Externships and Internships
Pre-Law Mentoring Program
The Pre-Law Center is restructuring the Pre-Law Externship Program into the Pre-Law Mentorship Program — designed to provide students with immersive, hands-on experiences in the legal field while fostering long-term professional connections.
This innovative program offers undergraduate students a unique opportunity to explore and engage with the dynamic world of law. By connecting participants with esteemed UTD alumni and accomplished legal professionals from diverse fields, including prominent law firms, influential government agencies, and impactful non-profit organizations—students can gain invaluable insights and firsthand experiences. This immersive experience enhances their understanding of the legal profession and empowers them to build meaningful networks that can pave the way for a successful legal career. Through this mentorship experience, students will have the opportunity to:
- Shadow and observe practicing attorneys
- Engage in career conversations with legal professionals
- Explore day-to-day legal work like attending court proceedings and client meetings
- Develop practical skills such as legal writing and issue-spotting
The Pre-Law Mentorship Program will officially launch in Fall 2025.
More information, including how to apply, will be shared this fall through our newsletter, The Comet Brief.
We look forward to helping you take the next step toward your legal career!
Information Sessions
Attend an information session to learn more about the program including deadlines, requirements, and the matching and selection process.
Pre-Law Externship Program Information Session I
January 24, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pre-Law Externship Program Information Session II
February 12, 2024, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Participation Eligibility
- Students must be available for the entire duration of spring break, March 11–15, 2024.
- Students must participate in all engagement activities as scheduled by their employer, including program activities such as orientation.
- Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate with at least 30 credit hours.
- Must be a member of the John Marshall Pre-Law Society, Women Pursuing Law, or have attended Pre-Law Advising Center events.
- Complete the application process by February 19, 2024.
Selection and Matching Process
- The Pre-Law Advising Center will match selected student applicants with extern hosts. There will be one match per student.
- Placements are made based on the compatibility of the student’s professional interests and academic background and the preferences of the extern host.
- Externship placements will be competitive. Not all students who apply will be selected and matched.
Pre-Law Internships
Pre-law internships provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the legal field while still in college. Pre-law students can find these internships in various settings, including law firms, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and courts.
Internships are not required to apply to law school, but they can be highly beneficial for students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field. These internships provide students with hands-on experience in a legal setting, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and the day-to-day work of a lawyer.
Students interested in pursuing a pre-law internship should start by researching opportunities in their local area. They can also reach out to law firms, legal organizations, and local bar associations for opportunities. Additionally, students are encouraged to utilize Handshake, the University’s career services platform, and to watch for internship opportunity listings in The CometBrief monthly newsletter.
Current Opportunities
