Texas Tech University

Regional Externship Program

The School of Law offers full-time externship opportunities in several major Texas cities. The Regional Externship Program allows select third-year students to live in Dallas/Fort Worth or Austin for a full semester, taking classes and externing with practicing attorneys or judges. Living and learning about law practice in one of the largest legal markets in the country gives students exposure to sophisticated legal work, creating an unparalleled educational experience. Placements include the City of Austin Legal Department, Texas Railroad Commission, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, and 7-Eleven Corporation.

The program offers twelve hours of academic credit – ten credit hours for completing 500 hours of study at an externship placement and two additional credit hours for successfully completing the contemporaneous Regional Externship Support Course.

The Regional Externship Support Course complements the students' placement experience. It comprises a multi-day orientation at the beginning of the semester and continues in weekly meetings. Students will learn professional skills and concepts integral to a successful transition to practice.

Class topics include professional responsibility, successful relationships with supervising attorneys, legal research and writing, civility, professionalism, and many others. Additionally, students have substantial structured opportunities for professional development and networking during the externship semester.

Participating students may extern in the spring semester. The spring semester begins in mid to late January and ends around the beginning of May.

The Regional Externship Program is compatible with student activities traditionally based in Lubbock. All Texas Tech law journals, the Board of Barristers, and most student organizations currently allow their members to participate in the Regional Externship Program.

...