Washington, D.C. Federal Externship Program

MSU College of Law offers an outstanding externship opportunity for students who would like the experience of working in our nation’s capital while progressing academically with their legal education. Students spend one full semester in Washington, D.C. working for a federal agency and receiving on-the-job training and academic credit as an extern. They may earn up to nine academic credits taking a combination of MSU Law courses offered onsite at Michigan State University's Governmental Affairs Office on Capitol Hill. This résumé-building experience is open to second- and third-year law students who are in good academic standing and presently is offered during the spring semester.

Among the agencies who have participated in this program are the following:

MSU Law pre-screens students to provide agencies with applicants who have the appropriate background and interest. Students are matched with agencies most closely aligned with their expressed interests and the needs of the agencies. Although placement is not guaranteed and the final decision rests with the agency, an MSU Law representative works closely with these agencies to understand their needs and requirements to help ensure the best matches.

As part of the placement process, students receive counseling on résumé construction, interview techniques and on-the-job protocol. Students who receive placements with federal agencies work a minimum of 24 hours per week and earn six academic credits for the externship. They also have regular meetings throughout the term with other MSU Law students participating in the Washington, D.C. externship program.

Law Courses
In addition to the six externship credits, students may take up to nine additional credits relevant to federal practice from a menu of courses, including, from time to time, Federal Jurisdiction, Administrative Law, Antitrust, Legislation and Litigating with the Federal Government. Select federal practice-related courses are available at Catholic University Columbus School of Law and American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. Tuition for those courses is paid directly to the specific law school.

Special Features
The externship program will include occasional guest speakers from government and private practice as well as visits to sites in and around Washington, D.C. Students will receive assistance with securing housing in the D.C. area.

Financial aid is available for this program.  See http://www.law.msu.edu/finaid/ for details.

For More Information
The Washington, D.C. Federal Externship Program will be supervised by Professor Michael Lawrence, who practiced law in Washington, D.C. at Baker & McKenzie. It will be administered by the MSU Law Office of Career Services.