The Earle Mack School of Law Co-op Program provides a unique opportunity for law students to synthesize the legal theory learned in the classroom with the critical knowledge and professional skills learned in the field under the close supervision of experienced practitioners. Our strong institutional commitment to integrating this program as a core part of the curriculum, along with the opportunity for students to devote most of their academic focus to their co-op experience during the time they are participating in the program, distinguish this program from experiential programs offered by other law schools.
The Co-op Program is a one-semester field placement that allows a student to work in a corporation, law firm, judicial office, public interest organization or governmental agency. Each co-op is chosen for the quality experience that it can provide law students as part of their overall academic experience. The co-op supervisors will benefit from having the student with them for an extended period of time. Law students will benefit from the ability to learn - over a significant period of time - not only the law of the practice area and the skills needed to succeed there, but also the knowledge of the host institution and the industries to which it belongs.
The Co-op Program meets the specialized requirements of legal education, which prioritizes the importance of ongoing integration of the law learned inside and outside the classroom.
Students may apply for co-op at the end of their first year of law school after they have had an opportunity to learn foundational legal doctrines, practice fundamental skills and understand ethical standards.
