POLI 438 Legal Internship
Legal internships are an important part of the learning process, particularly for students interested in pursuing a career in law. Students learn professional skills from their internships, including legal case research, interviewing, drafting, negotiation, mediation, and advocacy. This work gives students insight into the role of courts, the legal profession, and the law in American society.
During the spring semester, students can earn academic credit for completing an internship through POLI 438 Legal Internship. POLI 438 is a 4-credit course and requires students to work at least 160 hours at their internship site during the spring semester. Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu), Associate Professor of Political Science, is the instructor for POLI 438. A sample syllabus is provided here.
In past semesters, students taking POLI 438 have interned with Circuit and District Court judges, law firms, prosecutors, defense attorneys, the Attorney General’s Office, and legal advocacy groups. Other internship opportunities with a clear focus on law and justice issues can also be considered.
Students interested in enrolling in POLI 438 must do the following during the fall semester:
Start Early – Begin searching for a spring internship at the start of the fall semester. Internship sites determine their deadlines and requirements for application materials.
Meet with the instructor of POLI 438 – Email Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu) to set up a meeting to discuss your career goals, the type of internship you wish to pursue, and potential placements. Please include a resume in the email.
Attend a Meeting with the Career Center – Schedule an appointment with the UMBC Career Center. Advisors can assist with resumes, cover letters, and other materials commonly required for internship applications.
Search and Apply – Actively search and apply for internships that align with your goals and interests.
The POLI 438 instructor, Department of Political Science, and the UMBC Career Center can provide guidance and support, but internship placements are not guaranteed. Hiring decisions rest with site supervisors and depend on student qualifications.
Enrolling in POLI 438
Permission from the instructor (Dr. Mileah Kromer) is required to register for POLI 438. Students must secure an internship and complete the POLI 438/438 Approval Form to gain permission. In some cases, students may be asked to provide additional information or meet with the instructor to gain approval.
The Department of Political Science recommends taking POLI 438 in the spring semester of junior or senior year. First- and second-year students who demonstrate strong academic preparation or relevant career skills may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is typically required for enrollment. Exceptions may be made with additional evidence of academic competency and professional skills.
Students planning to enroll should work with their academic advisor to build a spring course schedule that allows for blocks of time during regular business hours to dedicate to internship hours.
Deadline
While some exceptions can be made, students planning to take POLI 438 during the spring semester must have their internship placement secured and approved by Dr. Mileah Kromer by the end of the fall semester.