The required Paralegal Practicum, PLGL 2600 is an excellent way to obtain job experience before graduation. Students perform 120 hours of paralegal work during the semester (approximately eight hours per week during the fall and spring semesters), working in a law office under the supervision of an attorney. In addition, students attend seminars on campus that assist with creating a professional portfolio and a personal website for posting an electronic portfolio.
Students are eligible to enroll in the practicum after they have been admitted into the program and taken PLGL-1200, Civil Litigation, PLGL-1250, Legal Ethics and Law Office Organization, and PLGL 1500, Introduction to Legal Research and Writing, and have earned a grade of "C" or better. Instructor consent to enroll in the practicum is also required.
At this point, students should begin the process of locating an internship site. The instructor will send them a list of suggested site mentors to consider when searching for an internship. In addition, students can pursue other avenues to obtain an internship site.
For additional resources, please visit the Legal Studies Organization on Blackboard.