Summer in Practice
Students who have completed their first year or two semesters of law school can earn academic credit while working in a judicial, governmental or law office. Students have the option of a full-time placement for six credits or a part-time placement for four credits. Students opting for a full-time placement must work 35 hours per week at their placement for a total of 245 hours over the seven week summer term. Students in a part-time placement must work 24 hours per week for a total of 168 hours over the seven week summer term.
Students are required to have completed all 1L requirements (33 credits) in order to enroll in the course.
Students must arrange their schedule directly with the placement. It is recommended that students schedule large blocks of time and consult with their supervising attorney as to days/times that are most advantageous to work. (e.g., when trials, hearing, meetings, conferences, etc. are likely to take place.)
Students are also required to participate in a weekly, one-hour classroom component at Albany Law School, either in person or by using distant learning technology. Students must complete all class assignments and program-related paper work, and attend a mid-semester meeting in order to receive credit for the course.
Most State agencies and public law offices and many federal agencies can host field placement students for the summer. Other unpaid placements can be considered for inclusion in the program.
A complete list of possible government and public service placements, including links to placement websites, is available on the on the Field Placement Clinic page of the Clinic & Justice Center web site. Not all placements listed are available during summer term, and some placements have specific application requirements.
Students interested in a Summer in Practice placement may contact Professor Ray Brescia, rbres@albanylaw.edu or the course instructor, Professor Robert Batson, rbats@albanylaw.edu to set up an appointment to obtain more information about the course and to discuss interests and placement options.
Students should contact the Career Center for assistance in finding a summer placement. Once you have secured a placement you should contact the course instructor who will register you for the course. Students applying for placements in New York State executive branch agencies need to do so on the State’s internship portal: http://nysinternships.com/nnyl/
Students planning to enroll in the course will be required to pay the appropriate tuition and fees for summer session. Questions concerning financial aid should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.