In addition to expansive externship and clinical programs, Southwestern offers four practicums that provide real world training in legal research, brief writing, client relations, negotiation and oral argument.
- The Appellate Litigation Practicum provides students the opportunity to work with a professor in litigating a pro bono appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, up to and including oral argument before the court. (See also: Southwestern Student Successfully Argues in Federal Court)
- Through the entertainment practicums, students who have demonstrated exceptional competency and interest in media and entertainment law are selected for special field placements by the Biederman Institute faculty. The Entertainment Law Firm Practicum exposes students to transactional or litigation practice through select field placements with private law firms. The Entertainment Production Practicum provides students with the opportunity to provide production business and legal affairs services on real movies in a classroom setting under the supervision of members of the Biederman faculty.
- Students in the Immigration Appeals Practicum represent pro bono clients under the supervision of an attorney from Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the highest U.S. administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. (See also: Southwestern Establishes New Immigration Appeals Practicum)
- The Small Firm Practicum compliments the Small Law Practice Management course, which is designed to help soon-to-be solo practitioners and attorneys in smaller firms bridge the gap between studying law and practicing law. Students have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork with a small firm, exposing them to development of legal skills, knowledge and professionalism, as well as learning about the business and management side of practice.
