Externships are available to all second- and third-year Cumberland students. Each extern must work 100 hours during the semester to receive two pass/fail credit hours. Students participating in an externship for the first time must also enroll in the Externship Seminar, a one-credit course designed to provide structure and reflection throughout the experience, for a total of three credit hours. Students may pursue a second externship placement for an additional two credits. Placements may be secured independently by students or coordinated with the assistance of the externship director, and all placements must be approved by the externship director. Cumberland students are permitted to receive compensation for their externship work. Those who have completed the Basic Skills in Trial Advocacy course and are certified under the Alabama Rule for Legal Internship may be eligible to appear in court as trial counsel in qualifying placements.

Externship opportunities curated by the externship director will be posted on 12Twenty, the law school’s internal job and career management platform, and will include specific application instructions. Students may also independently identify and pursue unposted externship opportunities that align with their professional goals. Once an externship placement has been secured, whether through 12Twenty or through the student’s own initiative, students must submit the proposed externship for approval by the externship director. Detailed application instructions can be found on 12Twenty.

Externship I Seminar

Externship I is a one-credit, graded seminar that meets weekly and is designed to complement students’ field placements by providing a structured environment for reflection, discussion, and professional development. The course explores key topics relevant to the practice of law, including professionalism and legal ethics, effective communication with supervisors and clients, recognizing and addressing bias in the legal profession, and building a professional network. Offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, Externship I helps students bridge the gap between legal theory and practice while developing essential skills for long-term career success.

Corporate Externship I and II

Corporate externships offer students the opportunity to work alongside in-house counsel across a range of industries, including banking, construction, insurance, healthcare compliance, and more. These placements help students gain a deeper understanding of the role of legal departments within corporate entities and develop practical skills in contract review, regulatory compliance, internal investigations, risk assessment and corporate governance.

Government Agency Externship I and II

Through federal, state and local government externships, students develop essential legal research, writing, case preparation and courtroom practice skills while gaining insight into government operations, ethical responsibilities and the broader impact of legal work in the public sector. Prior government externship placements include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, state district attorneys’ and public defenders’ offices, the Internal Revenue Service, the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Judicial Externship I and II

Judicial externships allow students to work closely with federal and state court judges, gaining insight into judicial decision-making and courtroom procedure. Students assist with legal research, drafting and case analysis, sharpening their writing and analytical skills in a rigorous and professional environment. To be eligible for a federal judicial externship, students must demonstrate exceptional legal writing ability.

Litigation Externship I and II

Litigation externships at private law firms give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in civil and criminal litigation practice. These placements help students strengthen their advocacy, writing and case analysis skills while gaining practical exposure to the pace and demands of litigation in a private practice setting.

Public Interest Externship I and II

Public interest externship students serve underrepresented and vulnerable populations through placements at organizations such as Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham, the YWCA Domestic Violence Clinic, the Department of Human Resources, the Legal Aid Society, Legal Services of Metro Birmingham and similar nonprofits. These experiences allow students to develop practical legal skills while deepening their understanding of access to justice, client advocacy and the role of attorneys in advancing the public good.

Summer Externships

The externship program is also offered in the summer and is available to students working locally and those working outside the Birmingham area. First-time externship students must take the Externship I Seminar, which is offered in-person prior to summer externship placement to accommodate varying placement schedules.