Experiential Learning and Externships
USC Gould School of Law

At USC Gould, we believe students learn best when classroom work is linked to experiential learning opportunities. In some classes you will have direct engagement with clients; in others you will participate in simulations or go on field trips that provide relevant experiences. You'll also learn from guest speakers and lecturers in law who are active practitioners in their fields.

Clinics and Practicums

Our seven clinics provide JD students with a priceless educational experience. You will work on actual cases, represent real clients, and provide solutions and practical recommendations to resolve their issues. Our practicums allow you to gain hands-on experience with clients while exploring a substantive legal issue in depth. These clinics and practicums create a vital link between classroom and practice by enhancing listening and critical thinking skills necessary for success.

• Housing Law and Policy Clinic
• Immigration Clinic
• Intellectual Property and Technology Law Clinic (IPTLC)
• International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC)
• Mediation Clinic
• Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP)
• Small Business Clinic (SBC)

Externships

Our wide range of externships provide you with the opportunity to work for a legal employer, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, engage with real clients, gain hands-on practical experience and earn academic credit. They include such diverse field placements as judicial externships, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and other federal, state, municipality and military courts; nonprofit and public interest organizations; state attorneys' general offices, federal and state public defenders' and U.S. attorneys' offices; in-house counsels' office, government agencies and other federal offices in Washington, D.C.

My externship was with the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center's Special Education Law Clinic. It was rewarding to work one-on-one with clients and be trusted to manage my own caseload, draft legal documents, and directly advocate for students with special needs in meetings with their school districts. The clinic supervisors are experienced in special education law and gave great substantive feedback on my work product during my time at the clinic. They were invested in my success and were always willing to answer my questions, whether relating to the clinic or pertaining to professional development on a broader level.

Pitrina Gilger, JD 2022

I externed with Riot Games and worked primarily on intellectual property matters that honed my practical lawyering skills, such as drafting cease and desist letters, analyzing copyright infringement claims, and compiling evidence to use as exhibits. I was fortunate to gain real lawyering experience while in law school and found an area of law that I am passionate about and want to dive deeper into! It was also amazing to be part of a team of intelligent lawyers who truly care about your professional and personal development and provided me with helpful feedback that I can use in my career.

Trinh Truong, JD 2021

I externed at Paradigm Sports during the summer. The externship was a great experience that allowed me to learn from my supervisors and work on interesting projects related to the representation of professional fighters. My supervisors were very helpful and always provided me with useful feedback on my work, which included contract drafting.

Serge Ushkevich, JD 2023

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