Speaker's Counsel advises the Speaker, the Majority Leader, and other Members on legal issues relating to legislation, and serves as a negotiator on behalf of the House Leadership with the Governor's office, the Lieutenant Governor's office, and the Georgia State Senate. Speaker's Counsel also works with individual Members and House committees in crafting, analyzing, and perfecting legislation. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: None Preferences:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Availble spring semester only. |
| Office of the Democratic Leader | Government Law, Legislation | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Office of the Senate Democratic Leader is the central legislative resource for the Democratic Caucus, and serves as the focal point for legislative strategy, press relations, and policy development. Students serving as Deputy Counsel work closely with the Deputy Chief of Staff to provide legal assistance to legislators by analyzing proposed legislation, tracking bills through the committee process, drafting legislation and amendments, researching policy and legal issues, and providing interpretive assistance to non-lawyer legislators. Students in the position pay special attention to the Committee on Rules, which sets the agenda for the following day. Students will work with lawmakers in both the House and Senate, and are encouraged to find and involve themselves in policies of personal interest as related legislation moves through the legislative process. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Available spring semester only. |
| Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta | Corporate Law, Non-Profit Law, Transactional Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta provides free business legal services to non-profit organizations by matching them with volunteer attorneys with the appropriate transactional expertise. The extern will b expected to undertake (with supervision and assistance from the Executive Director) the following activities. Researching and answering specific legal questions raised by non-profits, preparing forms (e.g. sample by-laws, agreements and policies) to be used by our volunteer lawyers, drafting content, including articles and links relating to legal issues affecting nonprofits for our website, preparing the descriptions of available pro bono opportunities to be sent to our volunteer attorneys, and attending meetings between nonprofit clients and volunteer attorneys. This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated student to interact with lawyers from major law firms and corporations in Atlanta and to have a positive impact on the nonprofit community. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences:
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Rockdale County D.A. | Criminal Prosecution | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work in the District Attorney's office. Students will be exposed to Preliminary Hearings, Grand Jury, Juvenile Court, State Court, Superior Court, and appellate work. The object is to allow each student to try at least one jury trial during the externship. Drafting, motions practice, and trial preparation are all included. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| Senior Citizens Law Project, Atlanta Legal Aid | Elder Law, Poverty Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work in the Senior Citizens Law Project (SCLP) of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society under the supervision of an attorney. SCLP provides legal representation on issues relating to public benefits, nursing homes and personal care homes, housing, consumer, probate, guardianship, advance directives, and elder abuse and financial exploitation. Participating students will be expected to interview clients and witnesses, prepare pleadings, research legal issues, research court records and represent clients in administrative hearings. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A writing sample is required at the time of the interview. |
| Southern Center for Human Rights | Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Post-Conviction | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Southern Center for Human Rights (SCHR)'s internship program provides students with hands-on training in all areas of capital and civil rights litigation and advocacy. Externs assist staff attorneys in all aspects of our work. Externs should expect to do several of the following tasks while they are at the Center: conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, and briefs; locate and interview witnesses; visit and interview clients; monitor court proceedings for human rights violations; represent inmates before the Alabama parole board; participate in case strategy sessions; locate, obtain, and organize documents; gather statistical data; read and digest transcripts; assist in conducting inspections of jails and prisons; conduct social science and other research; assist in locating and preparing expert witnesses; research public policy issues and prepare policy reports; and attend depositions, press conferences, court hearings, and arguments. We give our externs a great deal of responsibility, and they have been instrumental in many of our successes. We expect our externs to be committed, to work hard, to have fun, and to learn a great deal. As many of SCHR's clients are in prisons outside of the metropolitan Atlanta area, our externs are often asked to travel with attorneys, investigators, and other interns and externs throughout Georgia and Alabama. SCHR’s small staff size ensures that externs receive regular supervision and support. Upon completion of assignments, externs review their findings with the attorneys and develop follow-up action plans. The Southern Center for Human Rights is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. SCHR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religious creed, national original, ancestry, disability, or sexual orientation. SCHR encourages applications from minorities, women and other groups that are under-represented in the legal profession.
STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS
Criminal Procedure
NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS |
| Southern Environmental Law Center (Part-Time Students Only) | Environmental Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION This externship has been designed for, and is only open to, students enrolled in the part-time program while taking this externship. Special arrangements have been made with this site to accommodate part-time students who are not otherwise able to participate in the externship program because of on-gong commitments unrelated to law school. SELC has six program areas: Global Warming, Clean Energy & Air, Land & Community, Coast & Wetlands, Clean Water, and Southern Forests. Externs have the opportunity to choose some of their assignments from one of the SELC's six program areas. Externs will conduct research and writing on various environmental and administrative law issues and may participate in meetings with attorneys, clients, partner groups, and/or state and federal officials. Externs do primarily research and writing though they also have opportunities to join in teleconferences, meetings and site visits with our attorneys. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: Part-Time Student Preferences:
At the time of application, include three references and your GPA on your resume and include a one-page summary that briefly explains your interest in the placement as it relates to your professional development goals and highlights relevant coursework and/or experience. |
| U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the General Counsel | Health Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students will work in the Regional Office of the Chief Counsel which provides legal services to support the United States Department of Health & Human Resources (DHHR) activities in the eight (8) southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Regional Office's legal work is divided into program work, which is handled by the Health and Human Resources Branch, and into work affecting the general operations, which is handled by the General Law Branch. Major clients include the Administration on Aging, the Administration for Children and Families, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Office of Civil Rights. Duties externs may expect to perform include doing research on specific legal issues, preparing legal memoranda, assisting in drafting pleadings, providing assistance in putting together evidence for hearings and trials. When feasible, students will attend meetings with clients and opposing counsel, attend hearings, depositions and other discovery proceedings, attend conference calls and participate in other relevant activities of attorneys in the office. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS A resume, writing sample, and list of law school courses completed is required at the time of application. |
| U.S. Department of Labor | Labor Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The Solicitor's Office is the legal office of the United States Department of Labor representing its various enforcement agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration, and Veterans Employment & Training Services. The Department of Labor has the second largest litigation department in the federal government and has individual litigation authority. The extern program provides students with a unique and exceptional litigation experience in the Atlanta regional office, which covers eight southeastern states. Attorneys in the Atlanta regional office further the Department's mission of protecting American workers' rights by prosecuting employers for violations of numerous federal labor and employment laws, including laws governing employee pension and benefit plans (ERISA), occupational and mine safety and health (OSHA & MSHA), wage issues (FLSA), protections for migrant farm workers (MSPA), rights of military service members (USERRA) Title VII type non-discrimination cases under Executive Order 11246, and numerous whistle blower statutes. In addition, attorneys provide advice and written opinions to our numerous client agencies. Student externs perform a variety of legal tasks, depending on the office's particular workload at the time of the externship, but are typically exposed to numerous statutes and aspects of litigation. To the extent possible, we will accommodate students with a particular interest in a certain client agency or aspect of litigation. In addition to conducting research and writing memoranda, students are able to evaluate cases, participate in all aspects of discovery, negotiate settlements, prepare for and attend depositions, witness interviews or meetings with client agencies, and attend court hearings or trials. In addition, if their schedule permits, students are encouraged to participate in the office's weekly staff meetings and interact with a wide range of attorneys in the office. More information about the Solicitor's Office can be found at www.dol.gov/sol. Specific information about the Atlanta office can be found by clicking on the link for "Regional Offices." STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Prerequisites: None Preferences: Administrative Law and Employment Law (can be taken concurrently with placement) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) | Bankruptcy Law, Securities Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION Students work in the Atlanta District Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Students will be assigned to work with the Enforcement branches or the Litigation unit. Responsibilities may include participating in the investigations, drafting pleadings, assisting in trial preparation for administrative and judicial proceedings, conducting legal research and writing, and performing other tasks as needed. In addition, one student will be assigned to work on bankruptcy matters in the Office of Reorganization. Responsibilities may include reviewing and analyzing public company disclosure statements, drafting comment letters on disclosure statements, and researching and drafting memorandum of law. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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| U.S. Trustee | Bankruptcy Law | Semester requirement: 1 SITE DESCRIPTION The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice responsible for overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 586 and 11 U.S.C. 101, et seq. The Program consists of an Executive Office for United States Trustees in Washington, D.C., as well as 21 regional U.S. Trustee Offices nationwide. The United States Trustee Program acts in the public interest to promote the efficiency and to protect and preserve the integrity of the bankruptcy system. It works to secure the just, speedy, and economical resolution of bankruptcy cases; monitors the conduct of parties and takes action to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures; identifies and investigates bankruptcy fraud and abuse; and oversees administrative functions in bankruptcy cases. Students will work at the Office of the United States Trustee. Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical lawyering skills by participating in a broad range of activities. Interns review and evaluate case files, analyze and comment on legal documents and financial reports, prepare pleadings, conduct investigations, explore ethical issues, perform legal research, and attend meetings and hearings. Our goal is to provide students with a solid understanding of the role and function of the United States Trustee. STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS Preferences: None ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Security clearance is required. |
