Public Defender Externship

Public Defender Externship

Credit Hours: 3-12 hours
S/U Course
Offered: Fall and Spring, may be taken two times, strong preference for two semesters
Open to: 2L and 3L

The Public Defender Externship is a hybrid clinic in which students work on behalf of clients in criminal cases who cannot afford private representation. Students assist with cases under the joint supervision of staff attorneys in local public defender offices and a professor responsible for the quality of the educational experience. The course includes a mandatory seminar component with required time sheets, reflective journaling, and other reading and assignments as appropriate.

Students are sworn in under the Student Practice Rule and are able to appear in court under the supervision of an attorney.

See Course Catalog for official description.

COURSE LEADERSHIP

  • Sarah Gerwig

    Director of Experiential Education and Professor of Law

    478-301-2195
    gerwig_s@law.mercer.edu

There is no question, I would not be where I am today without the Public Defender Externship. Getting in front of a judge, and arguing real cases, for real clients, are experiences which helped me immensely in my transition into the practice of law.

Jacob Pennanen, '24,