DUKE IN DC
2015-2016
BASICS
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Externship - 9 credits (ungraded)
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450 hours of fieldwork experience over the course of
the semester (first day of classes to last day of exams:
Aug. 26th – Dec. 18th)
Seminar - 4 credits (graded)
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Fall course: Federal Policymaking with Prof. Chris
Schroeder
Meets once a week
30 page research paper


may count towards Upper Level Writing Requirement, with
permission from the professor
Bi-weekly reflection papers and hours log
EXTERNSHIPS

Dual goals
1.
2.



Educational: skills-building, experiential learning
Professional development: step on career path,
networking
Ethics Pre-Req
Government or Non-Profit Setting: required
NYS Pro Bono requirement: satisfied
CONSIDERATIONS

Timing
2L vs. 3L year (note: ethics requirement)
 If you plan to apply to government Honors programs in the
Fall of your 3L year, consider doing Duke in DC in the
Spring of your 2L year.


Curricular balance
Need 64.5 “regularly-scheduled” course credits for
graduation.
 Externships, independent study, ad hoc, and non-law
courses do not count as “regularly-scheduled” course credits.
Plan accordingly.
 After Duke in DC, would need to seek Curriculum
Committee approval to do a second externship (e.g., 2 credit
externship with NC legal aid)


Desired experience: go with a purpose

diversification? specialization? changing focus? one-time
experience?
APPLICATION PROCESS

Application/Statement of Interest
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Fill out form through link on the Duke in DC website

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Email Dean Bart your Resume and Transcript
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
law.duke.edu/curriculum/dukedc
CONFIRMATION EMAIL: get one, or check again
Deadline
Sooner the better: allows me to help you in your
search, as well as plan for the course enrollment total
 March 2nd (ish)


Spring semester capacity: 20 students
THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE YOU…

Pre-blazed Trails
Dept. of Justice: Divisions of Civil Rights, Criminal,
Environment and Natural Resources, and National
Security; Offices of Appellate Staff, International
Affairs, Legal Policy, Solicitor General
 Federal Agencies: Commerce, DoD, EEOC, EPA,
FCC, FTC, HHS, SEC, State, TSA
 Congressional: House Committees on Financial
Services, HELP, and Judiciary; Senate Committees
on Budget, Judiciary, HELP, Foreign Relations


Don’t limit yourself! Shoot for the moon…
RESOURCES FOR FINDING
EXTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Government Honors and Internship Handbook
www.law.arizona.edu/career/honorshandbook.cfm
 Login is thin, password is mints


Direct inquiry


Agency websites: start by reaching out to summer
internship program coordinators
Sign up for Duke in DC listserv!!!
Process is very similar to a summer job-search
LOGISTICS

Housing: Duke in DC listserv can be used to
coordinate shared housing; Craigslist options; “lease
share” with other Duke in DC students (NC lease/DC
lease)

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www.nalpexchange.org : NALP apartment exchange
Cost: Office of Financial Aid can increase your loan
package by the additional amount it would cost you to
live in DC instead of Durham (see John Ahlers for
more info)
Seminar: weekly class seminar will be held at the
Duke University in DC offices, at 1201 NY Ave (near
Metro Center downtown)
FAQ’S
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Does my externship have to “match” the course focus?

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What if I already have an offer, what should I tell
them?
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Talk with Dean Bart.
I am a dual-degree student, can I still do Duke in DC?

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No. Pursue an externship experience that furthers your
own academic and professional goals.
Yes, but we will need to verify your graduation credit
requirement count before enrolling in DinDC.
What are the start/end dates for class?

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First class usually is right after Labor Day.
DO NOT COUNT ON FALL BREAK, as class may be
scheduled over break.
FALL 2014 DUKE IN DC

Will Friedman
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State Department, Office of Legal Advisor
Weston Gains
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SEC, Office of Derivatives Policy, Division of Trading
and Markets