Office Hours
The Externship Office is located in W231 and is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Staff
The Externship Program is comprised of four individuals:
- Elizabeth Peisner, Assistant Director of the Externship Program, provides guidance on the nature and requirements of the Externship Program as well as specific externship placements.
- Mitzie Vitela, Externship Program Manager, provides guidance on the details and procedures of the Externship Program.
- Professor Anahid Gharakhanian, Director of the Externship Program, is available to advise students regarding all aspects of the Externship Program, and to consel students regarding doing an externship in light of overall curricular planning. Professor Gharakhanian, whose office is BW313, also teaches Legal Analysis, Writing & Skills.
- Associate Dean Doreen Heyer is available to talk with students regarding all aspects of the Externship Program. Her office is located in BW435.
Any student interested in participating in the Externship Program will need to see Ms. Peisner and Ms. Vitela in the Externship Office.
Julia Mason Externship Open Forum
Each year Southwestern holds the Julia Mason Externship Open Forum. The Forum is an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from the various placements that participate in Southwestern’s Externship Program. Students are able to gather valuable information on the various placements in a relaxed atmosphere, therefore making an informed choice when selecting the externship placement best suited to one's interests and goals. The Forum also provides each placement the opportunity to learn more about Southwestern and its students.
Among the many organizations that send representatives are the Alliance for Children's Rights, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, the California Department of Corporations, the Federal Trade Commission, the Los Angeles City and District Attorney’s Offices, the Los Angeles Superior Court, New Line Cinema, the Public Defender's Office, Public Counsel, the United States Attorney's Office, and the United States Bankruptcy & District Courts. All interested students are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Externship Day
Students are also encouraged to attend the annual Externship Day held in the Central Hall of the Bullocks Wilshire building. This is a great opportunity to meet with the Externship Office staff, learn more about the Externship Program and have your questions answered.
How Do I Find Out More about the Externship Program, and How Do I Apply for an Externship?
Please first read the Externship Policies & Guidelines. You should then review the descriptions of the various placements. After reviewing this information, you are encouraged to visit the Externship Office; we will be happy to further counsel you on the Externship Program and answer your questions. Please remember that timely application is very important, and that some placements (primarily federal judicial and federal governmental offices) require at least six months advance application. Please note that students wishing to participate in entertainment externships must have completed Copyright Law.
Download the Externship Program Curricular Guide (PDF)
