Washington Public Interest Program
Select third year students spend their final semester in Washington, D.C.,
as public interest interns with nonprofit corporations or federal agencies. Exposure to public law in this kind of setting and the
expanded public interest opportunities are key features of this new externship
program.
In addition, this new program creates a valuable bridge in the transition from law student to practicing lawyer. With developed professional skills and a network built in the final law school semester, students will experience enhanced permanent employment opportunities.
What is the Washington Public Interest Program?
The core of the Washington Public Interest Program is a semester-long internship in Washington, DC coupled with an on-site seminar on lawyering in the public interest. This skills-based, capstone program allows students committed to public interest legal careers to gain hands-on experience and connect with potential employers in desirable public interest careers.
Students work approximately 350 hours during the semester at the internship site (for six hours of credit). The internship must also include some established and regular communication among the student, the supervising faculty member, and the supervisory attorney. Students also write weekly reflective essays.
How do I find an internship?
With the help of the Career Services Office, you will apply for and land your internship placement before applying for the Washington Program. To get started, contact Assistant Dean for Career Services Michael Keller directly.
About the on-site seminar course
Professor A. James Barnes will offer a 2-credit hour course in Washington, D.C. that addresses the realities of law practice in Washington, DC. The course is required for participation in the program.
Coursework may include: (1) preparing comments on proposed agency rules; (2) filing petitions and Freedom of Information Act requests with agencies; (3) preparing analyses of pending legislation for clients; and (4) developing legislative strategies and drafting talking points and proposed amendments to give to members of Congress or their staffs. Sessions with alumni to discuss insights/practice tips with students will also be arranged.
Meet Professor A. James Barnes
Former dean of the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Barnes now chairs the Agency's Environmental Finance Advisory Board (EFAB), is as a member of the Department of Energy's Environmental Management Advisory Board (EMAB), and a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Barnes currently teaches both at Indiana Law and the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. His experience makes him an integral member of Washington, D.C. professional networks.
An expert in the environmental law areas of policy, commercial law, alternative dispute resolution, ethics and the public official, and law and public policy, he has written, testified and spoken extensively on environmental issues, consults on a variety of environmental matters, and mediates environmental disputes. Learn more about Professor Barnes.
I want to be part of this ...
Here's what you need to know to participate in the Washington Public Interest Program:
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Admission to the program requires an application and approval of a selection committee. Contact Julia Lamber, Associate Dean for Clinical Education, for application instructions.
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You will receive six credit hours for the internship and two hours for the course.
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You must enroll in 2-4 more credits through our directed readings and directed research courses, arranged with and supervised by faculty members in Bloomington.
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You will receive letter grades in the seminar (based on written products and class participation) and letter grades for directed research; the internship and the directed readings are pass-fail.