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Student applications will be accepted from Wednesday, Feb. 20 through Feb. 27.  All applications must be hand-delivered to the Externship Office and received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27. 

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Available externships

Use the filter and search functions above to search for externships that may be of interest to you. Questions? Contact the Externships office at 404-413-9030.

Active Externships for Summer semester

Externship SitePractice AreaDetails
Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia (AOC), Office of the General Counsel
Summer
Transactional Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students who participate in an externship position with the AOC's Office of General Counsel will gain experience in a broad variety of issues and legal services encountered by in-house attorneys, including contracts, human resources, and litigation supervision. The Office of General Counsel deals with all business, administrative, and policy legal matters affecting the AOC as well as a range of issues affecting the Judicial Branch of Government.

Under General Counsel supervision, students will draft, review, and participate in negotiations regarding professional service and technology contracts; conduct research on routine and complex legal questions for AOC staff and clients throughout the Judicial Branch; work with various boards, commissions, and committees of the judiciary on special legal projects; and draft legal responses to public inquiries for information requests. Externs are also often exposed to the inner workings of government and interact with justices, judges, and other policy makers of the judiciary. Students participating in this externship should expect to spend at least half their time engaged in transactional legal work.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
 None

Preferences:

  • Second and third-year students may apply. 
  • Classes in technology law are not required but would be helpful.

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Semester Requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The ACLU of Georgia National Security and Immigrants' Rights Project, launched in March 2008, aims to bring Georgia and its localities into compliance with international human rights standards in treatment of refugee and immigrant communities in Georgia, including immigrant detainees. To that end, the ACLU of Georgia National Security and Immigrants' Rights Project employs a variety of strategies, including development of impact litigation, legislative advocacy, human rights documentation and publishing of reports, and public education.

Externs could be asked to: prepare legislative research memos; conduct Know Your Rights presentations aimed at various immigrant and refugee communities; interview immigrant detainees and research constitutional and international human rights standards for immigration detention; review requests for representation related to discrimination against immigrants and/or post-9/11 abuses of power and conduct the requisite legal research, factual investigation, and client interviews, as well as draft legal memoranda and demand letters. 

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences: Part-time students are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU)
Summer Fall
Civil Litigation, Civil Rights, Constitutional Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences:

  • Strong interest and background in civil liberties and civil rights
  • Constitutional Law II, recommended but not required
  • Part-time students are encouraged to apply

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students participating in the domestic violence externship will be trained and certified to advocate for victims of domestic violence who are seeking Temporary Protective orders pursuant to the Family Violence Act. The students will assist victims in drafting their petitions, appear with them at their ex parte hearings before the presiding judge, assist them in filing the petitions and in delivering them to the sheriff's office for service. After service upon the defendant, the students will accompany the victims to the second hearing, assist them in presenting their cases before the Court, draft the final Protective Orders and ensure that the Orders provide for the safety of the client and her children. It is expected that the students will spend approximately 2/3 of their time in the courthouse and courtroom.

Students will also be responsible for following up with the clients to determine if there has been additional violence and if the client needs further relief from the judicial system and will assist them as needed. Finally, the students will perform an assessment of the client’s other civil legal needs (i.e. landlord tenant, consumer, health care etc.) and will make referrals to AVLF’s other projects or to Atlanta Legal Aid as appropriate. 

AVLF will provide approximately 12 hours of training per semester.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences:

  • 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. The Third Year Practice Act requires that the student (1) be in good academic standing (at least 2.3 GPA), (2) have earned at least two-thirds  (58 hours) of the J.D. rerquirements in not fewer than four semesters or six quarters of residence, and (3) be of good moral character.

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Business Court, Fulton County Superior Court
Summer Fall
Corporate Law, Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Business Court provides a specialized venue for complex commercial litigation with damages in excess of one million dollars. Students will research substantive procedural issues, prepare written summaries and attend hearings, and participate in ruling conferences.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Contracts and Corporations
  • Third-year students only

Preferences:

  • Securities, Commercial Torts, UCC Article 2, 6 and/or 9, and any Business or Commercial Law course offered at Georgia State College of Law

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.
  • A writing sample is required at the time of interview.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Office of the General Counsel
Summer Fall
Employment Law, Health Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students work for The Office of the General Counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC/ATSDR. This agency is responsible for providing legal services to the CDC and ATSDR and deals with a wide variety of legal issues, including legal and public policy issues related to AIDS, vaccine liability and compensation, hazardous wastes and environmental health, occupational safety and health, biotechnology, and toxic torts.

Externs will gain experience both in the program division and the litigation division. The extern's work in the program division will consist of involvement in the day-to-day activities arising out of the issues discussed above. While the work will involve some legal research, it will consist primarily of responding to legal and policy issues raised by CDC and ATSDR officials. The work often requires an immediate analysis and response. The extern's work in the litigation division will consist of work on all phases of litigation and primarily involves employment law cases.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences:

  • Second or third-year law students
  • Background in science, public health, or healthcare field helpful

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Student must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
  • At the time of application, you must submit a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) of why you want to take this externship and a brief writing sample on a topic of your choice.
  • Interviews wil be conducted at the CDC. If you are selected to interview, be sure to allow at least 20 minutes before the scheduled interview time to complete the security clearance process.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Technology Transfer Office
Summer
Health Law, IP Law, Patent Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences:

  • 2L and 3L students
  • Background in the biological sciences or engineering is useful
  • Students who have taken intellectual property, patent law, or licensing cources
  • Students planning a career in patent law  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Student must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
  • At the time of application please submit a one paragraph statement (approximately 50 - 75 words) explaining why you want to take this externship.
  • Interviews wil be conducted at the CDC. If you are selected to interview, be sure to allow at least 20 minutes before the scheduled interview time to complete the security clearance process.
Cobb County D.A., Trial Division
Summer Fall
Criminal Prosecution

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Evidence
  • Litigation
  • Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that the student (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

Preferences:

  • Criminal Procedure Adjudication
  • Criminal Procedure Investigation
  • STLA Membership

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Dekalb County D. A., Litigation
Summer Fall
Criminal Prosecution

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:  

  • Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that the student (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

Preferences:

  • Criminal Procedure Investigation and/or Criminal Procedure Adjudication

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Students are required to participate in weekly seminars conducted by the District Attorney's office.
  • 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 Public Defender, Appellate
Summer Fall
Criminal Defense

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Criminal procedure and evidence is helpful and may be taken concurrently with the externship. Interns will work in the appellate division under the supervision of a Senior Assistant Public Defender. Students will summarize and analyze trial transcripts, research appellate issues, and draft legal memoranda and/or briefs in cases pending before the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Interns will also attend oral arguments as their schedule permits. Interns may also be assigned research issues in connection with motions and trials.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
Second and third year students may apply.

Preferences: 
  • Criminal procedure and evidence is helpful and may be taken concurrently with the externship
  • Legal writing course

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A writing sample must accompany resume

Dekalb County Public Defender, Litigation
Summer Fall
Criminal Defense

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Third-year students only
  • Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that the student (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

Preferences:

  • Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Dekalb County Solicitor
Summer Fall
Criminal Prosecution

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students work in the office of the Dekalb County Solicitor, under the supervision of an attorney, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses and complainants, preparing cases for trial, and appearing in court as student prosecutors in misdemeanor cases.

Work assignments will vary, but every effort will be made to give each student the opportunity to try several cases in the State Solicitor's Office.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Crimial Law
  • Litigation
  • Evidence
  • Criminal Procedure Investigation or Adjudication (Criminal Procedure Adjudication is preferred; either or both classes can be taken concurrent with the externship)
  • Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that the student (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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.
  • For summer placements, this site requires students to commit to 40 hours per week for 7 weeks. This hour commitment is in excess of the course requirements. Students applying must agree to this additional hour requirement.
Environmental Protection Agency
Summer Fall
Environmental Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students will work at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Accountability Division under the supervision of Senior Associate Regional Counsels and other staff attorneys. EPA is authorized to implement several environmental statutes including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Superfund and other statutes regulating toxics, pesticides, oil spills and ocean dumping. In addition to taking enforcement actions pursuant to these statues, EPA oversees delegated state programs, issues permits and works closely with other federal agencies.

Extern's assignments may include assisting with the development of civil and administrative cases, legal research, preparation of memoranda, reviewing pleadings including complaints, answers and motions, attending settlement negotiations and other meetings, and attending hearings.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None, although Administrative Law and Environmental Law are helpful.

Preferences: Third-year students, but second-year students strongly encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A cover letter and brief writing sample should accompany the student's resume at the time of application.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Litigation Unit
Summer Fall
Employment Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Atlanta District Office (EEOC) is the lead enforcement agency in the area of workplace discrimination. The EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Equal Pay Act. The EEOC investigates charges brought by individuals against employers for allegedly violating these laws. The EEOC also provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices and policies.

All externs will participate in the following: legal research and writing drafts of memoranda; reviewing and analyzing cases to determine whether there is cause to believe that an employer engaged in unlawful discrimination; drafting requests for information; drafting discovery plans; drafting interrogatories and requests for production; sitting in on intake with investigators while they interview charging parties; sitting in on mediations between the charging party and the employer; sitting in on depositions and facilitating deposition preparation; sitting in on meetings between attorneys and investigators; assisting with witness prep; assisting with trial prep; going on on-sites with investigators; and attending court hearings and trials.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Excellent writing and analytical skills
  • Commitment to and passion for Civil Rights Law

Preferences:

  • Second or third-year student
  • Administrative Law and/or Employment Law

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Hearing Unit/Legal Division
Summer Fall
Employment Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Hearings Unit of the Atlanta District Office (ATLDO) of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission conducts hearings and renders decisions with respect to EEO complaints that are brought by Federal workers. The ATLDO Hearings Unit employs five administrative judges who conduct hearings and render decisions.

The role of the extern in the Hearings Unit is similar to that of a judicial law clerk. The extern conducts legal research on specific topics at the direction of the AJ. The extern writes decisions in conjunction with the AJ. The extern attends hearings. Additionally, the AJs will try to give the extern some exposure to the work that is done in other areas of the ATLDO.

The extern will gain exposure to EEO law, administrative law and civil procedure.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Employment Law
  • Second and third-year students

Preferences: Third-year students

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A writing sample is required at the time of interview.

Federal Highway Administration, Southeastern Legal Office
Summer Fall
Employment Law, Environmental Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) carries out the Federal highway programs in partnership with the State and local agencies to meet the nation’s transportation needs. Southern Legal Services, a field office of FHWA’s Office of Chief Counsel, provides advice and legal representation to fourteen division offices throughout the Southeast on a wide range of issues including environmental matters, employment law, requests for reasonable accommodations, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, Federal Tort claims, ethics questions, federal land transfers and programmatic applications of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences:

  • Classes in Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and/or Employment Discrimination are helpful.
  • Second or third-year students with excellent writing and analytic skills are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Externs must be U.S. citizens.

Fulton County Solicitor
Summer Fall
Criminal Prosecution

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Criminal Law
  • Litigation
  • Evidence
  • Eligibility to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that the student (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
Preferences: 
  • Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation strongly recommended

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.
Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN)
Summer Fall
Human Rights, Immigration Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

GAIN provides pro bono services through volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and law students to represent immigrant asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, domestic violence and other crimes. GAIN’s staff screen, refer, train, support, and supervise the pro bono attorneys as they represent these cases.

The extern will be expected to assist with screenings, consultations and interviews of our cases and then provide a summary of the case to the volunteer attorneys. The extern will also work closely and assist our volunteer lawyers in providing research of relevant law, country conditions and gathering of supporting documents for these cases. The extern will also have the opportunity to attend meetings between the client and volunteer attorney and observe and assist the volunteer attorneys with their case. Finally, the extern can also gain unique experience by also representing asylum seekers in their initial credible fear interviews. The extern will be supervised by GAIN’s staff attorneys in all their duties.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences: Immigration Law

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Georgia Lawyers for the Arts
Summer Fall
Entertainment Law, IP Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Georgia Lawyers for the Arts (GLA) provides a unique opportunity for law students to gain meaningful exposure to entertainment and intellectual property law. GLA is a nonprofit legal and educational services organization providing $1 million annually in free legal services to musicians, film makers, songwriters, galleries, nonprofit arts organizations, and literary and visual artists.

Our externs interact with clients on a daily basis and are expected to take on a great deal of responsibility and maintain a professional demeanor in a fast-paced and exciting work environment. GLA externs perform substantive legal research on IP and entertainment-related matters in both transactional and litigation issues, write legal memos, draft and review contracts, make recommendations on the handling of pro bono cases, conduct client follow-up, assign cases to volunteer attorneys, attend and organize educational seminars, and accompany staff attorneys on client consultations with GLA member artists and art organizations.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
 None

Preferences:

  • Second or third-year students
  • Copyright
  • Trademark
  • First Amendment
  • Entertainment Law

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A cover letter describing the nature of your interest in entertainment and/or intellectual property law (excluding patent) must be submitted with your resume.
  • Students must be available to attend a mandatory orientation session before beginning their externship.
GreenLaw
Summer Fall
Environmental Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

GreenLaw is dedicated to preventing air and water pollution that endangers human health and degrades Georgia's natural resources. GreenLaw achieves these goals by providing free high-quality legal and technical assistance to environmental organizations and community groups throughout Georgia. By providing these critical services, GreenLaw succeeds in compelling government and industry to take the steps necessary to protect Georgia's citizens and the environment. In all its work, GreenLaw champions the belief that every Georgian, young and old, rich and poor, has the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, live in healthy communities, and enjoy our state's natural beauty.

Students will work at GreenLaw under the supervision of the Executive Director or one of the staff attorneys, depending on the student's interest area. GreenLaw has three program areas: Clean Air, Clean Water, and Environmental Justice. More information about GreenLaw can be found at www.green-law.org

Extern's assignments may include assisting with preparation and attending trials, hearings and oral arguments, legal research, preparation of memorandums, drafting pleadings and briefs, factual investigation, document review, and attending settlement negotiations, public hearings and other meetings.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: Administrative Law or Environmental Law

Preferences:

  • Third-year students, but second-year students are also strongly encouraged to apply
  • Students with experience working independently

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A writing sample and three references must accompany resume.

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

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

This externship has been designed for and is only open to students enrolled in the part-time program while taking this externship. Special arrangements have been made with this site to accommodate part-time students who are not otherwise able to participate in the externship program because of on-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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Part-time Student
  • Evidence
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure Investigation and/or Criminal Procedure Adjudication

Preferences: Appellate Advocacy

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Students will be required to participate in weekly meetings on location at the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office.

Gwinnett County Solicitor
Summer Fall
Criminal Prosecution

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students will work in the Office of the Gwinnett County Solicitor. It is desired to have students perform as an Assistant Solicitor. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as legal research, complying with discovery demands, interviewing witnesses, preparing pre-trial motions, participating in arraignment, revocation, and motions hearings, as well as hopefully trying bench and/or jury trials.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Criminal Law
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation
  • Evidence
  • Students must be eligible to practice under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that a student (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

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A clean criminal history (other than traffic citations) is required.
  • 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.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Large and Mid-Sized Business (LMSB) Division
Summer Fall
Tax Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Office of Chief Counsel represents the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States Tax Court, provides legal opinions and advice in a wide range of matters arising under the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), and makes formal recommendations to the Department of Justice concerning suits filed by and against the IRS. The externship permits law students to work for the Office under the supervision of experienced tax attorneys, which serves not only to prepare externs for a career in the field of tax law, but also provides an excellent view of what the practice of law is like at the Office of Chief Counsel.

The Special Trial Attorneys of the Large and Mid-Sized Business (LMSB) Division conduct litigation practice before U.S. Tax Court and provide legal advice on the most complex and difficult tax matters assigned to the LMSB Division, an industry-focused organization with an emphasis on global tax administration for corporations and partnerships with assets greater than $10 million. LMSB attorneys (whom the extern may be required to assist at times) are routinely involved in non-docketed cases in which litigation is anticipated and advise LMSB examining revenue agents on technical issues, along with additional responsibilities which include handling litigation in the U.S. Tax Court and working with the Department of Justice on refund, bankruptcy, or summons enforcement issues.

The principal objectives of the externship include practical experience related primarily to corporate and partnership tax law; development of research, writing, and drafting skills; and preparation of pleadings, discovery documents, stipulations of fact, and trial memoranda used in Tax Court cases. Assignments related to civil tax matters may further include legal research concerning evidentiary issues anticipated at trial, exhibit preparation, drafting responses to discovery, reviewing and analyzing documents produced during litigation, interviewing witnesses, drafting deposition outlines, assisting in the deposition preparation of witnesses, attending depositions and attending trial (to the extent scheduled and/or permitted).

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
 

  • Federal Tax of Corporations 
  • Third-year students only

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Student must be a U.S. Citizen.

Judge Alford J. Dempsey, Jr., Fulton County Superior Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students work assisting the Judge and staff attorney. Students will review pending pre-trial motions: research the law, and prepare memoranda for Judge's review and/or draft Orders. Students may also have an opportunity to observe trials and hearings in criminal and civil cases.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • 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

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A writing sample must accompany resume at the time of application.

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

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students will work for Judge Totenberg performing legal research, analysis and writing, observing hearings and trials, and participating in various other aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

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

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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A writing sample and list of references must accompany resume at the time of application.
  • Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student.
  • Students participating in this externship are expected to be at the externship site for two full days per week. 
Judge J. Goger, Fulton County Superior Court
Summer Fall
Family Law, Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

This externship focuses on the practice of family 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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Excellent research and writing skills
  • Computer literacy

Preferences: None

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Judge Kimberly M. Esmond Adams, Fulton County Superior Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Student will work for Judge Adams doing legal research, analysis and writing, preparing bench memoranda, and participating in all aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk, including observing numerous civil and criminal trials.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences: None

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Judge M. Yvette Miller, Georgia Court of Appeals
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences: Third-year students, but will consider second-year students with superior research and writing skills 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A brief writing sample is required at the time of application.
  • 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 Richard W. Story, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

This externship will expose students to the practice of civil and criminal law in the Northern District of Georgia. Students will work for Judge Story by performing legal research and drafting orders. Students will also have the opportunity to observe pre-trial hearings and civil and criminal trials.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Law Review
  • Top ten percent
  • Third-year student
  • Superior research and writing skills

Prefereneces: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A writing sample is required at the time of application.
  • Acceptance into this externship may involve a complete FBI background investigation of student.
  • Students participating in this externship are expected to be at the externship site 20 hours per week. This hour commitment is in excess of the course requirements. Students applying must agree to this additional hour requirement.
Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua, Fulton County Superior Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

This externship focuses on the practice of civil and criminal law in the Superior Court of Fulton County. Students will review case files designated for dispositions by motion and/or trial. Students will research and make written recommendations regarding resolution of all outstanding motions filed before trial. During trial, students will assist the Judge in Court with evidentiary rulings required in the case. In addition, student will be doing legal research, analysis and writing, preparing bench memoranda, and participating in all aspects of the work of a judicial law clerk.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Excellent research and writing skills
  • Computer literacy

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Access to a laptop computer that can be brought to the externship site is required.

Judge Wendy L. Hagenau, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia
Summer Fall
Bankruptcy Law, Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases, which are handled by the Bankruptcy Court.  Bankruptcy judges serve as judicial officers of the bankruptcy court for their respective districts. The U.S. court of appeals for each circuit appoints bankruptcy judges to renewable fourteen-year terms.

Externs will work with Judge Hagenau and her law clerk. Activities include research and writing memoranda, drafting orders and opinions, and attending hearings and trials.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Bankruptcy Law
  • Interest in bankruptcy law

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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 Wendy Shoob, Fulton County Superior Court
Summer Fall
Family Law, Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students will receive case files with motions and other pleadings. Student will review the pleadings, conduct research, and write memora including important facts and applicable law. Students will have the opportunity to observe divorce and custody trials, status conferences, and contempt hearings.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
Second or third-year student and excellent research and writing skills

Preferences: Third-year students

NO ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Justice David E. Nahmias, Georgia Supreme Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students work for Justice Nahmias under the direct supervision of his staff attorneys. Externship includes legal research and writing and the opportunity to observe oral argument. Assignment of projects to externs is dependent upon writing and research skills, i.e., grasp of legal issues and ability to weigh and evaluate arguments made by the parties.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Law review
  • Top academic standing
  • Superior research and writing skills
  • Third-year students only

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • A writing sample is required at the time of interview.
  • 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 Harold Melton, Georgia Supreme Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students work for Justice Melton performing research, analysis and writing. Students will have the opportunity to study the briefs in cases filed in the Court and to observe oral argument. 

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
 

  • Top 50% of class
  • Superior writing and research skills

Preferences: Prefer third-year students but second-year students may also apply

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A writing sample must accompany resume at the time of application. 

Justice Hugh P. Thompson, Georgia Supreme Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Top academic standing
  • Superior research and writing skills

Preferences: Third-year student, but second-year student with excellent academic credentials may apply

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Justice P. Harris Hines, Georgia Supreme Court
Summer Fall
Judicial

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Top 50% of class
  • Superior writing and research skills.

Preferences: Third-year students but second-year students may also apply

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A writing sample must accompany resume at the time of application.

LAMBDA Legal Defense and Education Fund
Summer Fall
Civil Rights

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Headquartered in New York, Lambda Legal's Southern Regional Office ("SRO") opened in Atlanta in 1997, and is responsible for matters arising in the ten state region.

Students will assist the SRO's three Staff Attorneys, Greg Nevins, Beth Littrell, and Cole Thaler, primarily through research, writing, and factual investigation of impact litigation involving domestic relations, public and private employment discrimination, disability law, youth advocacy, and numerous other matters, many of which involve constitutional claims or public policy aspects. Our docket is weighted toward appellate practice and amicus curiae work in precedent-setting cases, but we also conduct some trial-level litigation, so opportunities for attendance in court and at depositions, along with practical training in strategy and procedure, may be available.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences: 

  • Second and third-year students
  • Classes in Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Employment, and Family Law

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • At the time of application, submit a short statement as to why you want to take this externship.
  • At the time of interview, a brief writing sample is required.
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Summer Fall
Elder Law, Government Law, Legislation

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

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.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences:

  • Second-year and third-year students
  • Elder Law classes helpful

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Rockdale County D.A.
Summer Fall
Criminal Prosecution

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

Students work in the District Attorney's office. Students will be exposed to Preliminary Hearings, Grand Jury, Juvenile Court, State Court, Superior Court, and appellate work. The object is to allow each student to try at least one jury trial during the externship. Drafting, motions practice, and trial preparation are all included.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:

  • Criminal Law
  • Constitutional Law I
  • Professional Responsibility
  • Eligibility of certification under the Law School Public Prosecutor Act, which requires that a student 1) be in 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
  • A genuine interest and temperament for jury trial work 

Preferences: Criminal Procedure Adjudication and/or Criminal Procedure Investigation

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.
U.S. Trustee
Summer Fall
Bankruptcy Law

Semester requirement: 1
Credits: 3

SITE DESCRIPTION

The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice responsible for overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 586 and 11 U.S.C. 101, et seq. The Program consists of an Executive Office for United States Trustees in Washington, D.C., as well as 21 regional U.S. Trustee Offices nationwide. The United States Trustee Program acts in the public interest to promote the efficiency and to protect and preserve the integrity of the bankruptcy system. It works to secure the just, speedy, and economical resolution of bankruptcy cases; monitors the conduct of parties and takes action to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures; identifies and investigates bankruptcy fraud and abuse; and oversees administrative functions in bankruptcy cases.

Students will work at the Office of the United States Trustee. Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop practical lawyering skills by participating in a broad range of activities. Interns review and evaluate case files, analyze and comment on legal documents and financial reports, prepare pleadings, conduct investigations, explore ethical issues, perform legal research, and attend meetings and hearings. Our goal is to provide students with a solid understanding of the role and function of the United States Trustee.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites:
None

Preferences: None

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Security clearance is required.

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