Public Service Externship Program
The West Virginia University College of Law is committed to preparing our students to be skilled and compassionate leaders in the legal profession. To that end, the Public Service Externship Program allows students to reach outside the classroom and gain valuable learning experiences as part of the curriculum. The program goals are consistent with and are designed to serve the goals articulated in the mission statement of the College of Law: to educate students to become lawyers and leaders who are ethical, skilled, committed to public service, and competent to be critics and reformers of the law. The Public Service Externship program offers a wide variety of alternatives to students, allowing them to take advantage of practical learning opportunities both near and far:
Local Externships: Offered in the Fall and Spring semester for three to five credits. Students participate in the Public Service Externship course for one credit and work in an approved placement in a government or non-profit setting to earn the remaining two to four credits.
Placement examples include legal services organizations, public defender and prosecutors’ offices, general counsel experiences, and judicial placements. You should apply to your placement of interest in the same way that you would apply for a legal position outside of school. For guidance or assistance, you should attend the mandatory Information meeting and may also call or email Professor Megan Annitto. For a list of pre-approved placements, please contact Renee Wolf. Please review the guidelines document on this site to learn more about the program details.
To apply for the program, please submit a resume, cover letter stating your proposed placement, and transcript by the dates listed to Renee Wolf in Room 120.
Full Time Externship Program: Students may apply to participate in full time opportunities located beyond the Morgantown metro area, earning thirteen credits. Students who meet the program requirements are able to tailor their education to complement their specific learning needs and interests in consultation with the Externship Director. Interested students should make an appointment with the Externship Director early in the semester preceding a full time externship.
To apply to the program, submit a resume, writing sample, transcript, and faculty recommendation letter by the appropriate dates listed. Students must be in the top 40% of their class.
Federal Judicial Externship Program: Students who meet the program requirements may apply for the opportunity to take part in a thirteen credit full time externship with a United States District Court or Circuit Court Judge. Students who have completed three semesters of law school are eligible. 2Ls must be in the top 25% of their class and 3Ls must be in the top 40% to apply (individual judges may have their own more stringent requirements). Completion of Evidence, Criminal Procedure and Federal Courts courses is strongly recommended.
To apply, submit to hard copies of the following materials to Renee Wolf in Room 120: a cover letter expressing your interest in the program, a resume, writing sample, transcript, and faculty recommendation letter by the appropriate dates listed below.
Summer Externship Program: Students earn credits while participating in public service opportunities both in and out of the Morgantown area during the first summer session. To apply, submit a resume, cover letter including the name of the proposed placement, and transcript by the appropriate dates listed below.
Application due dates for all externships are: October 15 for the Spring; April 15 for the Summer and Fall.