About the Externship Program

Gain legal experience in Silicon Valley

The Externship Program (ExPro) allows students to earn credit for their paid or unpaid legal position under an approved supervisor and approved sponsor outside of the Law School. Students can earn graduation units while learning and enhancing their legal skills by combining classroom work with practical experience in the field.

Learning from experience is needed for lifelong professional development, and for understanding the critical skills needed by legal employers. The Externship Program at Santa Clara Law puts you in the heart of Silicon Valley. Gain experience with legal industry experts and put law school into action.


Information for Students

ExPro

Student Requirements

More information on Emery

Register

Steps for Registering and Calculating Units

More information on Emery

Externship Types

Learn about types of sponsors and programs

More information on Emery

Find An Externship

 

More information

Panetta Fellowship

Externship with the Panetta Institute for Public Policy

More information on Emery

Experiential Learning at Santa Clara Law

 

More information

Are remote externships allowed? (Last updated 2/22)

Due to COVID, both information and circumstances may change rapidly. However, ExPro is prepared to adjust and accommodate due to COVID.

In light of the fact that Santa Clara Law has returned to in-person instruction, ExPro can no longer approve remote externships. However, an exception shall be made for those externship placements which mandate remote instruction because they have not returned to in-office staffing. Students cannot opt-in, request, or otherwise work remotely.

How do I host an extern student?

Our students benefit from a range of opportunities and experiences. Information on hosting students, organization and supervisor requirements, and posting available positions is available on the Information for Sponsors page.

How do I register?

The steps for registration are found here.

When can I take an externship?

Students must complete the Critical Lawyering Skills class and secure an externship sponsor before registering. Please see Student Requirements for more information.

How many externships can I take?

A student may register for 3 externships, and a maximum of 12 units, that will count toward graduation units. Please see the Pink Book or contact Student Services for more information on units and graduation requirements.

Can I repeat an externship with the same sponsor or supervisor?

With permission, a student may take a second externship with the same sponsor and/or supervisor. The steps for approval are found here. You will need to submit a Petition for a Repeat Externship. Under no circumstance are students allowed to take a third externship with the same sponsor and/or supervisor.

Does the ExPro place students?

No, however, ExPro is happy to help students search for externship opportunities. ExPro also posts all open externship opportunities on SCU Law Jobs. See Find an Externship.

I am an international student; do I qualify for an Externship?

Yes, you qualify for an Externship but must complete a CPT Work Authorization Form before you can participate in one CPT Course or an Externship. Make sure you also visit SCU ISS for a list of complete and up-to-date requirements.

Contact us

Jose Gallo AlvaradoJose Gallo Alvarado

Program Coordinator

(408) 551-3266

Charney Hall 108

Thiadora PinaProfessor Thiadora Pina

Director

(408) 551-3268

Charney Hall 108D