General

What’s the difference between an internship, an externship, and a field placement?

At Iowa Law, "externship" and "field placement" mean the same thing—legal work experiences where students earn academic credit by meeting ABA requirements.

Students participate in an accompanying seminar to reflect on their work, set professional goals, and build legal skills. Faculty are closely involved in overseeing and supporting students throughout the experience, which many find beneficial for structure and growth.

Who can participate in a Field Placement?

Field placements are open to JD students who have successfully completed all required first year courses. 

  • 1Ls: The Summer Legal Placement Program is designed for students who have just finished their first year.
  • 2Ls and 3Ls: During the academic year, consider your course load, co-curriculars, and any prerequisites that may enhance your placement.

Note: Under the Iowa Student Practice Rule, students may only appear in court after completing three semesters. Those interested in placements in other states should check local student practice rules.
 

Am I paid in my field placement?

Yes—Iowa Law is piloting a program allowing students to receive compensation for field placements. Students may also be reimbursed for related expenses or receive external grants, stipends, or scholarships.

If the placement site or anyone outside of the law school offers to fund expenses related to your field placement, please contact Carwina Weng, the field placement director, before accepting these funds.

Where can I extern?

Placements are available with government agencies, judicial chambers, nonprofit legal services, or approved corporate counsel offices. Corporate and international placements require review by the faculty curriculum committee.

I’ve secured a legal internship—can I receive academic credit?

To qualify as a field placement for credit, your experience must meet these criteria:

  • Must be with a government agency, court or tribunal, nonprofit, or approved corporation. For-profit law firm placements are not eligible.
  • Must involve substantive, law-related work,—such as legal research, drafting, interviews, or appearing on behalf of clients in court.
  • Supervision must be by a licensed attorney.
  • Any form of compensation must be disclosed to the Field Placement Director (e.g. an hourly wage, outside grant, etc.).

All student-initiated placements must be reviewed and approved by the Field Placement Program Director before credit is granted.
 

The application process

I’m interested—how do I get started?

Start by scheduling a meeting with Director of Field Placements Carwina Weng via Calendly. A one-on-one advising session is required to help ensure the placement aligns with your educational and professional goals.

I’m a 1L. When should I apply for a summer externship? What about fall and spring?
  • Summer Externships:
    Begin updating your résumé and cover letters during the fall semester. Aim to finalize application materials over winter break. Most summer placements begin accepting applications between January and March, though some start as early as November or December.
  • Fall/Spring Externships:
    For fall placements, we suggest waiting until spring semester during your 2L year as you’ll have completed some upper division coursework and may be eligible for student practice. Some second-year students do participate in the fall field placement program. For spring placements, start applying during the fall semester. 
     

My supervisor says I need a student practice license. Who can help?
  • Iowa: If your placement involves court appearances, the Field Placement Program Director will issue the necessary student practice letter by the end of the first week of classes.
  • Other states: Research the relevant court rules to see what the requirements are for applying for student practice. We recommend doing this early—before you start your externship, as approval may take time in some jurisdictions.
     

What if I haven't received my security clearance?

If your placement requires security clearance (common in federal or government roles), submit your security clearance paperwork immediately upon receiving it.

  • Timing matters: Don’t accept a placement requiring clearance less than one month before the semester starts.
  • If you haven’t received clearance by the week before classes, contact the Field Placement Program Director.
  • If you’re still waiting by week 3, you’ll need to withdraw unless you can secure a temporary placement.
     

I'm here on a student visa (F-1, J-1), what information do I need to know before starting an externship?

Most U.S. government agencies hire only U.S. citizens. However, federal courts often accept international students, and many have successfully externed with federal judges.

Before starting your placement, you must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

  • Contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).
  • Log into your iHawk account and complete the “CPT Request” form.
  • If you’re enrolled in the Field Placement Program, you do not need to register for the Pomerantz Center’s course.
     

Crediting and grading

Do I have to complete a specific number of hours? Do I need to work the entire summer or semester?

Yes. When you enroll in a field placement, you commit to a minimum number of hours:

  • Summer: At least 150 hours over six weeks. Many students choose to work longer to gain additional experience.
  • Academic Year: At least 200 hours over the semester, beginning the first week of classes and continuing through the final week.

Are field placements graded? Do they count toward the experiential requirement?
  • Summer (SLP Course): 3 credits, graded Pass/No Pass, and fully count as experiential credits.
  • Academic Year:
    • Seminar: 1–2 credits, numerically graded.
    • Field Work: Graded Pass/No Pass.
    • All credits earned (seminar + field work) are experiential.
       

Do I have to make up hours lost due to inclement weather or federal holiday?

Yes. You’re responsible for planning your schedule to meet credit-hour requirements, accounting for federal holidays and potential weather-related disruptions.

Can I earn externship credit for working for an Iowa Law professor?

No. Field placement credit is not available for work with professors or programs at Iowa Law—or at any other educational institution.

Planning for a Field Placement

Can I telecommute to my externship?

Yes, virtual placements are allowed. However, students should carefully consider the learning differences between remote and in-person experiences. In-person placements often provide valuable opportunities to observe office dynamics and build professional relationships.

That said, remote placements can offer flexibility and broader access. If you're considering a virtual externship, speak with the Field Placement Director about your goals and the nature of the work involved.

  • Credit cap: Student-initiated virtual placements are limited to 6 total credits (field work + seminar).

A list of potential, student-initiated virtual externships is here.
 

Can I enroll in both clinic and an externship in the same semester?

No. You may enroll in either a clinic or a field placement, but not both during the same semester. This includes to other live-matter courses, such as the Poverty Law Practicum.

I accepted an externship, but now I want to take a different class/clinic/journal board/a paid job. Can I withdraw?

Accepting a field placement is a commitment. You may not withdraw to switch to another externship, clinic, or opportunity. Field supervisors dedicate time and resources to prepare for student involvement, and withdrawing can negatively affect future opportunities for others.

  • Withdrawal policy: Deadlines are enforced. Absent exceptional circumstances, students who withdraw after accepting a placement will not be eligible to earn field placement credit that term.
     

Can I extern at the same field placement for a second semester?

Possibly. We encourage students to explore different legal settings to broaden their experience. If you’d like to return to the same placement, you must work with your supervisor to ensure your second semester includes new, advanced, or substantially different responsibilities.

  • A third semester at the same placement is not permitted for credit, though you may continue as a volunteer.
     

Can I extern and work a paid job at the same time?

It depends. You must manage your time to ensure full engagement with your externship. Also:

  • Disclose all outside employment or volunteer legal work to your field supervisor.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest. Working in two legal positions at once is strongly discouraged due to ethical and logistical complications.
     

Are there alternatives to driving to Cedar Rapids every day?

Yes. The 380 Express bus runs between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, offering Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms. The university offers discounted fares for students.

When registering for a field placement, you may opt to share your email to explore carpool options with other law students.

Check out our virtual externship options if you'd prefer not to travel.
 

Are there any prerequisites to doing an externship?

The Field Placement Program does not have any universal prerequisites, other than passing all required 1L courses.

However, individual placements may have specific course requirements. For example:

  • Criminal Procedure is often required for placements in criminal law.
  • Business Associations may be required for corporate or finance-related placements.

We recommend discussing your course planning with the Field Placement Director to ensure you meet any prerequisites for your desired placement.
 

Can I extern under the supervision of a family member?

No. Field placements supervised by a family member or relative are not permitted.