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Externship Program

Externship Program

Step-by-Step Checklist

Use this checklist to follow the full externship application process. Externship documents are in the Resource Library in CASE (Externships folder).

Step 1: Before Applying

  • Submit the application 21 business days before the semester starts.
  • Review CASE Overview (Resource Library in CASE) if unfamiliar with CASE.
  • Read Externship Handbook (Resource Library in CASE).
  • Confirm externship credits:
  • 3 credits = 135 hours over 13 weeks
  • 6 credits = 270 hours over 13 weeks
  • 9 credits (only with approval in exceptional circumstances) = 405 hours over 13 weeks
  • Confirm externship is not for summer term (externships offered only in fall or spring).

Step 2: Secure Placement

  • Search for opportunities in CASE or through independent research.
  • Optional: Review recent externship placements (Resource Library in CASE) for ideas.
  • If the site is new to the program, send the Site Information Packet (Resource Library in CASE) to your supervisor.

Step 3: Complete Application in CASE

  • Fill out New Experience Form (Experiential Learning tab in CASE).
  • Ensure form is submitted (not left in Gray/Draft status).
  • Monitor status: Yellow = Pending or Needs More Info.

Step 4: Obtain Approval

  • Wait for preliminary approval from the Director of Externships (email from CSO).
  • Note: Processing may take up to three weeks; applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students may check their status at any time by contacting the Director of Externships.
  • Download and sign the Externship Agreement Form (Resource Library in CASE).
  • Send signed form to your supervisor; supervisor emails the completed form to extern@law.msu.edu.
  • Wait for final approval email (CASE status turns Green).

Step 5: Enrollment & Completion

  • Confirm enrollment in the externship placement (Registrar updates in 1–2 weeks).
  • Log hours in CASE throughout the semester.
  • Do not click “Submit for Approval” until the end of the semester after all hours are logged.

Step 6: Seminar

  • Students are automatically enrolled in the externship seminar by the Registrar.
  • Review seminar details emailed by your seminar professor at the beginning of the semester.
  • Direct seminar-related questions to the Director of Externships.