Externship Program

The quality of the education I received during my first year at the University of Alabama School of Law far exceeded my expectations. The outstanding faculty here is truly dedicated to teaching, and the resources provided by this university rival those of any other top-tier law school. Most importantly, I found a sense of family and teamwork among the students that was both inspiring and conducive to learning.

Bryan Coleman
(Class of 2005)
B.S., United States Military Academy

The University of Alabama’s externship program offers second and third-year students experience in client advocacy, litigation, and the judicial process in a structured, supervised learning environment. Externship supervisors, who are practicing attorneys and judges, are carefully selected by the full-time faculty member in charge of the program. The externships provide students with an opportunity for a deeper understanding of professional responsibility issues, analysis of procedural and substantive law, and appreciation of the legal process.

During the summer, placements are available with offices specializing in criminal law (e.g., United States Attorneys, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and Alabama’s Attorney General) and civil law (e.g., U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Governor’s Legal Counsel’s office, Legal Services, National Labor Relations Board, and University of Alabama Counsel’s office). Students work full time during a 6-week session under the direct supervision of attorneys in the offices to which they are assigned. They also attend externship classes at the Law School and submit papers during and at the conclusion of the externship. Students must apply and interview with the director of the Externship Program during the spring semester.

The Summer Externship Program is co-directed by Professor Robert Kuehn and Adjunct Instructor Bill Bostick. Professor Kuehn also is the Director of Clinical Programs and teaches professional responsibility. Prior to entering law school teaching, he was an attorney with the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Bill Bostick is an Assistant District Attorney for Shelby County, Alabama, where he specializes in felony and capital prosecutions.

During the academic year, placements are available in the chambers of state and federal judges and magistrates. Students work one day a week in the offices where they are placed. Duties include hearing and pretrial preparation and assistance on trials and appeals.

The Academic Year Externship Program is co-directed by Professor Kuehn and Adjunct Instructor Randy Quarles. Randy Quarels is a partner in the law firm of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in Birmingham. He clerked for the Honorable Emmett Cox, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, upon graduation from law school and prior to entering practice.