MSU Law Externship Seminar 

The MSU Law Externship Program provides students an opportunity to engage in semester-long work with the judiciary, non-profit organizations, governmental entities, corporations, or select law firms. The program provides law students with a stimulating and practical educational experience and an understanding of the practice of law.

Externships provide an excellent way for students to hone their legal skills, build a professional network, and clarify career goals—all while earning academic credit.

All externships include a seminar component or other faculty-guided reflection. This component assists students in identifying future employment goals, plans, and opportunities. Students must complete all course requirements, which include reflective writing assignments, timely hour tracking , and discussions with other students in the Externship Program. 

Self-reflection is at the core of the seminar component because it plays a fundamental role in the development of professional identity among aspiring legal professionals. Self-reflection facilitates the examination of real-life experiences, ethical dilemmas, and challenges encountered during the externship, enabling students to extract valuable lessons and insights. By critically analyzing these experiences, students can refine their decision-making skills and develop a clearer sense of their professional identity as ethical, effective, and socially responsible lawyers. Self-reflection fosters a deeper understanding of one's role as a legal practitioner and encourages a commitment to lifelong learning, growth, and continuous improvement in the pursuit of justice and ethical conduct within the legal profession.

MSU Law’s Externship Program is governed by (1) the American Bar Association Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools Standard 304, and (2) MSU Law’s Externship Handbook.