Are Clinics and Externships more work than class room courses?
Not necessarily, but they are a lot of work and require a commitment of time. Unlike other courses that are often designed around a final exam or paper, Clinics and Externship courses do not require an exam or paper. Also, most other courses are carefully designed around a syllabus, readings, and class discussion, Clinics and Externships are not. Although all Clinics and some Externships have a classroom component, they are designed so that most of the students’ learning comes through their work with their clients or their work in the field. Because of this, it is sometimes more difficult for students to manage their time compared to other courses. For example, in Clinic, a client may call with an emergency that needs attention immediately. Since the student is the lawyer, the student has a professional obligation to attend to the needs of the client. This obligation is fundamental to the practice of law.
