| Summary |
Externships give law students hands-on legal experience and invaluable networking opportunities. This article outlines key ways to maximize the externship experience—through goal-setting, professionalism, feedback, mentorship, and reflection—to ensure meaningful career development.
| Questions Answered in This Article |
- What is a law school externship?
A law school externship is a supervised legal experience where students work in real-world settings such as law firms, courts, or public agencies for academic credit.
- How can law students prepare for an externship?
Students should research the organization, clarify learning objectives, and refresh key skills in legal writing and research before starting.
- What are the benefits of an externship for law students?
Externships provide practical experience, help students develop professional skills, and create opportunities for mentorship and networking.
- How can students get the most from their externship supervisors?
By seeking regular feedback, asking insightful questions, and showing initiative, students can build valuable relationships with their supervisors.
- Why is reflection important after an externship?
Reflection helps students assess what they learned, determine their preferred practice areas, and align their future career goals accordingly.
Externships are among the most valuable experiences a law student can have before entering the workforce. They provide real-world exposure, help students bridge the gap between theory and practice, and create opportunities to network with legal professionals. However, simply completing an externship isn’t enough—law students must approach it strategically to gain the maximum benefit. Here’s how to make the most out of every externship opportunity.
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Set Clear Goals Before You Begin
To get the most out of your law externship, start with clear, intentional goals. Defined objectives help you approach the experience with purpose, maximize every opportunity, and build skills and connections that support your career growth. For more on the fundamentals of externships, see Externship: What Is It? How to Obtain It.
1. Identify Learning Objectives
Decide what you want to learn:
- Skills: Legal research, writing, negotiation, or litigation
- Practice areas: Corporate, criminal, IP, or public interest law
- Professional insight: Office culture, workflow, client interactions
2. Define Career Goals
Use your externship to explore long-term options:
- Career paths: Private practice, government, nonprofit, or other legal careers
- Fit: Notice which areas match your interests and strengths
- Targets: Draft three memos, attend two client meetings, or observe a hearing
3. Communicate with Your Supervisor
Stay open to adjustments—unexpected opportunities often bring the best learning moments. If you’re still working on securing your externship or expanding your professional reach, LawCrossing’s article How to Get a Legal Internship Without Connections provides useful strategies for building experience even without an established network.
4. Track Your Progress
Keep a brief journal of your tasks, skills learned, and reflections. Regularly review and refine your goals as your experience evolves.
5. Visualize the Outcomes
Clear goals lead to:
- Growth: Stronger legal skills and practical knowledge
- Connections: Valuable relationships with mentors and peers
- Clarity: Confidence in your future legal path
Setting clear goals turns your externship into a focused, rewarding step toward a successful legal career.
Approach Every Task Professionally
A law externship is more than a learning experience—it’s your chance to prove professionalism, reliability, and readiness for a legal career. How you handle each task, big or small, shapes how supervisors and colleagues perceive your potential.
1. Demonstrate Reliability and Punctuality
Show that you can be counted on:
- Be on time: Arrive promptly for work, meetings, and court appearances.
- Meet deadlines: Deliver quality work on schedule, and communicate early if issues arise.
- Stay consistent: Approach every task with diligence and care.
2. Show Initiative and Enthusiasm
Proactive engagement sets you apart:
- Volunteer for work: Offer to help with projects or research.
- Take on challenges: Step beyond your comfort zone to expand your skills.
- Ask questions: Show curiosity and eagerness to learn.
3. Pay Attention to Detail
Precision reflects competence:
- Double-check everything: Review your work before submitting.
- Follow directions: Adhere to supervisor preferences and instructions.
- Present professionally: Use clear formatting and polished writing.
4. Communicate Clearly
Strong communication builds trust:
- Provide updates: Keep supervisors informed of progress.
- Clarify instructions: Ask questions when unsure.
- Write professionally: Maintain proper tone and grammar in all correspondence.
5. Respect Workplace Culture
Professionalism includes cultural awareness:
- Observe etiquette: Notice how others interact and model that behavior.
- Be respectful: Treat everyone—attorneys, staff, and clients—with courtesy.
- Adapt thoughtfully: Align with the office’s tone and expectations.
6. Learn from Every Task
Each assignment is a growth opportunity:
- Identify key skills: Recognize what you’re developing through each task.
- Seek feedback: Welcome constructive criticism to improve.
- Apply lessons: Use what you learn to perform even better next time.
Professionalism isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about showing integrity, enthusiasm, and attention to detail that leave a lasting impression.
Build Strong Relationships
One of the greatest benefits of a law externship is the chance to form meaningful professional connections. These relationships can offer mentorship, guidance, and even open doors to future opportunities. By engaging thoughtfully with supervisors, colleagues, and peers, you’ll build a network that continues to support your career long after your externship ends.
1. Engage with Supervisors and Mentors
Supervisors and senior attorneys are valuable sources of insight and growth.
- Seek guidance early: Introduce yourself, share your goals, and ask how to maximize your experience.
- Ask thoughtful questions: Learn about their career paths, challenges, and advice for young lawyers.
- Request feedback: Show initiative by seeking regular input to strengthen your skills. For additional guidance on professional networking and mentorship, explore Advice for Law Students collection, which shares real-world insights from attorneys and recruiters on building meaningful legal careers.
2. Connect with Peers and Colleagues
Professional relationships extend beyond supervisors.
- Collaborate effectively: Offer help, exchange ideas, and support teamwork.
- Share experiences: Discuss assignments to gain new perspectives.
- Stay respectful: Treat everyone—from clerks to staff—with courtesy and professionalism.
3. Attend Office and Networking Events
Look for opportunities to connect beyond your daily work.
- Participate in meetings: Observe how professionals communicate and collaborate.
- Join social events: Casual interactions often lead to valuable connections.
- Volunteer for extras: Helping with firm initiatives shows enthusiasm and commitment.
4. Be Genuine and Approachable
Authenticity helps relationships grow naturally.
- Show interest in others: Listen actively and engage with curiosity.
- Be personable: Maintain a positive, approachable attitude.
- Stay humble: Focus on connection, not self-promotion.
5. Maintain Connections After the Externship
Keep your network alive beyond the final day.
- Follow up: Send thank-you messages expressing appreciation.
- Stay in touch: Use LinkedIn or email to share updates and maintain contact.
- Give back: Offer resources, articles, or insights that may benefit your connections.
6. Seek Long-Term Mentorship
- Identify mentors: Look for professionals whose work aligns with your aspirations.
- Engage respectfully: Reach out occasionally for advice or check-ins.
- Show gratitude: Acknowledge their time and apply their guidance thoughtfully.
Building genuine, lasting relationships during your externship transforms short-term experiences into a long-term professional network that supports your success throughout your legal career.
Seek Feedback and Learn from It
One of the most valuable aspects of a law externship is the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from experienced legal professionals. Feedback helps law students identify their strengths, address weaknesses, and develop the skills necessary for a successful legal career. Approaching feedback with an open mind and a proactive attitude can transform your externship experience into a powerful learning opportunity.
1. Understand the Importance of Feedback
Feedback is not just criticism—it is a tool for growth.
- Identify areas for improvement: Constructive comments help you refine your research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Recognize your strengths: Positive feedback highlights your accomplishments and encourages continued excellence.
- Enhance professional development: Applying feedback demonstrates adaptability, maturity, and a commitment to learning.
2. Request Feedback Regularly
Don’t wait for formal evaluations; seek feedback actively throughout the externship.
- Schedule check-ins: Ask supervisors for mid-term reviews or brief discussions on your performance.
- Ask specific questions: Inquire about your work on particular assignments or projects to gain actionable insights.
- Be proactive: Demonstrating initiative signals that you value growth and improvement.
3. Receive Feedback Professionally
How you respond to feedback reflects your professionalism and attitude.
- Listen carefully: Focus on understanding the points being made without interrupting or becoming defensive.
- Take notes: Document suggestions and examples to refer back to later.
- Clarify when necessary: Politely ask questions if any feedback is unclear, ensuring you fully understand what is expected.
4. Apply Feedback to Your Work
Feedback is only valuable if it leads to improvement.
- Implement suggestions promptly: Adjust your approach or technique in ongoing tasks.
- Reflect on patterns: Look for recurring themes in feedback to identify areas requiring consistent effort.
- Seek additional guidance: If needed, ask for follow-up advice on how to better execute tasks.
5. View Feedback as a Learning Opportunity
Adopting a growth mindset allows you to see feedback as a stepping stone rather than criticism.
- Be open-minded: Accept both praise and constructive criticism with humility.
- Embrace challenges: View difficult assignments or critical feedback as opportunities to enhance your skills.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your improvements and use them as motivation to continue developing.
6. Maintain a Feedback Journal
Documenting feedback can help you track your professional growth.
- Record key insights: Note what you learned from each feedback session.
- Set improvement goals: Create action plans to address areas highlighted by supervisors.
- Review periodically: Reflect on your progress to prepare for future externships, internships, or job interviews.
By actively seeking, receiving, and applying feedback, law students can maximize their externship experience, improve their skills, and establish a reputation for professionalism and adaptability—qualities essential for a successful legal career.
Document Your Achievements
Documenting your achievements during a law externship is essential for showcasing your skills, tracking growth, and leveraging experiences for future career opportunities. Keeping a detailed record of your contributions not only strengthens your résumé but also helps you reflect on your progress and articulate your value to potential employers.
1. Keep a Work Portfolio
A portfolio demonstrates the scope and quality of your work.
- Include samples: Save research memos, legal briefs, client correspondence, or project summaries (ensuring confidentiality).
- Highlight key assignments: Emphasize tasks that required critical thinking, problem-solving, or leadership.
- Organize by skill type: Group documents under categories like research, writing, or advocacy for easy reference.
2. Track Milestones and Achievements
Recording accomplishments helps you quantify your contributions.
- Note completed projects: Include the objectives, outcomes, and any measurable impact.
- Recognize special contributions: Document instances where your work contributed to a case, policy recommendation, or office initiative.
- Celebrate learning moments: Record challenges overcome or new skills acquired during the externship.
3. Maintain a Journal or Log
A daily or weekly log helps you capture experiences in real time.
- Record tasks and responsibilities: Detail assignments and what you learned from each.
- Reflect on professional growth: Note how your skills, confidence, and understanding of the legal field develop.
- Identify patterns: Track recurring themes or areas where you consistently excel or need improvement.
4. Update Your Résumé and LinkedIn Profile
Your externship achievements should be clearly represented to potential employers.
- Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize abilities like legal research, writing, analysis, and client communication.
- Quantify accomplishments: Use numbers, case outcomes, or project scope to demonstrate impact.
- Show professional growth: Include responsibilities and skills developed during the externship that align with career goals.
5. Prepare for Interviews
Documented achievements become valuable talking points during job interviews.
- Share concrete examples: Reference specific projects or challenges you handled effectively.
- Demonstrate results: Explain how your contributions benefited the office, clients, or team.
- Highlight learning experiences: Show how you applied lessons from the externship to solve problems or improve your performance.
6. Use Documentation for Self-Reflection
Recording achievements also aids in personal and professional development.
- Assess career direction: Identify which areas of law you enjoy and excel in.
- Set future goals: Use your documented experiences to guide skill-building or specialty selection.
- Track long-term growth: Compare achievements across internships, externships, and clerkships to evaluate progress.
By documenting your achievements thoughtfully, law students can transform their externship experience into a tangible record of skills, contributions, and growth. This practice not only strengthens future job applications but also helps students reflect on their professional development and prepare for a successful legal career.
Reflect on Your Career Direction
A law externship offers a valuable opportunity to explore different practice areas and assess your fit within the legal profession. Taking time to reflect on your experience helps you make informed choices about your career path, work environment, and long-term goals.
1. Evaluate Your Experience
Look back on what you enjoyed most and where you faced challenges:
- Preferred tasks: Did you like research, writing, client interaction, or courtroom work?
- Work environment: Did the culture, team dynamics, and pace suit you?
- Strengths: Which skills came naturally or felt most rewarding?
2. Identify Your Interests and Passions
Reflection helps you discover what truly motivates you:
- Practice areas: Which fields—litigation, corporate, public interest, IP—sparked your curiosity?
- Career values: Which aspects of law—advocacy, analysis, negotiation—fit your personality?
- Motivators: What kind of clients or cases energized you?
3. Assess Skill Development Needs
Recognizing your growth areas guides future learning:
- Skill gaps: Identify where you struggled or need more experience.
- Improvement opportunities: Seek courses or workshops to strengthen key skills.
- Build on strengths: Refine what you already do well to stand out in your field.
4. Consider Long-Term Career Goals
Use your externship insights to shape your path forward:
- Clarify your objectives: Decide whether you prefer private practice, government, or public service.
- Set milestones: Define achievable short- and long-term goals.
- Take action: Plan steps such as networking, skills training, or additional externships.
5. Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Mentors can help turn reflection into direction:
- Ask for feedback: Gain perspective on your strengths and career potential.
- Discuss your insights: Share what you’ve learned and ask for next-step advice.
- Create an action plan: Use mentor input to refine your goals.
6. Document and Revisit Your Reflection
Career reflection is an ongoing process:
- Keep a journal: Record insights, challenges, and achievements.
- Review regularly: Revisit your reflections as your experience grows.
- Adjust goals: Stay flexible as your interests and opportunities evolve.
Reflecting on your externship turns experience into clarity—helping you chart a confident, informed, and purposeful path toward a fulfilling legal career.
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Conclusion
An externship is more than a résumé builder—it’s a foundation for a successful legal career. By setting clear goals, maintaining professionalism, seeking feedback, and forming lasting relationships, law students can maximize the value of their externship experience. The lessons and connections developed during this time often become stepping stones to long-term success in the legal profession.
