Singularity Law

In prior postings I have discussed the fact that law schools are beginning to respond to the needs of law firms and in-house legal departments that need law students trained in the intricacies of technology contract drafting. My law school (Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles) as well as a growing number of law schools across the United States and Canada, are offering practical, hands-on courses in contract drafting. Taught by professors who used to be practicing lawyers in the field, or by current practitioners, these courses are immensely valuable in giving students some of the nitty-gritty knowledge on what the “real world” of contracting is all about.

Now that we have the courses in place, we need to take the next step. And that is getting these students in positions where they can hone their skills. Law clerkships and associate positions are still the traditional path for many law students. However, many law schools offer externship programs for students. These programs allow students to receive course credits for working in-house or with government agencies. Externs receive no compensation from the organization with which they are placed. Instead, the organization agrees to supervise them, give them a variety of tasks to perform and to give them feedback and training. A good externship program is a true win-win situation for all concerned. The students get true, real world experience. The employer gets a bright, eager person to help supplement their staff without a hit on their budget. And some times (but with no guarantees) a student may actually snare a job from a satisfied general counsel.

Our school has an extensive externship program in the courts, government offices, non-profits and the entertainment industry. We are now seeking to expand it into the IT industry. And other law schools are also looking to expand upon their IT law programs with externship opportunities. So, if you are an in-house lawyer in the IT industry (or with a company that does a great deal of IT transactions), and are looking to expand your legal team without impacting your budget, you should contact your local law schools and find out what sorts of externship programs might be available.