The Law and Business Externship provides students with the opportunity to work in a company or law firm setting where they observe, participate in, and reflect upon the work of a business lawyer or business professional. Past placements have included Regis Corporation, Aon Benfield, TCF Bank, Medica Corporation, US Bank, Thomson Reuters, Hamline University General Counsel’s Office, Sun Country Airlines, Bernick & Lifson, Virtus Law, Larkin Hoffman, and many others.
- Time Commitment: The Law and Business Externship is offered for 4 academic credits every spring, summer, and fall semester. This translates to approximately 13-15 hours of work per week at the placement site throughout a 13-week semester (approximately 20 hours per week in the summer semester). Specific work schedules are flexible and are established based on the needs and availability of both the placement and the student.
- Eligibility: Eligible students must be 2Ls, 3Ls, or 4Ls who have taken Professional Responsibility and Business Organizations. (Professional Responsibility and Business Organizations may be taken as co-requisites with approval from the Law and Business Externship course faculty.)
- Placements: Students are encouraged to find their own placements. Course faculty will also assist students in finding field placements. Fieldwork supervision must be provided by an attorney.
- Seminar Component: Students meet as a group with course faculty on Wednesday mornings throughout the semester (8:00am-9:55am). Class sessions cover topics relating to the work of a business lawyer or business professional. During Spring 2021, the seminar meetings will take place remotely.
To apply for the Spring 2021 Law and Business Externship, please complete the online application and email it to Professor Fuith (leanne.fuith@mitchellhamline.edu) by Friday, November 13. Your completed application must include a current resume and unofficial Mitchell Hamline transcript. Preference will be given to students who have met all the eligibility requirements and based on their proximity to graduation.
Placements will be finalized and students will be notified of their placement by early January 2021. Placements are not final until you receive written confirmation from Professor Fuith. Registration for the Law and Business Externship will be completed after the student’s placement has been confirmed. Students should plan to begin work at their externship placement during the week of January 25, 2021.
*Please note that due to Covid-19, spring 2021 placements may take place in-person or remotely as public health concerns and the needs of the placement require. Student health and wellness will be prioritized in all circumstances.
Questions? Please contact Professor Fuith at leanne.fuith@mitchellhamline.edu.