Externship Sites

Judge Wendy L. Hagenau, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia

Judicial, Bankruptcy Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisites:  Bankruptcy course, interest in bankruptcy law.
 
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.
 
All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

• Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student. 
• Students should plan to be at the externship site on Wednesdays or Thursdays for courtroom observation.

 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Securities Law, Bankruptcy Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

At the time of application please submit a one-paragraph statement (approximately 50-75 words) stating why you want this externship placement.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students must also attend a weekly seminar at the SEC office.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:     SEC rules require that all externship students be United States citizens.               

U.S. Trustee

Bankruptcy Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:  Security clearance is required.

American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU)

Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement 
Preferred:  A strong interest and background in civil liberties and civil rights. Constitutional Law II is recommended, but not required.

Part-time students are encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Georgia is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting civil rights and individual liberties. The ACLU focuses on impact litigation involving a variety of constitutional concerns in a wide variety of contexts. These include criminal justice, death penalty, disability rights, free speech, immigrants' rights, national security, prisoners' rights, racial justice, religious freedom, reproductive freedom, and voting rights.

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.  

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

City of Atlanta

Urban Planning, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred:  All second and third-year applicants but would prefer those who have demonstrated their interest in municipal law through relevant course work.

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 groups 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Federal Highway Administration, Southeastern Legal Office 

Environmental Law, Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred:  Classes in Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and/or Employment Discrimination are helpful but not required; Second or third-year students with excellent writing and analytic skills are encouraged to apply.

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).

The Agency’s environmental work revolves primarily around issues related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act. The office’s litigation case load varies but almost always includes 1) environmental lawsuits in U.S. District Courts throughout the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits; and 2) employment suits constituting either Title VII discrimination or retaliation claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or appeals to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board.

Typical intern assignments range from researching, analyzing and providing recommendations regarding discrete legal issues to drafting dispositive pretrial motions. Interns participate in meetings with clients, conferences with opposing counsel, mediation and settlement discussions, and conferences with the Assistant U.S. Attorneys assigned to the Agency’s environmental cases. The resulting experience provides exposure to a broad range of legal issues and a better understanding of the work performed by FHWA attorneys. Student preference for either environmental or employment law is considered in assigning projects, but the office case load at the time of the externship ultimately determines the range of available assignments.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE: Externs must be U.S. citizens.

Georgia Department of Law

Civil Litigation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Administrative Law

A writing sample must be brought to the interview.

Students who will participate in the Externship Program 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Southeastern Legal Foundation, Inc.

Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second and third year students may apply. There are no prerequisites but classes in constitutional law and civil procedure are recommended. At the time of application, please submit: a) a short statement of your interest in SFL's work and describe your motivation for applying and b) a short writing sample and your resume. Founded in 1976, Southeastern Legal Foundation, Inc. is celebrating it's 32nd year as an Atlanta-based public interest law firm that advocates limited government, individual economic freedom, and the free enterprise system in the courts of law and public opinion. Our mission is to engage in litigation and public policy advocacy in support of these principles.

Students will assist the SLF's Senior Counsel, Stephen D. Morrison, Jr. and Chief Legal Counsel, Shannon L. Goessling, primarily through research, writing memoranda, drafting pleadings and discovery on complex issues. We also emphasize research and monitoring current constitutional law cases and issues for possible litigation and amicus curiae briefing opportunities. The student will also attend court and depositions as needed to assist their supervising attorney. Thus, the extern may look forward to not only practical training in strategy and procedure, but they may also be involved in significant appelate work, depending on the docket. All students who have not taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

United States Attorney, Northern District of Georgia

Criminal Prosecution, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (2) semester requirement*
Prerequisites: Civil Procedure, Evidence, and Eligibility to practice under the District Court's Standing Order In Re: Legal Intern Program;** Criminal Procedure for Criminal Division Placement***

Students work in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Students are assigned to work either in the civil or criminal division for the entire two semesters. Students working in the civil division engage in a variety of tasks including drafting pleadings, assisting in taking depositions and conducting hearings, and litigating before magistrates and the district court, subject to court approval.

Students assigned to the criminal division assist in investigations, respond to pre-trial defense motions, assist in the preparation of briefs and litigate before magistrates and the district court, subject to court approval.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students participating in this externship must be available to attend in-house seminars on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m., and must meet with their attorney(s) at least twice weekly to receive and submit assignments. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students participating in this externship may have to work more hours than required for other externships, and work hours may be less flexible during weeks students are scheduled to be in court.

Security clearance is required: Acceptance into this externship is tentative pending completion of an application and an extensive security investigation of extern, which includes a drug-use questionnaire. Selected externs must submit agency's application by June 1 in order to be eligible.

Students participating in the program are prohibited from maintaining outside employment at a law firm engaging in federal practice involving the United States, its officers or agencies, or in other employment that might pose a conflict of interest. 

*Applications accepted only in the spring for the following academic year.

**Eligible students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3. GPA), (2) have earned at least two-thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirement in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters in residence, and (3) be of good moral character. 

***Students must indicate on the externship application if Criminal Procedure will be completed by the start of the externship. 

US Department of the Interior - Office of the Regional Solicitor

Environmental Law, Employment Law, Indian Law, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second or third-year students are encouraged to apply. Students must submit a writing sample, transcript, and resume at the time of application.

The Department of the Interior is the nation’s principal natural resources management agency. It also has significant responsibilities in American Indian affairs. The Southeast Regional Solicitor’s Office in Atlanta provides legal counsel to Interior agencies and offices in the states located in the southeastern U. S., the U. S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including in the areas of public land use, Indian treaty and other rights, resource protection policies and park concession contracts, grants and other agreements, Endangered Species Act, water law, oil and gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, coal surface mining regulation, matters pertaining to the U. S. territories, procurement, agreements, administrative law, employment law, ethics, intellectual property, FOIA and Privacy Act, water law, NEPA, Clean Water Act, natural resource damages, CERCLA, OPA, and torts. The office also works closely with the Department of Justice and U. S. Attorneys’ offices on litigation involving the Department.

The Regional Solicitor’s Office is located in the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U. S Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. Externs will be assigned work in the various areas of the regional office’s practice and can expect to draft discovery documents, motions, answers and other pleadings, draft legal memoranda, decisions and opinions, attend meetings with client agencies and agency officials on legal matters pending in the office, attend hearings (administrative and judicial), and attend and participate in witness preparation, negotiations and mediations.

Externs will also be assigned administrative litigation and will be expected to handle all phases of the litigation, including briefing witnesses, pre-hearing conferences and hearings. Externs will work directly with attorneys and their work will be supervised by senior attorneys in the office.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU)

Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement 
Preferred:  A strong interest and background in civil liberties and civil rights. Constitutional Law II is recommended, but not required.

Part-time students are encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Georgia is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting civil rights and individual liberties. The ACLU focuses on impact litigation involving a variety of constitutional concerns in a wide variety of contexts. These include criminal justice, death penalty, disability rights, free speech, immigrants' rights, national security, prisoners' rights, racial justice, religious freedom, reproductive freedom, and voting rights.

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.  

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

LAMBDA Legal Defense and Education Fund

Civil Rights
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second and third-year students; Classes in Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Employment, and Family Law

At the time of application, please submit a short statement as to why you want to take this externship. At the time of interview, a brief writing sample is required.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Southern Center for Human Rights

Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Post-Conviction 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law and Evidence
Highly preferred: Criminal Procedure and Federal Jurisdiction

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. 

 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU)

Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement 
Preferred:  A strong interest and background in civil liberties and civil rights. Constitutional Law II is recommended, but not required.

Part-time students are encouraged to apply.

The ACLU of Georgia is a non-profit law firm dedicated to protecting civil rights and individual liberties. The ACLU focuses on impact litigation involving a variety of constitutional concerns in a wide variety of contexts. These include criminal justice, death penalty, disability rights, free speech, immigrants' rights, national security, prisoners' rights, racial justice, religious freedom, reproductive freedom, and voting rights.

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.  

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Southeastern Legal Foundation, Inc.

Constitutional Law, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second and third year students may apply. There are no prerequisites but classes in constitutional law and civil procedure are recommended. At the time of application, please submit: a) a short statement of your interest in SFL's work and describe your motivation for applying and b) a short writing sample and your resume. Founded in 1976, Southeastern Legal Foundation, Inc. is celebrating it's 32nd year as an Atlanta-based public interest law firm that advocates limited government, individual economic freedom, and the free enterprise system in the courts of law and public opinion. Our mission is to engage in litigation and public policy advocacy in support of these principles.

Students will assist the SLF's Senior Counsel, Stephen D. Morrison, Jr. and Chief Legal Counsel, Shannon L. Goessling, primarily through research, writing memoranda, drafting pleadings and discovery on complex issues. We also emphasize research and monitoring current constitutional law cases and issues for possible litigation and amicus curiae briefing opportunities. The student will also attend court and depositions as needed to assist their supervising attorney. Thus, the extern may look forward to not only practical training in strategy and procedure, but they may also be involved in significant appelate work, depending on the docket. All students who have not taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Business Court, Fulton County Superior Court

Corporate Law, Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Contracts and Corporations; Third-year students only
Preferred: Securities, Commercial Torts, UCC Article 2, 6 and/or 9, and any Business or Commercial Law course offered at Georgia State College of Law.

A writing sample is required at the time of interview.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

The majority of hearings are scheduled Monday-Thursday.

Students may not work with any other organizations which practice commercial/business law before the Business Court while participating in this externship.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Banking Law, Transactional Law, Tax Law, Employment Law, Corporate Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement (Spring Semester only)
Preferred Prerequisites: Banking Law, Corporations, Commercial Paper, Secured Transactions, Employment Discrimination, Taxation, Copyrights and Trademarks, and/or Administrative Law.

A brief writing sample is requested at the time of application.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

Corporate Law, Non-Profit Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second or third year law student. There are no courses required in connection with this placement but our strong preference is for an extern with an interest in transactional law. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Federal Defender Program

Criminal Defense
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure,* and Evidence; Open to third-year students only.

At the time of application, please submit a short paragraph or statement indicating why you want to work for the Federal Defender Program.

The Federal Defender Program provides representation to indigent criminal defendants in Federal Court. The Federal Defender also represents some death-row inmates challenging their convictions and/or sentences in federal habeas corpus litigation.

Students working with the Federal Defender program will help in drafting documents, motions and briefs in U.S. District Court, the Court of Appeals, and occasionally in the United States Supreme Court. Students will help in interviewing witnesses, preparing cases for pretrial hearings, and will assist the attorneys in preparing cases for trial and sentencing hearings. Students are considered to be an integral part of the "defense team," and can do almost anything, short of actually speaking in court as the attorney of record.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. All students must attend a bi-weekly seminar at the office. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students who choose to participate in this externship may have to work more hours than required by the school. Students must have flexible schedules to accommodate the court schedules of the cases on which the student is assisting.

Students who currently work or who are doing externship programs with any prosecuting or investigative agency are not eligible to participate in this externship. 

*Waiver of this course will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Georgia Innocence Project

Criminal Defense, Post-Conviction
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Required: 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.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. Students will be responsible for setting a firm schedule with the staff.

The office is located in Midtown Atlanta and is easily accessible by MARTA. 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. 

Georgia Justice Project

Criminal Defense
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, or Evidence

Ability to be sworn in under Third Year Practice Act, if eligible. * 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 (or participating under the Third Year Practice Act when it applies) in court proceedings. Students will be supervised by one of the four project attorneys at the GJP.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

* Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 g.p.a.), (2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

NOTE: Students who choose to participate in this externship may have to work more hours than required by the school. Students must have flexible schedules to accommodate the court schedules of the cases on which the student is assisting. Students who currently work or who are doing externship programs with any prosecuting or investigative agency are not eligible to participate in this externship.

Dekalb County Public Defender, Litigation

Criminal Defense
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Third-year students only; Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act.* 
Preferred: Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation

Our office is responsible for representing all indigent people who have been accused of juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony crimes in DeKalb County, Georgia. Our downtown Decatur office begins representing indigent clients at the time of their arrest and continues this representation through final disposition of their case, including any appeals. This is a unique opportunity to integrate what the student has learned in law school with the practical application of practicing law. Under the supervision of an attorney, the third-year student will be sworn in under the third-year practice act and will be expected to represent clients in court. The student will have the opportunity to experience all courtroom procedures including preliminary hearings, arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions hearings, and jury trials. The student can expect to have many varied "hands on" experiences that will involve spending much of their time in court and with clients as well as witnesses, researching and preparing legal motions and memoranda, and assisting attorneys in all phases of trial preparation.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

* Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 G.P.A.), (2) have earned at least two-thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

Dekalb County Public Defender, Appellate

Criminal Defense
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred : Legal Writing Course

Eligibility: Second and third year students may apply. A writing sample must accompany resume. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Southern Center for Human Rights

Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Post-Conviction 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law and Evidence
Highly preferred: Criminal Procedure and Federal Jurisdiction

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. 

 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office, Criminal Appellate Division (Part-Time Students Only)

Criminal Prosecution
(3) hours per semester, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisite: Part-time Student; Evidence, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure Investigation and/or
Criminal Procedure Adjudication
Preferred:  Appellate Advocacy

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-going commitments unrelated to law school.

Externs will assist in researching and writing motions and/or briefs advocating for the State of Georgia in criminal matters before the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Nearly all appeals will arise from recent jury trials resulting in felony convictions. Externs should be prepared to encounter real-life trial evidence which may include extreme violence, child abuse, sexual material and animal cruelty.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students are required to participate in weekly meetings conducted by the District Attorney's office at a mutually convenient time. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Dekalb County D.A., Recorder's Court

Criminal Prosecution
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisites:  Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act*

Preferred:  Criminal Procedure Investigation and/or Criminal Procedure Adjudication

The DeKalb County Recorder’s Court is one of the busiest courts in the state of Georgia.  Each day, the court processes more than one thousand citations including traffic violations, possession of marijuana, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct.  Students will gain experience managing a courtroom of up to 300 defendants under the guidance of the Supervising Assistant District Attorney.  Specifically, students will carry out a wide range of duties including making pre-trial announcements, qualifying defendants for participation in the pre-trial diversion program, negotiating pleas with defendants and private attorneys, and representing the State in bench trials.

 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

*Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 GPA), (2) have earned at least two-thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

NOTE:

 

Candidates may select from the following scheduled times:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:45am – 1pm; 1:45pm – 6pm

Wednesday:  8:15am – 4pm; 8:45am – 1pm; 1:45pm – 6pm

In addition, students are asked to plan at least two Friday mornings (8:45am – 1pm) in the semester to observe Rule Nisi and Diversion Program Non-compliance calendars. 

Particulars need not be established prior to the beginning of the externship.  Rather, availability may be established with the site supervisor during the semester. 

Students may not work with any other organizations which practice criminal law in Dekalb County while participating in this externship.

Cobb County D.A., Trial Division

Criminal Prosecution
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Evidence, Litigation, and Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act*
Preferred: Criminal Procedure Adjudication, Criminal Procedure Investigation, and STLA membership

Externs are assigned to work with a trial team of two attorneys. Assignments include researching and writing memoranda, drafting motions and indictments, fact investigations, witness interviews, presenting cases to grand juries, arguing motions, handling probation revocation hearings, and, if the court and student’s schedule permits, trying a felony case to a jury.

There may be occasional meetings with local police, medical examiners, and other law enforcement officers. An ADA is assigned to supervise the program on site.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

* (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 GPA), (2) have earned at least two-thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

Dekalb County D. A., General Criminal Litigation 

Criminal Prosecution
(3) hours per semester, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act*
Preferred: Criminal Procedure Investigation and/or Criminal Procedure Adjudication

Students will work with the District Attorney's Office. Externs will be exposed to the work of a criminal investigator under the direct supervision of an investigator and will assist in interviewing witnesses, securing physical evidence, and preparing trial reports. Following this, externs will be assigned to the Grand Jury Division working directly under the supervision of an assistant district attorney. Responsibilities will include evaluation and screening of cases for legal sufficiency, preparation of indictments, and presentation of cases to the Grand Jury. Externs will then be assigned to work with a trial attorney and will participate in all aspects of trial preparation, negotiation with defense attorneys, and participation in arraignments, pre-trial hearings, and probation revocation hearings. Wherever feasible, students will be given an opportunity to assist at the trial of criminal cases.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students are required to participate in weekly seminars conducted by the District Attorney's office. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

* Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 g.p.a), (2) have earned at least two-thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

NOTE:

Students participating in this externship may have to work more hours than required for other externships, and work hours may be less flexible during weeks students are scheduled to be in court.

Students may not work with any other organizations which practice criminal law Dekalb County while participating in this externship.

 

Dekalb County Solicitor

Criminal Prosecution
(3) hours per semester, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Litigation, Evidence and Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act. *
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Criminal Procedure Investigation or Adjudication**

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students must also attend a weekly seminar at the Solicitor's office. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Programs faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students participating in this externship may have to work more hours than required for other externships, and work hours may be less flexible during weeks students are scheduled to be in court.

Students who work or have worked for law firms which practice criminal law in Dekalb County are ineligible to participate in this externship.

* Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 G.P.A), (2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters, and (3) be of good moral character.

**Criminal Procedure Adjudication is preferred.

Fulton County Solicitor

Criminal Prosecution
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Litigation, and Evidence; Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act *
Preferred: Criminal Procedure Adjudication* and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation

Students work in the office of the Fulton County Solicitor under the supervision of an attorney, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses and complainants, preparing for trial, and appearing in court as student prosecutors in misdemeanor cases. Students may also perform research and other tasks involving appeals assigned to his or her solicitor. Work assignments will vary, but every effort will be made to give each student the opportunity to try several cases in the State Court.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students participating in this externship may have to work more hours than required for other externships, and work hours may be less flexible during weeks students are scheduled to be in court. It is strongly recommended that students arrange their schedules so that they have at least one full day free early in the week.

Students who work or have worked for law firms which practice criminal law in the State Court of Fulton County are ineligible to participate in this externship. 

* Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 G.P.A.), (2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

**The site supervisor strongly recommends students take criminal procedure before beginning this externship.

 

Gwinnett County Solicitor

Criminal Prosecution
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation, and Evidence; Students must be eligible to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act;* A clean criminal history (other than traffic citations) is required. 

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

A flexible schedule is a must if jury trial experience is desired.  Students desiring jury trial experience should plan to schedule extern hours to include at least one full day between Monday and Wednesday.

 Students who work or have worked for law firms which practice criminal defense in Gwinnett County are ineligible for this externship. 

 * Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 G.P.A.), (2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

Rockdale County D.A.

Criminal Prosecution
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law, Constitutional Law I, and Professional Responsibility; Eligibility of certification under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act*
Preferred: Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation 

Only persons with a genuine interest and temperament for jury trial work should apply.

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. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program Faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students participating in this externship may have to work more hours than required for other externships and work hours may be less flexible during weeks students are scheduled to be in court.

Students who work or have worked for law firms which practice criminal law in Rockdale County are ineligible to participate in this externship. 

* Students must be in 1) good academic standing (2.3 G.P.A.), 2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters and 3) be of good moral character.

United States Attorney, Northern District of Georgia

Criminal Prosecution, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (2) semester requirement*
Prerequisites: Civil Procedure, Evidence, and Eligibility to practice under the District Court's Standing Order In Re: Legal Intern Program;** Criminal Procedure for Criminal Division Placement***

Students work in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Students are assigned to work either in the civil or criminal division for the entire two semesters. Students working in the civil division engage in a variety of tasks including drafting pleadings, assisting in taking depositions and conducting hearings, and litigating before magistrates and the district court, subject to court approval.

Students assigned to the criminal division assist in investigations, respond to pre-trial defense motions, assist in the preparation of briefs and litigate before magistrates and the district court, subject to court approval.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students participating in this externship must be available to attend in-house seminars on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m., and must meet with their attorney(s) at least twice weekly to receive and submit assignments. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students participating in this externship may have to work more hours than required for other externships, and work hours may be less flexible during weeks students are scheduled to be in court.

Security clearance is required: Acceptance into this externship is tentative pending completion of an application and an extensive security investigation of extern, which includes a drug-use questionnaire. Selected externs must submit agency's application by June 1 in order to be eligible.

Students participating in the program are prohibited from maintaining outside employment at a law firm engaging in federal practice involving the United States, its officers or agencies, or in other employment that might pose a conflict of interest. 

*Applications accepted only in the spring for the following academic year.

**Eligible students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3. GPA), (2) have earned at least two-thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirement in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters in residence, and (3) be of good moral character. 

***Students must indicate on the externship application if Criminal Procedure will be completed by the start of the externship. 

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) - Domestic Violence/Safe Families

Domestic Violence Advocacy
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second year students eligible. Third year students will be given preference, but it is not a requirement. Ability to be sworn in under the Third Year Practice Act, if eligible. Academic component - approximately 12 hours of training per semester, provided by AVLF.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. 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. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Elder Law, Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second-year and third-year students; Elder Law classes helpful.

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) participates in public policy making related to long-term care residents.  SLTCO assists with the creation of and provides comments on policies, rules, and regulations proposed by federal and state agencies, and advocates for legislative initiatives with the Georgia General Assembly and with members of Congress. 

Externs will research state and federal law related to long-term care; may draft legislation, comments, and testimony on legislation, policies, or rules related to long-term care; and will participate with the SLTCO in advocacy including attending meetings with policymakers, stakeholders, and other aging advocates. Students will also participate in local and national conference calls with federal and other government agencies discussing policy issues related to aging.

Under the supervision of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, externs will advocate at the Capitol in Atlanta during the Georgia General Assembly session, including monitoring committee meetings and committee actions, analyzing legislation, and developing strategies related to legislative proposals including drafting amendments to proposed legislation.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

NOTE: Students should arrange their schedules to complete externship hours Monday through Thursday.

Atlanta Legal Aid, Senior Citizens Law Project

Poverty Law, Elder Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

A writing sample is required at the time of the interview.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Office of the General Counsel

Health Law, Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second or third-year law student; Background in science, public health, or healthcare field helpful

At the time of application please submit a) a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) of why you want to take this internship and b) a brief writing sample on a topic of your choice.

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. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE:

Student must be a U.S. Citizen. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Hearing Unit/Legal Division

Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred Prerequisites: Employment Law

Second year students are eligible. Third year students will be given preference. A writing sample is required at the time of interview.

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.
Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Litigation Unit

Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Excellent writing and analytical skills; Commitment to and passion for Civil Rights Law
Preferred: Second or third-year student; Administrative Law and/or Employment Law

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 or not 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. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Development Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

Federal Highway Administration, Southeastern Legal Office 

Environmental Law, Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred:  Classes in Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and/or Employment Discrimination are helpful but not required; Second or third-year students with excellent writing and analytic skills are encouraged to apply.

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).

The Agency’s environmental work revolves primarily around issues related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act. The office’s litigation case load varies but almost always includes 1) environmental lawsuits in U.S. District Courts throughout the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits; and 2) employment suits constituting either Title VII discrimination or retaliation claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or appeals to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board.

Typical intern assignments range from researching, analyzing and providing recommendations regarding discrete legal issues to drafting dispositive pretrial motions. Interns participate in meetings with clients, conferences with opposing counsel, mediation and settlement discussions, and conferences with the Assistant U.S. Attorneys assigned to the Agency’s environmental cases. The resulting experience provides exposure to a broad range of legal issues and a better understanding of the work performed by FHWA attorneys. Student preference for either environmental or employment law is considered in assigning projects, but the office case load at the time of the externship ultimately determines the range of available assignments.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE: Externs must be U.S. citizens.

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Banking Law, Transactional Law, Tax Law, Employment Law, Corporate Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement (Spring Semester only)
Preferred Prerequisites: Banking Law, Corporations, Commercial Paper, Secured Transactions, Employment Discrimination, Taxation, Copyrights and Trademarks, and/or Administrative Law.

A brief writing sample is requested at the time of application.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

US Department of the Interior - Office of the Regional Solicitor

Environmental Law, Employment Law, Indian Law, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second or third-year students are encouraged to apply. Students must submit a writing sample, transcript, and resume at the time of application.

The Department of the Interior is the nation’s principal natural resources management agency. It also has significant responsibilities in American Indian affairs. The Southeast Regional Solicitor’s Office in Atlanta provides legal counsel to Interior agencies and offices in the states located in the southeastern U. S., the U. S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including in the areas of public land use, Indian treaty and other rights, resource protection policies and park concession contracts, grants and other agreements, Endangered Species Act, water law, oil and gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, coal surface mining regulation, matters pertaining to the U. S. territories, procurement, agreements, administrative law, employment law, ethics, intellectual property, FOIA and Privacy Act, water law, NEPA, Clean Water Act, natural resource damages, CERCLA, OPA, and torts. The office also works closely with the Department of Justice and U. S. Attorneys’ offices on litigation involving the Department.

The Regional Solicitor’s Office is located in the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U. S Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. Externs will be assigned work in the various areas of the regional office’s practice and can expect to draft discovery documents, motions, answers and other pleadings, draft legal memoranda, decisions and opinions, attend meetings with client agencies and agency officials on legal matters pending in the office, attend hearings (administrative and judicial), and attend and participate in witness preparation, negotiations and mediations.

Externs will also be assigned administrative litigation and will be expected to handle all phases of the litigation, including briefing witnesses, pre-hearing conferences and hearings. Externs will work directly with attorneys and their work will be supervised by senior attorneys in the office.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Georgia Lawyers for the Arts

Entertainment Law
(3) hours per semester, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second or third-year students; Copyright, Trademark, First Amendment, Entertainment Law

A cover letter describing the nature of your interest in entertainment and/or intellectual property law (excluding patent) must be submitted with your resume.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

Students must be available to attend a mandatory orientation session before beginning their externship.

Southern Environmental Law Center (Part-Time Students Only)

Environmental Law
(3) hours per semester, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite:  Part-Time Student
Preferred: Environmental Law and/or Administrative Law; Land Use courses.  Background or demonstrated interest in environmental issues will be considered.

Please make sure your resume includes three references and your GPA.  Also 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.

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.

Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Administrative Law, Environmental Law

Prefer third year students, but second year students strongly encouraged to apply. A brief writing sample should accompany resume. 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 Endangered Species 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. All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Federal Highway Administration, Southeastern Legal Office 

Environmental Law, Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred:  Classes in Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and/or Employment Discrimination are helpful but not required; Second or third-year students with excellent writing and analytic skills are encouraged to apply.

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).

The Agency’s environmental work revolves primarily around issues related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act. The office’s litigation case load varies but almost always includes 1) environmental lawsuits in U.S. District Courts throughout the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits; and 2) employment suits constituting either Title VII discrimination or retaliation claims before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or appeals to the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board.

Typical intern assignments range from researching, analyzing and providing recommendations regarding discrete legal issues to drafting dispositive pretrial motions. Interns participate in meetings with clients, conferences with opposing counsel, mediation and settlement discussions, and conferences with the Assistant U.S. Attorneys assigned to the Agency’s environmental cases. The resulting experience provides exposure to a broad range of legal issues and a better understanding of the work performed by FHWA attorneys. Student preference for either environmental or employment law is considered in assigning projects, but the office case load at the time of the externship ultimately determines the range of available assignments.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE: Externs must be U.S. citizens.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Environmental Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Recommended Prerequisites: Administrative Law, Legislative Drafting
Preferred: Students with a demonstrated interest in environmental or governmental affairs.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a state agency of approximately 1,400 employees responsible for the administration of Georgia's state park system, Georgia's historic preservation and wildlife protection programs, and the enforcement of Georgia's environmental, game and fish, and coastal resource laws. DNR is administered by the Commissioner of Natural Resources.

Students will work with the DNR's Legal Executive Assistant. The Legal Executive Assistant provides legal assistance to the Commissioner and his staff on all aspects of DNR's activities. Responsibilities include legal counseling on personnel issues, preparation of legislation, contract drafting and review, interaction with DNR's land acquisition unit, and coordination between DNR and the Georgia Attorney General's Office on litigation matters, which include administrative hearings to review permitting and enforcement actions by the Commissioner under Georgia's various environmental statutes or by the Shore Assistance or Coastal Marshlands Protection Committees of DNR, whenever those actions are challenged by an aggrieved party.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

GreenLaw (Georgia Center for Law in the Public Interest)

Environmental Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Administrative Law or Environmental Law
Preferred: Third-year students, but second-year students are also strongly encouraged to apply; Students with experience working independently 

A writing sample and three references should accompany resume.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

US Department of the Interior - Office of the Regional Solicitor

Environmental Law, Employment Law, Indian Law, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second or third-year students are encouraged to apply. Students must submit a writing sample, transcript, and resume at the time of application.

The Department of the Interior is the nation’s principal natural resources management agency. It also has significant responsibilities in American Indian affairs. The Southeast Regional Solicitor’s Office in Atlanta provides legal counsel to Interior agencies and offices in the states located in the southeastern U. S., the U. S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including in the areas of public land use, Indian treaty and other rights, resource protection policies and park concession contracts, grants and other agreements, Endangered Species Act, water law, oil and gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, coal surface mining regulation, matters pertaining to the U. S. territories, procurement, agreements, administrative law, employment law, ethics, intellectual property, FOIA and Privacy Act, water law, NEPA, Clean Water Act, natural resource damages, CERCLA, OPA, and torts. The office also works closely with the Department of Justice and U. S. Attorneys’ offices on litigation involving the Department.

The Regional Solicitor’s Office is located in the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U. S Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. Externs will be assigned work in the various areas of the regional office’s practice and can expect to draft discovery documents, motions, answers and other pleadings, draft legal memoranda, decisions and opinions, attend meetings with client agencies and agency officials on legal matters pending in the office, attend hearings (administrative and judicial), and attend and participate in witness preparation, negotiations and mediations.

Externs will also be assigned administrative litigation and will be expected to handle all phases of the litigation, including briefing witnesses, pre-hearing conferences and hearings. Externs will work directly with attorneys and their work will be supervised by senior attorneys in the office.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Judge Gail S. Tusan, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial, Family Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

This externship focuses on the practice of family law in the Superior Court of Fulton County.  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 other 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 status conferences. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program Faculty required for enrollment.

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) - Family Law

Family Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second and third year students eligible. Approximately 12 hours of training per semester, provided by AVLF.

The student’s work will include: Assisting volunteer guardians ad litem with investigating child custody cases so that the GAL can make an informed recommendation regarding the best interests of the child; observing status conferences and trials in the Fulton Family Division, and report back to AVLF regarding the status of the case and the work of the volunteer attorneys; Assisting staff attorneys and volunteer attorneys with divorce and child custody cases involving victims of domestic violence; Assisting staff attorneys with developing and delivering family law training to volunteer attorneys.

Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Elder Law, Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second-year and third-year students; Elder Law classes helpful.

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) participates in public policy making related to long-term care residents.  SLTCO assists with the creation of and provides comments on policies, rules, and regulations proposed by federal and state agencies, and advocates for legislative initiatives with the Georgia General Assembly and with members of Congress. 

Externs will research state and federal law related to long-term care; may draft legislation, comments, and testimony on legislation, policies, or rules related to long-term care; and will participate with the SLTCO in advocacy including attending meetings with policymakers, stakeholders, and other aging advocates. Students will also participate in local and national conference calls with federal and other government agencies discussing policy issues related to aging.

Under the supervision of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, externs will advocate at the Capitol in Atlanta during the Georgia General Assembly session, including monitoring committee meetings and committee actions, analyzing legislation, and developing strategies related to legislative proposals including drafting amendments to proposed legislation.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

NOTE: Students should arrange their schedules to complete externship hours Monday through Thursday.

Georgia Department of Law

Civil Litigation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Administrative Law

A writing sample must be brought to the interview.

Students who will participate in the Externship Program 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Office of the Governor

Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Students who participate in an externship position with the Governor's Office of Executive Counsel will become involved in a wide variety of legal issues. The Executive Counsel and Deputy Executive Counsel deal with all legal matters affecting the Office of the Governor and a range of issues affecting the Executive Branch of Government. Under the supervision of the Executive Counsel, students will research and analyze matters ranging from issues raised by executive agencies to litigation affecting the Governor.

A significant portion of the work involves legal research and drafting memoranda or other written materials such as executive orders. During the legislative session, externs become involved in analyzing legislation and addressing legal issues involving the Governor's legislative agenda. Externs are also often exposed to the inner workings of government and will meet and interact with many policy makers.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

Office of the Democratic Leader

Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

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. Available spring semester only. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

Office of the Counsel of the Speaker

Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Legislation Class strongly recommended

Students should have an interest in working with advocates and legislators on issues pending before the Georgia General Assembly and in gaining exposure to and experience in analyzing legislation.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Office of the General Counsel

Health Law, Employment Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second or third-year law student; Background in science, public health, or healthcare field helpful

At the time of application please submit a) a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) of why you want to take this internship and b) a brief writing sample on a topic of your choice.

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. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE:

Student must be a U.S. Citizen. 

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Technology Transfer Office

Health Law, IP Law, Patent Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Preferred: 2L and 3L students; Background in the biological sciences or engineering is useful; Students who have taken intellectual property, patent law, or licensing courses and those planning a career in patent law.

At the time of application please submit a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) explaining why you want to take this externship.

The Technology Transfer Office handles all issues relating to the intellectual property rights of CDC. Intern assignments may include review of the patentability of new technologies, the marketability of inventions, licensing agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, royalty payments, marketing materials, and trademark and copyright applications. See www.cdc.gov/tto.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE:

Student must be a U.S. Citizen.

Georgia Department of Community Health

Health Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred Prerequisites: Health Law, Administrative Law and Legislation and Legislative Drafting

Students should consider doing this as a full year externship in order to get full exposure to the legislative and policy building process.

The Department of Community Health (DCH) works to ensure that quality health care services are provided to a wide variety of individuals. DCH also administers the Certificate of Need Program, which ensures the orderly and economical developmentand establishment of health care services and facilities for approximately eight million Georgians. This externship is designed to expose students interested in the health law field to the areas of health policy, planning, regulation, litigation, and legislative drafting, analysis, and monitoring.

The students will work primarily within the Certificate of Need Unit providing legal assistance and analysis to CON staff who review, evaluate and analyze applications to develop, expand and/or establish new healthcare services and facilities in Georgia. Students will assist the CON Staff Counsel in reviewing and responding to requests from attorneys, health care organizations, and members of the public seeking administrative determinations from the Department.

The externship also provides experience with the Attorney General's office in CON-associated mandamus litigation and judicial appeals. During the legislative session, students may be at the Capitol assisting with the legislative process on various health law issues. When the Georgia General Assembly is adjourned, students may research and analyze legislation and policy issues and assist in the development of legislative proposals.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Georgia Hospital Association

Health Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Second or third-year student strongly interested in health related law
Preferred: Healthcare background or experience

Part-time students are encouraged to apply.

We are please to offer an opportunity for a student to work closely with the attorneys at the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA).  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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship faculty required for enrollment. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the General Counsel

Health Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

A resume, writing sample and list of law school courses completed is required.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship faculty required for enrollment. 

Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN)

Immigration Law, Human Rights 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement (optional second semester).
Preferred Prerequisite: Immigration Law

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

American Civil Liberties Union of GA (ACLU) - National Security & Immigrants' Rights Project

Immigration Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Part-time students are encouraged to apply.

A brief letter describing the nature of your interest must be submitted with your resume.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

Department of Homeland Security

Immigration Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement (optional second semester)
Preferred Prerequisite: Immigration Law

Preference may be given to students who have successfully completed the Immigration Law course, but it is not a prerequisite. Acceptance to this program requires the student to be fingerprinted and to submit to a background check. Recommended: Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE: ICE rules require that all externs must be United States citizens.

 

Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN)

Immigration Law, Human Rights 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement (optional second semester).
Preferred Prerequisite: Immigration Law

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

US Department of the Interior - Office of the Regional Solicitor

Environmental Law, Employment Law, Indian Law, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second or third-year students are encouraged to apply. Students must submit a writing sample, transcript, and resume at the time of application.

The Department of the Interior is the nation’s principal natural resources management agency. It also has significant responsibilities in American Indian affairs. The Southeast Regional Solicitor’s Office in Atlanta provides legal counsel to Interior agencies and offices in the states located in the southeastern U. S., the U. S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including in the areas of public land use, Indian treaty and other rights, resource protection policies and park concession contracts, grants and other agreements, Endangered Species Act, water law, oil and gas resources on the Outer Continental Shelf, coal surface mining regulation, matters pertaining to the U. S. territories, procurement, agreements, administrative law, employment law, ethics, intellectual property, FOIA and Privacy Act, water law, NEPA, Clean Water Act, natural resource damages, CERCLA, OPA, and torts. The office also works closely with the Department of Justice and U. S. Attorneys’ offices on litigation involving the Department.

The Regional Solicitor’s Office is located in the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U. S Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. Externs will be assigned work in the various areas of the regional office’s practice and can expect to draft discovery documents, motions, answers and other pleadings, draft legal memoranda, decisions and opinions, attend meetings with client agencies and agency officials on legal matters pending in the office, attend hearings (administrative and judicial), and attend and participate in witness preparation, negotiations and mediations.

Externs will also be assigned administrative litigation and will be expected to handle all phases of the litigation, including briefing witnesses, pre-hearing conferences and hearings. Externs will work directly with attorneys and their work will be supervised by senior attorneys in the office.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Technology Transfer Office

Health Law, IP Law, Patent Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Preferred: 2L and 3L students; Background in the biological sciences or engineering is useful; Students who have taken intellectual property, patent law, or licensing courses and those planning a career in patent law.

At the time of application please submit a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) explaining why you want to take this externship.

The Technology Transfer Office handles all issues relating to the intellectual property rights of CDC. Intern assignments may include review of the patentability of new technologies, the marketability of inventions, licensing agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, royalty payments, marketing materials, and trademark and copyright applications. See www.cdc.gov/tto.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE:

Student must be a U.S. Citizen.

Judge Wendy L. Hagenau, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia

Judicial, Bankruptcy Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisites:  Bankruptcy course, interest in bankruptcy law.
 
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.
 
All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

• Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student. 
• Students should plan to be at the externship site on Wednesdays or Thursdays for courtroom observation.

 

Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisite: Excellent research and writing skills; Computer literacy and access to a laptop computer that can be brought to the externship site is required.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Judge Gail S. Tusan, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial, Family Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

This externship focuses on the practice of family law in the Superior Court of Fulton County.  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 other 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 status conferences. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program Faculty required for enrollment.

Judge M. Yvette Miller, Georgia Court of Appeals

Judicial

(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Third-year students, but will consider second-year students with superior research and writing skills.  

A brief writing sample is required at the time of application. 

Students work for Judge Miller under the direct supervision of Judge Miller’s staff attorneys.  Students will perform legal research, analysis, and writing. Most students will have an opportunity to attend oral argument and all will gain an understanding of the Georgia appellate process.
All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

NOTE: Students are encouraged to attend the Court’s oral argument sessions during their externship.  Students should check the Court’s upcoming oral argument schedule to ensure ability to attend.

Judge Amy Totenberg, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisites:  Top ten percent of class or law review/moot court participation or significant writing experience. 

Preferred:  Third-year students, but second-year students are encouraged to apply 

A writing sample must accompany resume. 

 

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.

 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

 

Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student. 

Judge Richard W. Story, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisites:  Law Review; Top ten percent; Third-year student; Superior research and writing skills

A writing sample is required at the time of application.

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. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

 

Students participating in this externship are expected to be at the externship site 20 hours per week.

 

Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student. 

Business Court, Fulton County Superior Court

Corporate Law, Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Contracts and Corporations; Third-year students only
Preferred: Securities, Commercial Torts, UCC Article 2, 6 and/or 9, and any Business or Commercial Law course offered at Georgia State College of Law.

A writing sample is required at the time of interview.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:

The majority of hearings are scheduled Monday-Thursday.

Students may not work with any other organizations which practice commercial/business law before the Business Court while participating in this externship.

Chief Justice Carol W. Hunstein, Georgia Supreme Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Top academic standing; Superior research and writing skills
Preferred:  Third-year student, but second-year student with excellent academic credentials may apply.

A writing sample is required at the time of interview.

Students work for Chief Justice Hunstein under the direct supervision of her 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Judge A. Harris Adams, Georgia Court of Appeals

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisite: Second or third-year student in the top 25% of class with strong writing skills.

A brief writing sample is required at the time of application. 

Students work for Judge Adams, performing legal research, analysis, and writing. Most students will have an opportunity to attend oral argument and all will gain an understanding of the Georgia appellate process.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

Judge Kimberly M. Esmond Adams, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Judge Alford J. Dempsey, Jr., Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Proven ability to perform legal research and analysis; superior writing skills; interest in participating in every aspect of being a member of the judge's staff; ability to work well with others. Writing sample must accompany resume. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program Faculty required for enrollment.

Judge Ural D. Glanville, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred Prerequisites: Criminal Procedure, Georgia Practice and Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Evidence, Legal Research, Post-Conviction Relief, or Remedies

Excellent analysis, research and communication skills are required. Students can expect an assortment of activities and assignments. Notably, a student would assist the Superior Court Judge, under the supervision of the Staff Attorney, with his constitutionally prescribed responsibilities. In this regard, assignments would include: reviewing pleadings and fillings, conducting legal research on issues raised in the Court; drafting legal memorandum and proposed orders; and reviewing the Court's docket to ensure proper and efficient resolution of cases. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to observe various court proceedings, including; status conferences, hearings and trials.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skillls Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Judge J. Goger, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite:  Excellent research and writing skills; Computer literacy is required.

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, students will participate in the research and writing related to criminal law handbooks on evidence and trial practice.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Judge Frank M. Hull, U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

 Academic standing in top 15%, with preference for law review membership, superior research skills and writing skills. Only third year students may apply. A writing sample is required at the time of interview. 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.

Students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Judge Marvin Shoob, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Top 25% of class and strong writing skills. A writing sample must accompany resume. Prefer 3rd year student but 2nd year students are encouraged to apply. Students will work for Judge Shoob performing legal research, analysis and writing, observing civil and criminal trials, and participating in various other aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk. This externship will be beneficial to students who aspire to do trial work.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student. 

Judge Wendy Shoob, Fulton County Superior Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Second or third-year student; Excellent research and writing skills
Preferred:  Third-year students

Students will receive case files with motions and other pleadings, including motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, motions for attorney's fees, petitions for judicial review, etc. Students will review the pleadings, conduct research, write a memorandum, including important facts and applicable law, and make a recommendation regarding whether the motion should be granted or denied. Students will have the opportunity to observe criminal and civil trials and oral argument on motions.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Justice Robert Benham, Georgia Supreme Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Strong research and writing skills required. Second and third year students may apply. Students work for Justice Benham under the direct supervision of Justice Benham's law assistants. Students will research and write on issues appearing in cases pending before the Supreme Court. Students are encouraged to attend the Court's oral argument sessions during their externships.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Justice P. Harris Hines, Georgia Supreme Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Top 50% of class and superior writing and research skills. A writing sample must accompany resume. Prefer 3rd year student but 2nd year students may also apply. Students work for Justice Hines 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program required for enrollment. 

Justice Harold Melton, Georgia Supreme Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

 Top 50% of class and superior writing and research skills. A writing sample must accompany resume. Prefer 3rd year student but 2nd year students may also apply. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program required for enrollment.

Justice David E. Nahmias, Georgia Supreme Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Prerequisites: Law review, top academic standing required; superior research and writing skills. Third-year students only.

A writing sample is required at the time of interview.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE:

For summer placements, this site requires students to commit to 40 hours per week for 8 weeks. This hour commitment is in excess of the course requirements. Students applying must agree to this additional hour requirement.

Justice Hugh P. Thompson, Georgia Supreme Court

Judicial
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Top academic standing,  superior research and writing skills.Prefer third-year student, but second-year student with excellent academic credentials may apply. A writing sample is required at the time of the interview. Students work for 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.

Students must attend a weekly seminar at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Development Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Truancy Intervention Project Georgia, Inc.

Juvenile Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Third-year students, but second-year students may apply; Eligibility to be sworn in under the Third Year Practice Act.* 

The Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) was developed in 1991 by former Juvenile Court Judge Glenda Hatchett and Terry Walsh, then President of the Atlanta Bar Association.  Its objective is to provide early, positive intervention with children reported as truants.  Volunteers work one-on-one with children, as advocates both in and out of the courtroom and as role models to children on the brink of school failure.

Under the direct supervision of TIP’s Staff Attorney, externs will serve as legal counsel on truancy cases and have two major roles:

1) To represent the child as both lawyer and guardian ad litem in truancy proceedings in the Fulton County Juvenile Court; and

2) To be a role model and advocate for the child; to assist the family in identifying and utilizing community resources; to advocate for the child in matters related to school attendance.
After attending the initial TIP training seminar, the extern will spend the first three to four weeks observing court proceedings and assisting with family and client interviews alongside the staff attorney.  The extern will then begin to interview clients and other parties to the proceeding as well as present cases before the court. 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE: Students MUST have Wednesday mornings and/or afternoons available.    

* Students must (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 G.P.A.), (2) have earned at least two thirds (58 hours) of the J.D. requirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney

Juvenile Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second year students are eligible. Third year students will be given preference. Ability to be sworn in under the Third Year Practice Act, if eligible. Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney will train.

Students will work with the Fulton County Office of the Child Attorney and assist astaff attorney with representing neglected children whose parents have agreed to participate in Fulton County Juvenile Court’s Family Drug Court Program. This will involve reviewing the history of the deprivation case, interviewing related parties, investigating the facts of the case, assisting the staff attorney in presenting the case on behalf of the child at the drug court hearing, researching any unusual legal issues presented by the case, and developing a theory of the case.

Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

U.S. Department of Labor

Labor Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Administrative Law and Employment Law (can be take concurrently with placement)

A cover letter describing your interest in the position and a short writing sample must accompany your resume.

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."

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Fulton County Magistrate Court - Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation, Landlord/Tenant Law
(3) semester hours, (2) semester requirement
Prerequisite: 2L or 3L, and Mediation Training.

Students work under the supervision of an attorney mediating cases that deal with numerous issues of law within the court system. Prior to mediating, students will receive 28 hours of civil mediation training. *Through the program, the students will obtain certification as registered neutrals with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

Students will mediate landlord/tenant disputes and as the students progress over the year, they will mediate other disputes as well, including cases handled in the State and Magistrate Court; particularly small claim civil issues such as disputes between neighbors, consumers and businesses, and creditors and debtors. Assuming an agreement is reached during mediation, students will be responsible for drafting the Order detailing the agreement. Upon acceptance to this externship, a criminal background check by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution will be conducted.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students must be available to go to court on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekly discussion/seminar sessions will take place at the courthouse during the semester. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

*NOTE: Fall and Spring requirement: The 28 hours of mediation training is included in the 140 hour requirement. Training is provided by the program and will occur the first or second week in August; attendance for the entire 28 hours of training is mandatory. Training dates will be confirmed no later than June 1.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Elder Law, Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second-year and third-year students; Elder Law classes helpful.

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) participates in public policy making related to long-term care residents.  SLTCO assists with the creation of and provides comments on policies, rules, and regulations proposed by federal and state agencies, and advocates for legislative initiatives with the Georgia General Assembly and with members of Congress. 

Externs will research state and federal law related to long-term care; may draft legislation, comments, and testimony on legislation, policies, or rules related to long-term care; and will participate with the SLTCO in advocacy including attending meetings with policymakers, stakeholders, and other aging advocates. Students will also participate in local and national conference calls with federal and other government agencies discussing policy issues related to aging.

Under the supervision of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, externs will advocate at the Capitol in Atlanta during the Georgia General Assembly session, including monitoring committee meetings and committee actions, analyzing legislation, and developing strategies related to legislative proposals including drafting amendments to proposed legislation.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

NOTE: Students should arrange their schedules to complete externship hours Monday through Thursday.

Office of the Democratic Leader

Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

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. Available spring semester only. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment. 

Office of the Counsel of the Speaker

Legislation, Government Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Legislation Class strongly recommended

Students should have an interest in working with advocates and legislators on issues pending before the Georgia General Assembly and in gaining exposure to and experience in analyzing legislation.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

Fulton County Magistrate Court - Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation, Landlord/Tenant Law
(3) semester hours, (2) semester requirement
Prerequisite: 2L or 3L, and Mediation Training.

Students work under the supervision of an attorney mediating cases that deal with numerous issues of law within the court system. Prior to mediating, students will receive 28 hours of civil mediation training. *Through the program, the students will obtain certification as registered neutrals with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

Students will mediate landlord/tenant disputes and as the students progress over the year, they will mediate other disputes as well, including cases handled in the State and Magistrate Court; particularly small claim civil issues such as disputes between neighbors, consumers and businesses, and creditors and debtors. Assuming an agreement is reached during mediation, students will be responsible for drafting the Order detailing the agreement. Upon acceptance to this externship, a criminal background check by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution will be conducted.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students must be available to go to court on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekly discussion/seminar sessions will take place at the courthouse during the semester. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

*NOTE: Fall and Spring requirement: The 28 hours of mediation training is included in the 140 hour requirement. Training is provided by the program and will occur the first or second week in August; attendance for the entire 28 hours of training is mandatory. Training dates will be confirmed no later than June 1.

Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta

Corporate Law, Non-Profit Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Second or third year law student. There are no courses required in connection with this placement but our strong preference is for an extern with an interest in transactional law. 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Technology Transfer Office

Health Law, IP Law, Patent Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

Preferred: 2L and 3L students; Background in the biological sciences or engineering is useful; Students who have taken intellectual property, patent law, or licensing courses and those planning a career in patent law.

At the time of application please submit a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) explaining why you want to take this externship.

The Technology Transfer Office handles all issues relating to the intellectual property rights of CDC. Intern assignments may include review of the patentability of new technologies, the marketability of inventions, licensing agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, royalty payments, marketing materials, and trademark and copyright applications. See www.cdc.gov/tto.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE:

Student must be a U.S. Citizen.

Georgia Innocence Project

Criminal Defense, Post-Conviction
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Required: 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.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. Students will be responsible for setting a firm schedule with the staff.

The office is located in Midtown Atlanta and is easily accessible by MARTA. 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. 

Southern Center for Human Rights

Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Post-Conviction 
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Criminal Law and Evidence
Highly preferred: Criminal Procedure and Federal Jurisdiction

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. 

 

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

Atlanta Legal Aid, Senior Citizens Law Project

Poverty Law, Elder Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

A writing sample is required at the time of the interview.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Securities Law, Bankruptcy Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement

At the time of application please submit a one-paragraph statement (approximately 50-75 words) stating why you want this externship placement.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Students must also attend a weekly seminar at the SEC office.  Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.

NOTE:     SEC rules require that all externship students be United States citizens.               

Internal Revenue Service, Individual Tax

Tax Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisite: Federal Taxation; Second-semester second-year students and third-year students may apply.
Preferred: Students should have an interest in tax law and have grades in tax law courses which reflect an ability to master tax law concepts. Work in the Tax Clinic is a plus.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Large and Mid-Sized Business (LMSB) Division

Tax Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Prerequisites: Federal Tax of Corporations; Third-year students only.

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).

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

NOTE: Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia (AOC), Office of the General Counsel

Transactional Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred: Second and third-year students may apply; Classes in technology law are not required but would be helpful.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment. 

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Banking Law, Transactional Law, Tax Law, Employment Law, Corporate Law
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement (Spring Semester only)
Preferred Prerequisites: Banking Law, Corporations, Commercial Paper, Secured Transactions, Employment Discrimination, Taxation, Copyrights and Trademarks, and/or Administrative Law.

A brief writing sample is requested at the time of application.

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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Program faculty is required for enrollment.

City of Atlanta

Urban Planning, Civil Litigation
(3) semester hours, (1) semester requirement
Preferred:  All second and third-year applicants but would prefer those who have demonstrated their interest in municipal law through relevant course work.

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 groups 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.

All students who have not previously taken an externship must attend a classroom component at the law school. Consent of the Lawyer Skills Externship Program faculty required for enrollment.