Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply for an externship?
- It is up to each student to research the options and apply via whatever method a given site offers. Learn more about applying for an externship.
- When do I apply for an externship?
- It is good to work ahead and apply with an externship site early. Like applying for a job, the process can take some time and you'll want to have it lined up prior to the registration process opening at the law school. Plan to apply for any given externship 5-6 months prior to when you would like to start.
- How do I register for an externship?
- You must email extern@uw.edu with your UW Net ID. Registration is only open the quarter preceding when you want to extern. Learn more about registering for an externship.
- When can I register for an externship?
- Registration for externships are processed the quarter prior to the externship (i.e. summer externships will be registered during spring quarter). You may work ahead to secure the externship with the host site, but registration at the law school will open the quarter prior to the externship.
- Can I get paid for my externship?
- As of February 2024, many externships may now be compensated while earning academic credit, with the exception of externships at for-profit firms and companies. The new policy language states: "Students are permitted to earn compensation (including, but not limited to stipends or wages) for credit-bearing externships with public, non-profit, judicial, or government entities, subject to the site’s willingness to pay externs and follow ºìÌÒÊÓƵ policies governing externships. Students may not earn compensation for externships at a private law firm or in-house corporate counsel."
- Can I do more than one externship at a time?
- No, only one externship per quarter.
- Can I do an externship at the same location for more than one quarter?
- Students can do an externship where they have previously worked/volunteered/externed only if the proposed externship involves doing substantially different work, such as working on a new set of skills and tasks, or in an entirely different division. Students must also outline new learning objectives for each subsequent quarter.
- How many credits can I earn for an externship?
- You can earn as many as you'd like, but there is a limit of 18 credits that may be used toward your JD. Note, there are further credit limitations on for-profit externships (min 4 - max 6 credits) Lean more about credits.
- Do I have to take the companion seminar?
- Every first time extern must take the 2 credit companion seminar. After that, the seminar is optional unless you want the 2 credits.
- What if the site where I want to extern isn't listed?
- Email extern@uw.edu and we can follow up regarding the process they need to complete to become an externship site.
- Does the supervisor at the externship site have to be an attorney?
- Yes, your site supervisor must be an attorney or judge admitted to the bar for at least 3 years.
- Can I do a clinic and externship at the same time.
- It is not advised to do an externship and clinic during the same quarter. Please talk to academic advising and your clinic advisor about your schedule prior to signing up for an externship in the same quarter as a clinic.
