Micronesian Externship

The Micronesian Externship Program places students in legal offices throughout the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Territory of Guam. Students work under the supervision of attorneys practicing for the government or in the public interest sector. Mission The mission of the Micronesian Externship Program is to provide students with practical legal experience working in a multi-cultural environment under the supervision of a practicing attorney and to provide students with the experience of practicing in a legal community which provides services to a historically underserved population. Goals In addition to the goals of a traditional externship program, the Micronesia Externship Program aims to provide students experience in the following areas:

  • working in an international environment;
  • understanding the role of the United States in the development of the law of other nations;
  • understanding how the law develops in various communities;
  • understanding cultural differences and how those differences help to shape the law;
  • understanding alternative dispute resolution models as they relate to cultural needs and understandings; and
  • understanding the intersection between local culture and tradition and the law

Requirements Prior to leaving for their assigned externship placement, students participate in a fourteen hour orientation program. While working in their assigned externship placement, students engage in a variety of tasks that assist them in developing their lawyering skills and expose them to local customs and traditions. Students are required to participate in local cultural events. For a more detailed description of the program requirements, Click on the Micronesian Externship Program Handbook. Credit Hours and Grading Students earn three to six out-of-class credit hours for the work completed at the field placement. Students are graded on a pass/fail/no credit basis. Eligibility In order to be eligible to participate, students must have completed all required first year courses and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Individual placement sites may have additional eligibility requirements. To learn more about placement sites, click on Approved Placement Sites. How to Apply Students must complete an application form and submit a resume, writing sample, and a letter of reference from a faculty member. Your resume should identify prior work experience and skills and areas of expertise. Students are also required to interview with the Director of the Program. A student accepted into the Micronesian Externship Program may also be required to interview with an attorney from the placement site. To Begin the Application Process:

Approved Placement Sites

Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas

  • Supreme Court
  • Superior Court
  • Legislature
  • Office of the Attorney General – Criminal Division
  • Office of Public Defender
  • Micronesian Legal Services

Federated States of Micronesian – National Government

  • FSM Supreme Court – Pohnpei Division
  • FSM Supreme Court – Yap Division

Territory of Guam

  • Supreme Court
  • Superior Court
  • Office of Public Defender

Republic of Palau

  • Office of the Attorney General
  • Office of Public Defender
  • Micronesian Legal Services

Pohnpei State

  • Office of Public Defender
  • Micronesian Legal Services

Yap State

  • Yap State Court
  • Office of the Attorney General
  • Yap State Legislature
  • Micronesian Legal Services

Views of the Islands