The St. Mary's School of Law Practice Credit Program provides an opportunity for second- or third-year law students to earn academic credit for practical work experience and to help students better understand classroom work and the relationship between classroom work and work experiences.
Students secure an unpaid placement, with a non-profit or government agency and are required to work 60 hours per credit hour at the placement. For example, a three hour externship will require you to work at the job site for 180 hours during the semester. All placements must have a supervising attorney to assign and evaluate student work.
The curriculum requirements for both programs differ, but the basic requirements include:

• Completion of time sheets tracking time spent at the job.
• Reflective journals.
• Evaluations by supervising attorneys of student progress during the term.

Both programs result in a pass/fail grade.

Examples of sites students have previously worked to earn credit under the Practice Credit Programs:

• Catholic Charities Immigration Services
• Catholic Charities Guardianship Services
• Bexar County Civil District Courts Staff Attorney
• Bexar County Criminal District Attorney
• Central Texas Community Help Centers
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
• Office of the Attorney General, Child Support
• Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection
• Railroad Commission
• RAICES, Inc (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, Inc.)
• State Commission on Judicial Conduct
• Texas Defender Service
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
• United States Equal Employment Opportunity
• United States Customs and Immigration Services
• U.S. Attorney’s Office

Program Supervisors
Associate Director Amanda Rivas
Director Albert Kauffman

For more information or to set an appointment to discuss your credit options, please contact Associate Director Amanda Rivas. The Practice Credit Program office is located at the Center for Legal and Social Justice, 2507 N.W. 36th Street.

Independent Study

Student Information

The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for second- or third-year law students to earn academic credit for practical work experience and to help students better understand classroom work and the relationship between classroom work and work experiences. In addition, the independent study allows participants to develop personal contacts that may lead to job placement opportunities and build self-confidence, leadership, communication and self-assessment skills while working with others. Students interested in the program are responsible for securing an unpaid placement, with a non-profit or government agency, not on the “approved” list of judicial internships in order to receive credit through the Independent Study structure.

A student may receive one or two credits hours on a pass/fail basis. A student must work at least 60 hours per credit hour received. A student may not receive payment for their work. Students are responsible for recording and submitting their time records, all required coursework, and an end of term evaluation to the Associate Director in order to receive credit for the term.

Practice Credit Program Independent Study hours will not count against the student’s three (3) hour Independent Study limit or against the faculty member’s three (3) hour Independent Study limit.

At the time of enrollment, the student must complete the Independent Study Form. The form must be approved by the sponsoring faculty member after completing all required information and signatures. The Placement information section must also include the Placement Goals, which vary depending on the placement, but should ensure the student will perform legal duties such as research and analysis and that the student will have shadowing or other observation opportunities.

Students must be supervised by a full time faculty member and a supervising attorney. The student should find a faculty member with expertise in the area to supervise the Placement. The faculty member is responsible for approving enrollment by signing a completed Independent Study form. This includes reviewing the Placement Goals to ensure the student will perform legal duties such as research and analysis and that the student will have shadowing or other observation opportunities. The faculty member will submit a pass/fail grade for the course credit if all requirements have been met by the student. Students must also obtain a supervising attorney at their placement willing to be responsible for the student during the semester. The student must inform the supervising attorney that the student has enrolled in the Practice Credit Program Independent Study course for credit at St. Mary’s University School of Law. The placement supervisor must sign the enrollment form. At the end of the term, the placement supervisor will complete an evaluation of the student that will be turned into the Associate Director and reviewed by the faculty member.

During the Placement, the student will write journal entries weekly and submit those to the Associate Director who will forward them to the faculty member for evaluation. A minimum of ten journal entries for Fall/Spring and five journal entries for Summer sessions are required for credit. During the Placement, the student will complete and submit time records to the Associate Director. The amount of time required for the course corresponds with the amount of credit hours desired.

At the end of the Practice Credit Program Independent Study, the student will provide the placement supervisor with an evaluation form that should be submitted to the Associate Director as well as a written evaluation of the experience from the student perspective. Details of the weekly journals and the final evaluations, including timing and manner of submission, may be left to the discretion of the faculty member, but must be turned into the Associate Director to track program compliance. All coursework and evaluations are reviewed by the faculty member to determine the students’ final grade.
Independent Study Student Summary

All questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Associate Director of Practice Credit Programs Amanda Rivas
at 210- 431-5712.

Independent Study

Student Checklist

Independent Study Student Checklist

Before Registration

• Find a government or nonprofit office ( “the placement”) that will sponsor you for 60 hours (1 Credit hour) or 120 hours (2 Credit hours) of unpaid work. The required hours of work per semester depends on the credit hours you desire.
• Find a supervising attorney within your placement that will supervise your work and sign the Practice Credit Program Independent Study Form.
• Find a faculty member that will be your adviser for that placement. This faculty member must approve the Practice Credit Program Independent Study Form, including the placement goal on that form. Placement Goals should ensure you will perform legal duties such as research and analysis and that you will have shadowing or other observation opportunities.
• Complete the Practice Credit Program Independent Study Form with your signature and that of the supervising attorney and faculty member.

During Registration

• Submit your completed Practice Credit Program Independent Study Form to Registrar, Catherine Mery.

During the Independent Study Semester

• Complete and send weekly journal entries that reflect on your independent study work to the Associate Director. A minimum of 10 entries are required for Fall/Spring and 5 entries for Summer sessions.
• Complete and send time records for the amount of time spent on your independent study during the semester to the Associate Director. Remember your minimum time requirements depend on your desired credit hours. [60 hours (1 Credit) or 120 hours (2 Credits)]

Before Credit Can Be Given You Must

• Submit a minimum of 10 weekly journals (5 weekly journals in summer sessions) to the Associate Director.
• Submit time records to the Associate Director for the amount of hours corresponding with the credit requested.
• Provide an evaluation form to your supervising attorney. They will submit it to the Associate Director.
• Complete and send a written evaluation of your independent study experience to the Associate Director.
• Complete other assignments, if any, assigned by the faculty member.

All questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Associate Director of Practice Credit Programs Amanda Rivas
at 210- 431-5712.

Independent Study

Supervising Attorney Information

The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for second- and third-year law students to:

• Develop skills required for legal practice, specifically interpersonal skills and analytical or technical skills.
• Understand and apply of the rules of professional responsibility to their clients, opposing party, colleagues, and the court system.
• Engage in active learning through experience, feedback and reflection.

Independent Study Supervising Attorney Summary
Supervising Attorney
Students must have a supervising attorney at their internship willing to be responsible for the student during the semester. The student must inform the supervising attorney that the student has enrolled in the Practice Credit Program Independent Study course for credit at St. Mary’s University School of Law. The placement supervisor must sign the Registration form. During the term, they will provide the student with support, feedback, and guidance regarding their work product. The supervising attorney is responsible for the student’s assignments and progress during the internship. The supervising attorney will work with the Director and Associate Director of the Practice Credit Program throughout the term to assist with improving the student’s experiential learning. The supervising attorney is expected to sign the students final timesheets and complete a final evaluation of the student’s progress that will be turned into the Associate Director and reviewed by the Director. The Associate Director will be a constant resource for the supervising attorney regarding any issues with student progress, student supervision, or our program requirements or procedures.

During the Practice Credit Program Independent Study, the supervising attorney will provide an evaluation toward the end of the semester based on the student’s progress, effort, and work product. The evaluation should be completed with the student, in order to provide another avenue for reflection and feedback. The Associate Director is available to assist the supervising attorney with the structure, content, or concerns regarding these evaluations.

The Independent Study Supervising Attorney Checklist
provides the attorney with all the information he or she needs to complete the program.

All questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Associate Director of Practice Credit Programs Amanda Rivas
at 210- 431-5712.

Independent Study

Faculty Supervisor Information

The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for second- and third-year law students to:

• Develop skills required for legal practice, specifically interpersonal skills and analytical or technical skills.
• Understand and apply the rules of professional responsibility to their clients, opposing party, colleagues, and the court system.
• Engage in active learning through experience, feedback and reflection.

Students must be supervised by a full time faculty member. The faculty member is responsible for approving enrollment, reviewing placement goals, and the submission of the students’ final grade based on their evaluations and coursework. All coursework requirements for credit will be monitored for compliance by the Associate Director and forwarded to the faculty member for content evaluation. The faculty member will submit a pass/fail grade for the course credit if all requirements have been met by the student.

Independent Study Supervising Faculty Summary

The Independent Study Supervising Faculty Checklist
provides the faculty member with all the information he or she needs to complete the program.

All questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Associate Director of Practice Credit Programs Amanda Rivas
at 210- 431-5712.

Externships

Supervising Attorney Information

The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for second- or third-year law students to:

• Develop skills required for legal practice, specifically interpersonal skills and analytical or technical skills.
• Understand and apply the rules of professional responsibility to their clients, opposing party, colleagues, and the court system.
• Engage in active learning through experience, feedback and reflection.

Students must have a supervising attorney at their placement willing to be responsible for the student during the semester. The student must inform the supervising attorney that the student has enrolled in the Practice Credit Program Externship course for credit at St. Mary’s University School of Law. The placement supervisor must sign the Registration and Commitment forms. During the term, they will provide the student with support, feedback, and guidance regarding their work product and their externship goals. The supervising attorney is responsible for the student’s assignments and progress at the placement. The supervising attorney will work with the Director and Associate Director of the Practice Credit Program throughout the term to assist with improving the student’s experiential learning. The supervising attorney is expected to participate in an on-site conference and complete two evaluations of the student’s progress that will be turned into the Associate Director and reviewed by the Director. The Associate Director will be a resource for the supervising attorney regarding any issues with student progress, student supervision, or our program requirements or procedures.

The Externship Supervising Attorney Checklist
provides the attorney with all the information he or she needs to complete the program.

Externship Supervising Attorney Program Summary

All questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Associate Director of Practice Credit Programs Amanda Rivas
at 210- 431-5712.

Externships

Student Information

Students interested in the program are responsible for securing an unpaid placement, with a non-profit or government agency, not on the “approved” list of judicial internships in order to receive credit through the Externship program.

Credit A student may receive one, two or three credit hours on a pass/fail basis through a Practice Credit Program Externship. A student must work at least 60 hours per credit hour received. A student may not receive payment for their work. Students are responsible for completing all coursework requirements and submitting them to the Associate Director in order to receive credit for the course.

Enrollment At the time of enrollment, the student must complete the Externship Registration Form. This form includes basic information about the student, the placement, and the supervising attorney. The form must be approved by the Director after all required information and signatures are complete. The student and supervising attorney are also required to sign and submit a Commitment Form before final enrollment. The Commitment Form sets forth the expectations for both parties based on the program goals.

Placement Supervision Students must have a supervising attorney at their placement willing to be responsible for the student during the semester. The student must inform the supervising attorney that the student has enrolled in the Practice Credit Program Externship course for credit at St. Mary’s University School of Law. The supervising attorney must sign the Registration and Commitment Forms. During the term, they will provide the student with support, feedback, and guidance. The supervising attorney is responsible for the student’s assignments and progress at the placement. They will work with the Director and Associate Director of the Practice Credit Program throughout the term to improve the student’s experiential learning. The supervising attorney is expected to participate in an on-site conference, and complete two evaluations of the student’s progress that will be turned into the Associate Director and reviewed by the Director.

Course Work Requirements The Associate Director is primarily responsible for assigning coursework and addressing student questions and concerns. Students must attend a class before their externship semester. For the coming semesters classes will be on January 11th (Spring); May 8th (Summer I); June 8th (Summer II) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are held at the Center for Legal and Social Justice. During class, students will work to develop their learning plans and set expectations for the externship. The curriculum introduces skills necessary to successfully enter the professional environment and enhance their experiential learning. The class will also prepare the student to complete the coursework required during the externship, specifically, weekly reflective journals, exemplar portfolio, time records, and evaluations.

During the term, the student will write journal entries weekly and submit those to the Associate Director who will forward them to the Director for review. A minimum of 10 journal entries for fall/spring and 5 journal entries for summer semesters are required for credit. The student will complete and submit time records to the Associate Director on a regular basis. The minimum amount of time required for the course corresponds with the amount of credit hours desired. (1 credit hour = 60 hrs., 2 credit hours = 120 hrs., 3 credit hours = 180 hrs.) At their externship site, students are expected to work with their supervising attorney to develop and follow a learning plan. The student will collaborate with their supervisor to compile an exemplar portfolio of their work product. By the end of the term, students are expected to complete all work assigned by their supervising attorney. At the end of the Practice Credit Program Externship, the student will provide the supervising attorney with an evaluation form that should be submitted to the Associate Director and the student will complete their own final evaluation.

All coursework and evaluations are reviewed by the Director to determine the student’s final grade. The Director will submit a pass/fail grade for the course after reviewing all coursework and evaluations.

Externship Student Summary

Externship Student Checklist

Externships

Student Checklist

Externship Student Checklist

Before Registration

• Find a government or nonprofit office ( “the placement”) that will sponsor you for 60 hours (1 Credit hour), 120 hours (2 Credit hours), or or 180 hours (3 credit hours) of unpaid work. The required hours of work per semester depends on the credit hours you desire.
• Find a supervising attorney at your placement that will supervise your work. Discuss your Externship goals with your supervising attorney to ensure you will perform legal duties such as legal research and analysis and that you will have shadowing or other observation opportunities.
• Complete the Practice Credit Program Externship Registration Form and Commitment Form that require your signature and that of your supervising attorney..
• Submit both forms to the Associate Director for approval. If approved, the Registration Form will be signed by Professor Kauffman and your name will be added to the list of enrolled students.

During Registration

• You registration form and name will be submitted to Catherine Mery for enrollment in the Externship Course.

During the Externship Semester

• Attend the mandatory externship class scheduled before the semester begins. (Spring: January 11th, Summer I: May 11th, Summer II: June 8th ; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center for Legal and Social Justice)
• Reflect on your learning plan and goals throughout the externship. Discuss any modifications with the Associate Director for guidance.
• Complete and send weekly journal entries that reflect on your externship work to the Associate Director. A minimum of 10 entries are required for fall/spring and 5 entries for summer semesters.
• Complete and send time records for the amount of time spent at your externship to the Associate Director. Send time records weekly or bi-weekly. Your minimum time requirements depend on your desired credit hours. [60 hours (1 credit), 120 hours (2 credits), 180 hours (3 credits)]
• Compile written assignments from your externship that you have completed for your exemplars portfolio.
• Discuss confidentiality issues with your Supervising Attorney, and if needed, the Associate Director, in order to submit samples of your writing. Modify any writings submitted as needed to ensure client confidentiality.
• Complete any written assignments required for the course dictated by the syllabus.
• Complete and submit a mid-term evaluation to the Associate Director.
• Schedule and complete an On-Site Conference with the Director and your supervising attorney.

Before Credit Can Be Given You Must

• Submit all work assigned by your supervising attorney to them by the end of the term.
• Submit all required course assignments listed on the syllabus to the Associate Director.
• Submit your exemplar portfolio after it has been reviewed by your supervising attorney to the Associate Director.
• Submit weekly journals to the Associate Director. (minimum of 10 fall/spring and 5 summer semesters)
• Ensure all time records for the amount of hours corresponding with the credit requested have been submitted to the Associate Director.
• Submit all work assigned by your supervising attorney to them by the end of the term.
Provide an evaluation form to your supervising attorney. Once completed, they will submit it to the Associate Director.
• Complete and send the final evaluation of your externship experience to the Associate Director.

All questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Associate Director of Practice Credit Programs Amanda Rivas
at 210- 431-5712.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the programs and what is the difference between them?
The law school is offering two programs to give students more flexibility and to utilize more faculty resources. The Independent Study Program requires students to find a faculty sponsor as well as a placement. The placement for this program may be outside of San Antonio as long as the faculty sponsor approves. It will require some evaluations and reflections, depending on the agreement among the placement, faculty sponsor, and our program. This course is one or two credits for a pass/fail grade. The Externship Program requires students to find a placement in the San Antonio area. Professor Kauffman will be the faculty sponsor for all externs. This program requires attending a pre-placement class, structured reflections, an exemplar portfolio of your work product, an on-site conference, and evaluations. This course can be up to three credits for a pass/fail grade. Both programs require students to be supervised by an attorney at the placement. Students will need to work a minimum of 60 hours for each credit hour desired.

Do I have to find my externship placement myself?
Yes, you will need to have a job offer for both the externship and independent study course. The Office of Career Services can help you start on the job search.

Do I need to have my placement approved?
Yes, the placement will need to be approved before final enrollment in either course. You will need to contact Associate Director Amanda Rivas (arivas@stmartyx.edu) once you have a job offer and are considering one of the Practice Credit Programs.

Where are some places that have been externships in the past?
A few of our participants from our pilot program are: Attorney General’s Child Support Division and Consumer Protection Division, Mexican American Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), Railroad Commission, Office of General Counsel for the Governor, Catholic Charities Immigration Services, and United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Does the placement have to be a nonprofit or government agency?
Yes. Currently, only nonprofit and government agencies will qualify for the Practice Credit Programs. You will not be eligible for either Practice Credit Programs (externship or independent study) if your job offer is from a private firm. If you have any questions about whether your job offer would qualify, please contact Associate Director Amanda Rivas (arivas@stmartyx.edu).

Can I enroll in a Practice Credit Program as a 1L?
No. Only 2Ls and 3Ls are eligible to enroll in Practice Credit programs. 1L evening students in their last semester do not qualify for these programs.

How and when should I register for a Practice Credit Program?
Once you have a job offer, contact Associate Director Amanda Rivas (arivas@stmartyx.edu ) to ensure the placement meets the criteria for the Practice Credit Programs. If you choose to do an independent study, then you will need to find a faculty sponsor to approve and supervise your coursework. An externship does not require a faculty sponsor. You will need to discuss the program with your supervising attorney. If you both agree to the expectations of the program, then you will sign and submit a registration form to the Associate Director. The externship program requires you both sign and submit a commitment form as well.

Do I need a faculty sponsor for the externship course?
No. A faculty sponsor is only required for the independent study course. Your faculty support during the externship course will be Associate Director Amanda Rivas and Director Al Kauffman.

Is it possible to complete the externship program outside of San Antonio?
No. The externship program is limited to the San Antonio area. The program includes, at least, one visit from a faculty member and requires close enough proximity to allow for direct meetings among students, placement supervisor and the faculty member. The Independent Study placement can be outside the San Antonio area if approved by the faculty sponsor.

Can we get a letter grade for our externship?
No. Currently, both the externship and the independent study programs are pass/fail. Professor Kauffman (externship) or your faculty sponsor (independent study) is charged with evaluating your work and assigning your pass/fail grade.

Is class attendance required for the externship? When and where are the externship classes?
Yes, class attendance is required. Class for the Spring 2013 externship course will be on January 11, 2013 and the Summer I: May 11, 2013 or Summer II: June 8, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes are held at the Center for Legal and Social Justice. There is no class component for the Independent Study program.

May I be paid for my work?
No. Receiving payment for your work at the placement site will render you ineligible for the Practice Credit Programs. However, receiving reasonable compensation/reimburse for expenses incurred because of the placement, i.e. parking fees, mileage, will not disqualify you from the program.

How many hours must I complete for the course?
You will have to work 60 hours at your placement for each credit hour you desire. Therefore, if you want three (3) credits for the externship, then you will have to work 180 hours at your placement site. You will record and submit time sheets regularly to the Associate Director in order to meet the course requirement.

Can I do more than one Practice Credit Program?
Yes. However, you are limited by the 8 hour pass/fail limit stated in the student handbook. Please contact the Associate Director as soon as possible to discuss further details.

What are the course requirements?
Depending on whether you do the Independent Study or the Externship, your course requirements will be different. Generally, you must complete the time requirements (60 hours for each credit hour), submit all assignments, complete and submit all required evaluations. Requirements that differentiate the externship from the independent study include, attending a mandatory class before the externship semester begins, completing an on-site conference, producing an exemplars portfolio, and completing an additional evaluation.

Can I complete my writing requirement with any of the Practice Credit Programs?
No, both Practice Credit Programs—Independent Study and Externship—are not approved by the faculty as a course in which the writing requirement can be met.

What if I have a question, concern, or special need?
Contact Associate Director Amanda Rivas (arivas@stmartyx.edu). Her office located at the Center for Legal and Social Justice. Office phone: 431-5712. Fax: 431-5700.