The Externship Department at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is committed to integrating professional development and identity formation into every aspect of its courses. Through our structured curriculum, students engage in experiential learning that bridges legal theory and practice, cultivating the skills and judgment necessary for their professional lives. Externships provide you with the opportunity to integrate the theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with the practical experience of on-the-job training.Unlike an internship, an externship allows you to receive academic credit for the education you gain outside of the classroom. The program is flexible and offers a variety of field placements to enhance your legal education as you gain practical experience and the confidence necessary to embark on a successful legal career.
Our courses are designed not just to meet ABA standards but to equip students with a clear understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with entering the legal profession. Taught using the Socratic method and meeting once per week, the classes encourage critical dialogue and reflective learning. Central to our externship program is the deliberate shaping of each student’s professional identity. We encourage students to think deeply about who they are as future lawyers, what values will guide their practice, and how they will contribute meaningfully to the profession and the public. By fostering self-awareness, communication skills, and a commitment to service, our courses prepare students to navigate the complex realities of legal work with confidence and integrity. Through close mentorship and continuous feedback, students leave the externship experience not only with practical skills but with a clearer sense of their place in the legal community.
Externships
The Externship Placement Opportunities Catalog is a resource for exploring experiential learning opportunities. It is updated each semester.
It includes an overview of:
- Practice areas
- Available placements
- Student responsibilities
- Skills students may develop
Placements include:
- Private Firms: Litigation, transactional work, probate, family law, criminal defense, personal injury, sports and entertainment law, and more
- Government and Courts: Prosecutors’ offices, public defenders, and government agencies
- Nonprofit and Policy Organizations: Advocacy groups, post-conviction work, public interest organizations, and more
Ready for an Externship? Start Here!
Get Experience. Earn Credit. Build Your Career.
The ABA requires all law students to complete at least six credit hours of experiential learning before graduating. Externships are a great way to meet this requirement while gaining real legal experience under attorney supervision and faculty guidance.
Eligibility
Students are eligible to participate once they have successfully completed all first-year courses or 30 credit hours, have at least a 2.3 GPA, and are in good-standing. Part-time students are also eligible once they meet these criteria and are urged to plan ahead to create the time and schedule adjustments to take advantage of these opportunities. For more detailed information regarding student and supervisor roles in the Externship Program, read the Student Handbook for Externships and the Supervisor Handbook for Externships.
Finding the Right Externship for You – Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What areas of law genuinely interest me or align with my long-term career goals?
- What gaps or weaknesses in my resume could an externship help strengthen?
- What type of work environment will help me grow — firm, government, court, nonprofit?
- What skills or experiences do I need to gain now to stand out to future employers?
Need help narrowing your options or planning your path? Professor Anderson is available for one-on-one externship advising. Email Ms. Haynes at ahaynes@johnmarshall.edu to schedule a meeting.
Before requesting an appointment, please:
Be ready to discuss your career goals and bring questions!
Upload an updated and approved resume in 12Twenty before requesting an appointment.
Check your eligibility.
More information about the Externships Department and Co-requisite courses can be found on our FAQ page.
Students can find out more information about the externship program by attending semesterly orientations or reaching out to the Externship Coordinator for specific questions.
Student requirements and guidelines can be found in the Externship Student Handbook.
Supervisor Requirements can be found in the Externship Supervisor Handbook.
For more information about Pre-Approved Placements please visit the Externship Placement Opportunities Catalog for site information, application processes and requirements, and deadlines.
| Team | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Mecca Anderson | Director of Externship Programs and Associate Professor of Legal Practice | manderson@johnmarshall.edu | (678) 916-2679 |
| Allyn Haynes | Externship Coordinator | ahaynes@johnmarshall.edu | (678) 916-2688 |