Corporate Counsel Externship Program

UC Law SF’s Corporate Counsel Externship Program provides second and third-year students the opportunity to earn academic credit based on training in pre-vetted corporate counsel offices of for-profit and non-profit companies.  The on-site learning helps students build their legal skills and knowledge so they can become practice-ready business attorneys.  Students will learn how in-house attorneys collaborate and communicate with the company client, and how they incorporate the client’s unique mission, business, and industry context into their legal advice.  Supervising attorneys guide, train, mentor, and provide substantive feedback to the student throughout the semester.

The on-site learning is supported and enhanced in the classroom. Students are enrolled in the Corporate Counsel Externship Seminar that teaches the role of corporate counsel, integral lawyering competencies, and the ability to self-develop and learn from practice. The seminar is taught by Professor Nira Geevargis, UC Law SF Externships Director, and co-taught by Professor Scott Darling, Chief Legal Officer, Upstart.

Classroom Component

  • 2 units, pass-fail, counts towards experiential requirement.
  • The seminar meets weekly. Attendance is mandatory.

Fieldwork Component

  • 4 – 5 units, pass-fail, counts towards experiential requirement.
  • Students work a minimum of 12 weeks at an approved placement.
  • Students can enroll for 4, or 5 fieldwork units. The hours breakdown is as follows:
    • 4 units = approx. 16 hours/week, minimum of 12 weeks (45 hours per unit)
    • 5 units = approx. 20 hours/week, minimum of 12 weeks (45 hours per unit)

Student Requirements

  • Students must be in their 4th, 5th, or 6th semester of law school and in good academic standing.
    • In the fall, only 3L students can participate.
    • In the spring, 2L and 3L students can participate.
  • Students cannot be participating in a concurrent live-client or work experience (i.e. clinic, externship, Start-Up Legal Garage, or legal work).
    • If accepted to CCEP, you must withdraw from all other experiential opportunities. Failure to withdraw from other concurrent live-client or work experience will result in disqualification from CCEP.
  • Students must meet with CDO for a 45-minute appointment during the current semester to review the specific resume and cover letter they are submitting for the first round of the CCEP application.

How to Apply

  • Students can click here to visit Sharknet to review the Student Information Packet and complete application information.
  • Applications open in March for the Fall semester and in September for the Spring semester.
  • Please note partner placements change every semester.

Partner Placements