Description:  The City Attorney’s office acts as Chief Legal Counsel to the City Council, City Administrator, the various City departments and staff, and most City commissions, committees and boards. The City Attorney’s office also reviews and approves proposed City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; oversees property acquisition needed for public improvements; prepares legal opinions for Council and City staff; and represents the City in litigation in which the City is involved, including violations of City ordinances. The student can expect to engage in all aspects of municipal law, including drafting ordinances, preparing legal opinions, discussing city code compliance issues with residents, reviewing open records requests, and drafting administrative search warrants. The student will also prosecute ordinance violations and municipal infractions in Magistrate’s Court and represent the City in administrative proceedings.  

Requirements:  Rising 3Ls only; 15-25 hours on-site per week, spread out over the week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. For purposes of Magistrate’s Court, interested students should plan to work Monday or Wednesday mornings. Students must have taken Evidence and first preference will be given to students who have also taken Trial Advocacy or similar classes. Land use and planning, administrative law, and employment law are helpful and students in general, students should have an interest in legal areas that are handled by the City Attorney, such as employment law, planning and land use, civil litigation, administrative law and proceedings, and executive functions of a municipality. Six to nine academic credits will be available, four to seven credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded numerically for the class

Description: This externship involves working with attorneys and support staff defending individuals charged with federal crimes. Students will do a substantial amount of legal research and writing, as well as fact investigation and interviewing clients.

Requirements: 14-25 hours on-site per week and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. For 6 credits, students must spend 2 days a week on site. For 9 credits, students must spend 3 days a week on site. For 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail for the field work; for 9 credits, 7 credits will be awarded graded pass/fail for the field work. In both cases, two credits, graded, will be earned for the class.

Consumer Protection Division
Description: This Division enforces laws that protect consumers from fraud and false or misleading consumer practices and ensures fair marketplace competition. It enforces laws aimed to give consumers information, such as in consumer credit and loan disclosure areas. Externs will complete a wide variety of projects associated with the Division, including legal research and writing, interviewing witnesses, and interacting with the legislative process by attending hearings and committee meetings and legislative drafting. For more information about the division, see https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/about-us/divisions/consumer-protection. Externs will work with attorney supervisors on a wide variety of projects and subjects that meet the externs’ specific interests.

Requirements: Scheduling is somewhat flexible, but it is expected that students would arrange their classes at the law school on two or three days and spend two or three full days in Des Moines. These externships are available either for 9 credits (three days per week on site) or 6 credits (two days per week on site). For 9 credits, 7 will be awarded pass/fail; for 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail. Both also require a seminar for two credits, graded.

Criminal Appeals Division
Description: This Division strives to keep in place the criminal convictions and sentences obtained by county attorneys and area prosecutors. It opens nearly 800 cases each year, and files about 400 briefs. In addition to direct criminal appeals, the division handles sexually violent predator commitment appeals, state post- conviction appeals, and inmates’ challenges to their state convictions filed in federal court. The extern will have an excellent opportunity to develop research and particularly writing skills, working under careful supervision of attorneys. There may be opportunities to observe or to participate in oral arguments before Iowa appellate courts. Student should have taken at least one Criminal Procedure class. See https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/about-us/divisions/criminal-appeals for more information about the Division.

Requirements: Students must have completed at least 3 semesters of law school. Scheduling is somewhat flexible, but it is expected that students would arrange their classes at the law school on two or three days, and spend two or three full days in Des Moines. These externships are available either for 9 credits (three days per week on site) or 6 credits (two days per week on site). For 9 credits, 7 will be awarded pass/fail; for 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail. Both also require a seminar for two credits, graded.

Licensing & Administrative Law Division
Description: This Division is one of the largest and most diverse divisions in the Office. The division provides legal services to all levels of state government, including 100 different state agencies. Division attorneys defend state officials and agencies in state and federal court, prosecute administrative hearings, initiate consumer litigation in areas such as securities fraud, issue Attorney General's opinions, review and draft legal documents, and provide day-to-day legal guidance on a wide range of issues. In addition, the division enforces the public interest in charitable trusts, and disseminates information on key issues affecting government operations, such as open meetings, public records, gift law, conflicts of interest, and rulemaking. For more information, visit https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/about-us/divisions/license-and-administrative-law. Externs will work with attorney supervisors on a wide variety of projects and subjects that meet the externs’ specific interests.

Requirements: Scheduling is somewhat flexible, but it is expected that students would arrange their classes at the law school on two or three days, and spend two or three full days in Des Moines. These externships are available either for 9 credits (three days per week on site) or 6 credits (two days per week on site). For 9 credits, 7 will be awarded pass/fail; for 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail. Both also require a seminar for two credits, graded.

Environmental Law Division
Description: The Environmental Law Division represents the State of Iowa in issues affecting the environment. The majority of the division's work involves representing the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Iowa Comprehensive Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Fund Board. For more information, visit https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/about-us/divisions/environmental-law. Externs will work with attorney supervisors on a wide variety of projects and subjects that meet the externs’ specific interests.

Requirements: Scheduling is somewhat flexible, but it is expected that students would arrange their classes at the law school on two or three days and spend two or three full days in Des Moines. These externships are available either for 9 credits (three days per week on site) or 6 credits (two days per week on site). For 9 credits, 7 will be awarded pass/fail; for 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail. Both also require a seminar for two credits, graded.

Description: The City Attorney and his staff act as Chief Legal Counsel to the City Council, City Manager, the various City departments and staff, and most City commissions, committees and boards. The City Attorney also reviews and approves proposed City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents; oversees property acquisition needed for public improvements; prepares legal opinions for Council and City staff; and represents the City in litigation in which the City is involved, including violations of City ordinances. The student will also prosecute ordinance violations and municipal infractions in Magistrate’s Court.

Requirement: Students must have completed at least 3 semesters of law school; 15 -20 hours minimum on-site per week, spread out over the week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. For purposes of Magistrate’s Court, interested students should plan to work two mornings, Tuesday through Friday. Students must have taken Evidence and first preference will be given to students who have also taken Trial Advocacy. In addition, students should have an interest in legal areas that are handled by the City Attorney, such as employment law, planning and land use, civil litigation, administrative law and proceedings, and executive functions of a municipality. Six to eight academic credits will be available, four to six credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description: The mission of the Iowa Department of Revenue is to serve Iowans and to support government services in Iowa by collecting all taxes required by law, but no more. The extern will participate in the work of the office as arranged according to the student’s interest and the needs of the office. Expected tasks include rule writing, background work for litigation, tax research, and writing policy letters and opinions. 

Requirements: Two - three days (or equivalent) per week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. For 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail for the field work; for 9 credits, 7 credits will be awarded graded pass/fail for the field work. In both cases, two credits, graded, will be earned for the class.

Description: The student will be responsible for developing appellate arguments, drafting briefs, and arguing cases before the Iowa Court of Appeals or Iowa Supreme Court when the court calendar allows. The field placement requires substantial legal research and writing. Priority will go to students who have completed Criminal Procedure: Investigations and Appellate Advocacy I.

Requirements: Students must have completed at least 3 semesters of law school; 25 hours minimum on-site per week and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. Nine academic credits, seven credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description: The State Public Defender’s mission is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner. Externs assist in the defense of criminal cases including attending hearings, drafting briefs and motions, interviewing potential witnesses, participating in the investigation of the cases, and all other matters that pertain to criminal defense.

Requirements: Students must have completed at least 3 semesters of law school; 14-25 hours minimum on-site per week and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. For 6 credits, 4 will be awarded pass/fail for the field work; for 9 credits, 7 credits will be awarded graded pass/fail for the field work. In both cases, two credits, graded, will be earned for the class.

Description: The Jones County Attorney’s Office prosecutes violations of criminal laws that occur in Jones County. The County Attorney also acts as the chief legal advisor to the County Board of Supervisors, and officers. This is a small county attorney's office, so the extern will work closely with the County Attorney and Assistant County attorney. An extern can expect to gain practical trial experience by prosecuting simple misdemeanors in Magistrate’s Court. The extern may also assist with prosecution of indictable crimes, including participating in suppression hearings and trials, attending victim meetings, and drafting briefs.

Requirements: Students must have completed at least 3 semesters of law school;15-25 hours on-site per week. While scheduling in this placement is flexible, students must arrange their schedules to allow time to prepare for and appear in Magistrate's Court on Wednesdays. Students may also wish to take into account that district court hearings are typically held on Mondays, and juvenile court on Fridays. Students must have taken Evidence. Preference will be given to students who have taken Criminal Procedure. 6-9 academic credits available; 4-7 credits pass/fail for the field work and 2 credits graded for the class.

Description: The Linn County Attorney’s Office prosecutes violations of criminal laws that occur in Linn County. The County Attorney also acts as the chief legal advisor to the County Board of Supervisors, and officers. An extern in the Linn County Attorney’s Office would have the opportunity to gain practical trial experience in court by prosecuting simple misdemeanors in Magistrate’s Court. The student may also assist with prosecution of indictable crimes, including suppression hearings, trials, victim meetings, and research projects.

Requirements: Students must have completed at least 3 semesters of law school; 15 hours minimum on-site per week, spread out over the week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the field supervisor. While scheduling in this placement is flexible, students should be aware that trials start on Monday. Students will also wish to schedule this placement to allow time to prepare and appear in Magistrate’s Court. Students must have taken Evidence. Preference will be given to students who have taken Criminal Procedure and Trial Advocacy. Six academic credits will be available, four credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

This placement is pre-approved, but has a separate application process; see

• Cedar Rapids, IA: Spring 2024 Law Student Volunteer - United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Iowa (Closes 10/27/2023)
• Sioux City, IA: Spring 2024 Law Student Volunteer - United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Iowa (Closes 10/27/2023)

This placement is pre-approved, but has a separate application process; see https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/law-student-volunteer-spring-6.

Description: Interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by working with the legal program staff on a wide variety of issues. They will potentially learn to assist on all aspects of litigation and legal advocacy, including: screening potential cases and providing assistance to potential clients; researching and/or drafting materials for litigation, legal advocacy, or public education; and other projects as assigned. This internship is open to all law students who have completed at least one year of law school and possess the following: excellent research, writing, analytical and communication skills; strong computer skills, particularly web-based research including proficiency with Microsoft Office; the initiative to see projects through to completion; and a demonstrated interest in advocating for civil liberties. This position is available for a stipend or academic credit.

Requirements: 16 hours minimum on-site per week and attend an associated class at the law school (24 hours per week preferred). Hours to be arranged with the field supervisor. Preference given to students who have completed Constitutional Law II.

Description: ACT is a mission-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success.  In addition to the ACT college entrance exam, ACT has various assessments for grades K-12 (including academic and social emotional learning), and assessments and certificates related to workplace skills.  A student participating in this academic externship experience will have the opportunity to review domestic and international contracts, engage with ACT’s contract management system, conduct legal research, and experience the workings of an in-house counsel office with most employees working remotely.  
Requirements: Flexible schedule and remote work with potential to schedule occasional on-site work opportunities; student must also attend an associated class at the law school.  Hours to be arranged with the ACT supervisor.  Academic credit will be available depending on hours worked, may earn four to six credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.  To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references.  The selected student will need to go through a background check/security clearance.

Description:  Disability Rights Iowa defends and promote the rights of Iowans with disabilities, including mental illness. The office provides representation in all aspects of disability rights, including exposure to areas of practice such as special education, health care, accessibility, guardianship, and employment. Depending on the caseload in the office, work could include cases ensuring access and accommodations to services and places, access to healthcare, and investigating abuse and neglect. Students may draft correspondence and pleadings, conduct client interviews, draft discovery, conduct legal research, and attend administrative hearings.
Thanks to a generous gift, the law school is able to offer a stipend of about $1500 to help defray costs associated with traveling to Des Moines for this externship.

Requirements: 2 to 3 days per week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. The student should plan to work at least half the hours in person in the office and some remote work is possible.

Description:  The Iowa Environmental Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan alliance of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect and preserve Iowa’s environment.  The IEC advocates for policies that encourage transition to renewable energy, clean water, and land stewardship.  An extern with the IEC can expect to conduct research and draft documents related to water quality laws, Iowa Utilities Board proceedings, environmental justice and other environmental issues.  In addition, the extern will represent the IEC in meetings with state agencies, and participate in meetings with IEC staff and partner organizations.  

Requirements:  Scheduling is flexible; this externship is available for 6 credits (2 days per week) to 9 credits (three days per week).  Two of the credits are from the field placement seminar; the remainder are attributed to the field work.  The IEC has a flexible office arrangement and employees often work remotely.  While an Iowa Law extern may choose to work remotely, a space in the IEC office in Des Moines is available as well.

Description:  Iowa Legal Aid provides civil legal assistance to persons otherwise unable to afford their own counsel. Cases include family law/domestic abuse; housing (evictions and foreclosure); welfare and income maintenance; Medicare/Medicaid, social security and other benefits programs. Externs conduct intakes and present evidence at hearings regarding domestic abuse protection orders and evictions.

Requirements:  Preference to students who have completed at least 3 semesters of law school, but all encouraged to apply. This externship is available for 6-9 academic credits. In Cedar Rapids, for 6 credits, students must spend a minimum of 14 hours per week on site, spread out over 3 (strongly preferred) or 2 (minimum required) mornings (starting at 8:30 a.m.), to accommodate court hearing schedules. In Iowa City, scheduling is somewhat flexible, but bigger blocks of time in the office, such as two full days or four half-days, work best. Students must also attend an associated class at the law school.

Description: The Iowa State Education Association is an affiliate of the National Education Association, which is a labor organization that advocates for quality public education and represents public sector educational employees. A legal extern in this position will report to Associate Executive Director for Advocacy Services. The extern will support staff attorneys in administrative matters and general litigation, collaborate with staff attorneys on legal issues and conduct legal research, draft memos and review legal documents, and attend and assist with client meetings, hearings, and trainings. Other special projects and duties may be assigned.
Requirements: Excellent written, oral communication and research skills. Demonstrated interest in labor, employment and education law a plus. Committed to advocating for unions and public education employees. Possess strong organizational and time management skills and superior research and writing skills.

Description:  This office provides free representation for children whose parents are involved in high-conflict custody or divorce cases. Students may conduct case investigations, participate in discovery and argue motions, interview witnesses and help prepare their trial testimony, draft correspondence and pleadings, conduct legal research, facilitate negotiations between the child clients’ parents, and strategize with the attorney of record as to how to proceed in cases. Since the cases are already pending, this field placement will focus on the development of litigation skills. Students are also expected to co-lead at least 3 evening or Saturday morning educational workshops for children whose parents are divorcing with Kids First attorneys.

Requirements:  A demonstrated interest in child advocacy is necessary. 2 days minimum or 3 days maximum on-site per week, spread out over the week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. Six or nine academic credits, respectively, will be available, four or seven credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description:  Lavender Legal Center provides direct representation, advocacy, and referrals for LGBTQ individuals. While the organization’s work continues to evolve depending on community needs, legal interns may assist with drafting legal documents for name changes, stepparent adoptions, and wills for low-income LGBTQ individuals. In addition, the student will perform case intake, legal research, and refer clients to other resources where appropriate. If the student is interested in the holistic approach of the Lavender Legal Center, students may also engage in advocacy work.

Requirements:  Experience or interest in public interest; 2 days minimum or  3 days maximum on-site per week, spread out over the week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. Six or nine academic credits, respectively, will be available, four or seven credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description:  The MacArthur Justice Center is a public interest law firm that has litigated countless high-impact civil rights and systemic reform cases in courts around the country. The Saint Louis office, working in collaboration with three other MJC offices, seeks to advance criminal, juvenile and racial justice in the Midwest generally – and the St. Louis region in particular – through similar litigation initiatives. Externs perform a range of duties to support the office’s trial work, advocacy, and outreach. Such tasks may include sentencing mitigation investigation, responding to letters seeking legal assistance, client intake meetings, witness statements, prison visits, case strategy, criminal justice-related research, or other tasks.

Requirements:  This is a full-time semester away placement approved for up to 14 credits.

Description:  The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) is a nonprofit focused on entrepreneurship, education, and innovation. NewBoCo has several programs, including the Iowa Startup Accelerator, K-12 and adult education programs, and a venture capital investment fund. More information about the organization may be found at: https://newbo.co/. A student in this externship will gain exposure to a wide range of general company legal issues, such as employment and contract law. In addition, work with the Startup Accelerator and the angel investor network involves educating entrepreneurs on corporation law, federal securities and investment company law. Working under the supervision of the general counsel, the extern may conduct legal research, draft and revise contracts, assist investors in conducting due diligence evaluations of potential investments, and assist with investment fund management.

Requirements:  15 hours minimum on-site per week, attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. Six academic credits will be available (four credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class). Prior coursework in Business Associations or Securities law is helpful, but not required. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant coursework and interests. A writing sample is optional. The selected student will need to complete a background check.

Description:  Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low-income persons and those age 60 and over with serious civil legal problems. Cases include public benefits, family law/domestic abuse, housing, health care, and tax disputes. Students in this placement will conduct legal research, draft letters, pleadings and other documents, interview clients, observe court and potentially represent clients in administrative proceedings. Students eligible for admission to student practice under Illinois Rule 711 may have also have opportunities to represent clients in court hearings.

Requirements:  Preference to students who have completed at least 3 semesters of law school, but all encouraged to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum per week. Scheduling is flexible, but students should take into consideration that hearings are typically set for the mornings from 9-10 am.

Description:  Two positions. Located in the Iowa Memorial Union, Student Legal Services provides legal counsel for registered University students. It is staffed by field placement law students, two supervising attorneys, and support staff. Law students handle the bulk of the legal work, under the supervision of attorneys who are the ultimate authority regarding legal work and administration. Frequent areas of practice are defense of criminal misdemeanors, landlord-tenant litigation, and dissolutions of marriage.

Requirements:  Students must have completed at least 3semesters of law school. 18 hours minimum per week, spread out over the week, and attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the field supervisor, but students should take into consideration that court dates are in the mornings at 9:00. Seven academic credits will be available, five credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description:  In this externship students will conduct research, draft opinions, coordinate trials, and participate in chambers conferences and other court-related activities. In addition to attending to pre-trial matters in cases assigned to the U.S. district judges, Judge Adams presides over bench and jury trials which have been referred to her by the district judges, or where parties have consented to her presiding.

Requirements:  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Descriptions:  Student will work under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Judge in the Northern District of Iowa, drafting opinions and orders, and assisting with hearings.

Requirements:  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to apply. First preference will be given to students who have taken both Secured Transactions and Bankruptcy (with minimum grades of 2.8 in the course). Second preference will be given to students who have completed Bankruptcy only and third preference to students with Secured Transactions only. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days or equivalent) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days or equivalent) minimum on-site per week. On-site credits are awarded pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the related class.

Descriptions:  Judge Darrow and her staff have offices in the federal building in Rock Island, Illinois, approximately one hour east of Iowa City. This externship will expose the student to a variety of clerkship duties, particularly in the civil area, including research and drafting proposed rulings on motions, observing trials and participating in chambers conferences.

Requirements:  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days or equivalent) minimum on- site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days or equivalent) minimum on-site per week. On-site credits are awarded pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the related class.

Description:  The student in this externship will assist the judge and her staff on both civil and criminal proceedings before the court.  Most of the student’s time will be spent on writing projects, including research and drafting proposed opinions and rulings on motions.  The student will also have the opportunity to observe hearings and in-chambers conferences.

Requirements:  Applicants must be 2Ls or 3Ls in the top 20% of the class.   This externship is available for a minimum of 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Description:  In this externship, students will conduct research, draft opinions, coordinate trials, and participate in chambers conferences and other court-related activities. In addition to attending to pre-trial matters in cases assigned to the U.S. district judges, Judge Jackson presides over bench and jury trials which have been referred to him by the district judges, or where parties have consented to him presiding.

Requirements:  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Description:  This externship is located at the Linn County Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Students will perform appellate research and writing projects as directed by Justice Oxley, and will attend appellate arguments at the Judicial Branch Building in Des Moines. Students may also observe trial proceedings at the county courthouse.

Requirements:  Applicants must be in the top 1/3 of the class to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Description:  In this externship students will conduct research, draft opinions, coordinate trials, and participate in chambers conferences and other court-related activities. In addition to attending to pre-trial matters in cases assigned to the U.S. district judges, Judge Roberts presides over bench and jury trials which have been referred to her by the district judges, or where parties have consented to his presiding.

Requirements:  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Description:  This externship is located at the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport, Iowa where Justice Waterman maintains an office when the court is not in session in Des Moines. Students will perform appellate research and writing projects as directed by Justice Waterman, and will attend appellate arguments at the Judicial Branch Building in Des Moines. Students may also have the chance to observe trial proceedings at the county courthouse.

Requirements:  Applicants must be in the top 1/3 of the class to apply. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Description:  In this externship, students will draft bench memos, research memoranda, and proposed orders under the supervision of Judge Williams.

Requirements:  Students should be in the top 10% of the class. This externship is available for 6 or 9 credits. For 6 credits, 14 hours (2 days) minimum on-site per week; for 9 credits, 25 hours (3 days) minimum on-site per week. Fieldwork credits are pass/fail, and externs earn two credits graded for the class.

Description:  The Sixth Judicial District, with courthouses in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, is a busy state court that handles criminal and civil trials and motion hearings. An extern can expect to research and draft proposed orders and rulings on a wide range of matters regularly handled by general jurisdiction state court judges, from family law cases to felony murder trials to settlement conferences. The extern will have the opportunity to observe trials and hearings. Chief Judge Lars Anderson (Iowa City) and Judge Christopher Bruns (Cedar Rapids) will serve as the main supervisor contacts, but the student will likely receive projects from many of the judges in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Depending on the extern’s availability and the court’s docket, the extern will likely work in both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City; the extern may also be able to travel to a rural county for a court service day. This externship is ideal for a student interested in developing knowledge of a variety of areas of law, learning Iowa law and rules of civil procedure, and gaining exposure to the members of the bar in Eastern Iowa.

Requirements:  Students must be in the top half of the class. 14-25 hours on-site per week. 6-9 credits will be available under the Field Placement Programs Policy, 4-7 credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description:  Deere & Company is the world's largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment and a market leader in construction and turf care equipment. The Global Intellectual Property Services group in Moline, Illinois provides supports John Deere business units in all areas of intellectual property, ranging from patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, and open-source policy. Students participating in this academic externship experience will engage in several, if not all, of the following activities: drafting and counseling on contracts with intellectual property provisions; performing patent searches; drafting legal documents such as patent applications, responses to USPTO office actions, clearance opinions, or legal memoranda; shadowing attorneys; and participating in business or legal department meetings.

Requirements:  Scheduling is somewhat flexible, but it is expected that students would arrange their classes at the law school on two or three days and spend two full days in Moline. Six academic credits will be available, four credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description:  Deere & Company is the world's largest manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment and a market leader in construction and turf care equipment.  The Global Law Services Group based in Moline, Illinois, provides expertise in a wide range of legal practice areas, including securities, employment, contracts, and litigation.  Students participating in this academic externship experience will conduct research on a variety of topics, draft and revise contracts, support employment and labor law training, and interact with internal clients in either meetings or email communications.  Students may further have the opportunity to work in cutting edge areas of the law, such as automation and autonomy, data privacy, or other legal areas.

Requirements:  This externship is available for 6 credits (4 for the field work, awarded pass/fail and 2 credits for the seminar, graded). 

Description:  The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) is a nonprofit focused on entrepreneurship, education, and innovation. NewBoCo has several programs, including the Iowa Startup Accelerator, K-12 and adult education programs, and a venture capital investment fund. More information about the organization may be found at: https://newbo.co/. A student in this externship will gain exposure to a wide range of general company legal issues, such as employment and contract law. In addition, work with the Startup Accelerator and the angel investor network involves educating entrepreneurs on corporation law, federal securities and investment company law. Working under the supervision of the general counsel, the extern may conduct legal research, draft and revise contracts, assist investors in conducting due diligence evaluations of potential investments, and assist with investment fund management.

Requirements:  15 hours minimum on-site per week, attend an associated class at the law school. Hours to be arranged with the on-site supervisor. Six academic credits will be available (four credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class). Prior coursework in Business Associations or Securities law is helpful, but not required. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant coursework and interests. A writing sample is optional. The selected student will need to complete a background check.

Description: UnityPoint Health is a nonprofit healthcare system with hospitals and clinics in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The extern will perform legal research and writing and contract and policy review in a wide range of health law subjects including employment law, patient consent and other patient related topics, fraud and abuse, HIPAA and other healthcare regulatory areas.  This externship will be primarily remote, but externs may be able to meet with attorneys in person a few times over the course of the semester at the headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa. 

Requirements: This is an unpaid externship and candidates must have completed their first or second year of law school to apply.  Scheduling is somewhat flexible, but it is expected that students would spend between 14 to 25 hours per week working.  This externship is available either for 4-7 credits of field work (P/NP), and students earn another 2 credits (graded numerically) from the associated seminar.

Description:  The extern will be exposed to and work on legal issues of a world-class academic medical center, including transactional, risk management, patient care, informed consent, and health care reform. Work will include producing research summaries on discrete legal issues and document review. Scheduling permitting, the extern will attend meetings and have other client contact to experience methods of legal service delivery in a health care setting.

Requirements:  3L or MPH/HMP joint degree students preferred. 2 days (or equivalent) minimum on-site per week, on a schedule to be coordinated with the Associate Vice President, and email contact with the office throughout the week. Six academic credits will be available, four credits graded pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.

Description: ACT is a mission-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success.  In addition to the ACT college entrance exam, ACT has various assessments for grades K-12 (including academic and social emotional learning), and assessments and certificates related to workplace skills.  A student participating in this academic externship experience will have the opportunity to review domestic and international contracts, engage with ACT’s contract management system, conduct legal research, and experience the workings of an in-house counsel office with most employees working remotely.  
Requirements: Flexible schedule and remote work with potential to schedule occasional on-site work opportunities; student must also attend an associated class at the law school.  Hours to be arranged with the ACT supervisor.  Academic credit will be available depending on hours worked, may earn four to six credits pass/fail for the field work and two credits graded for the class.  To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references.  The selected student will need to go through a background check/security clearance.