Application Process

Explore

Research placements that may be of interest to you. You can search Symplicity for externship (internship) opportunities that align with your interests, but please keep in mind that not all opportunities will be posted there, so it's best to contact organizations and agencies directly. In addition, please reach out to Professor Maddali at anita.maddali@law.northwestern.edu if you would like to discuss interests, the search process, and/or potential placements.

Apply

Each practicum course has a different application process. Externships are generally in-person or hybrid. The Rules (pdf) explain the additional steps required to apply for a remote externship.

Civil Government, Criminal, Intensive and Public Interest
Students apply directly to the agency or non-profit. After receiving an offer, students must receive approval from the faculty supervisor.

Corporate
Faculty typically match accepted students with an existing placement. Students may also propose an externship with an organization they have approached independently. 

Entertainment, Media and Sports Law
Students can apply online for the LA Program.

High Tech
Students can apply online for the San Francisco Program.

Judicial
Each semester, students will receive an email with instructions for submitting resumes and transcripts. The law school sends these materials directly to participating judges in the Northern District who interview and select externs. Students interested in a judicial externship during the summer outside of Chicago should apply on their own directly to judges.

Media Law & Government Transparency Practicum
Faculty typically match accepted students with an existing placement. Students may also propose an externship with an organization they have approached independently. 

Mediation
This practicum requires course and certification pre-requisites, and all students are at the same placement. Prior to enrolling in this Practicum, students must receive permission from the professor and take Mediation Process and Advocacy (offered in the Fall Semester).

Enroll

Practicum courses are not part of the regular bidding process; enrollment is through the professor.  All externship placements must be approved by the professor teaching the course before a student will be enrolled.  Once a student has received a placement offer and the professor has approved the placement, the professor will submit the student’s name to the Registrar’s office to be enrolled in the course.

Each practicum course is four credits and will cost 100 bid points.  The Intensive Practicum is twelve credits and requires 1200 bid points.

If you intend to enroll in both a Practicum and an in-house clinic course during the same semester, you will need the permission of the placement and the professors for both courses.