The Legal Internship Program places students with judges and attorneys, often in positions that are otherwise not open to undergraduates. Typical placements include positions with Circuit and District Court judges, law firms, prosecutors, defense attorneys, the Attorney General’s Office, and legal advocacy groups.
In their field work, students learn professional skills including legal case-research, interviewing, drafting, negotiation, mediation, and advocacy. The Legal Internship Program also gives students insight into the role of courts, the legal profession, and the law in American society.
Students in the spring semester Legal Internship Program are expected to commit at least 15 hours per week to their internship and to enroll in POLI 438, as well as the UMBC Career Center’s Intern Success Practicum. Depending on the total number of hours committed to the internship, students may be able to earn additional academic credit beyond POLI 438.
Juniors and seniors with GPAs of 3.0 and above are eligible to apply for the Legal Internship Program. The application should be emailed to the Legal Internship Coordinator, Dr. Jeffrey Davis, at davisj@umbc.edu. The application consists of:
- A one-page cover letter. This letter should explain your interest in the internship program, describe the type of internship you hope to obtain, and highlight skills, qualities or experiences that you would bring to your internship site.
- Your resume.
- The most current copy of your unofficial transcript. New transfer students will need to submit a validated copy of their transcript from their former institution.
- At least two recommendations from faculty. Faculty should deliver recommendations directly to Dr. Davis by email, campus mail, or regular mail. Recommendations can be conveyed in informal emails, formal letters, or this Political Science Internship Recommendation Form. Additional recommendations from individuals other than faculty are welcome but may not substitute for faculty recommendations.
- A personal interview, to be arranged after the rest of the application is received.
Applications for the Spring 2024 Legal Internship Program are due by October 25th, 2024.